TCAAAs calls for investigation; local executives in row over Presidency

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 16, 2022 – There seems to be confusion in the camp at the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletics Association as various members claim to be the head of the institution but Edith Skippings remains President until further notice.  On June 1st a notice was released apparently from the executive of the TCAAA addressed to Members, Partners, and Stakeholders.

The notice read: “This notice serves as an official correspondence to inform you that as of Wednesday 1st June 2022, Ms. Edith Skippings was placed on a conditional Suspension by the Executive Team of the TCAAA’s. Mr. Willah Gray, 1st Vice President, has been appointed as Acting President in the interim.”

Skippings, who has been the President of the organization since 2011 hit back immediately in an interview with Magnetic Media calling the move “illegal”.

Because of the infighting in the TC 3As the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC), the overarching track & field body for the Americas, is stepping in to investigate decisions by and accusations against Skippings.

But she is not the only one under scrutiny; the NACAC will also investigate the purported missteps by members of the TC 3As executive.

Skippings told Magnetic Media that she will “not be bullied” into vacating the role of president and denies being suspended.

The NACAC concurred with her on this account as they issued a communication which keeps her as president and Rosalie Ingham-Hall as General Secretary. She called the meeting where this vote reportedly happened unconstitutional and illegal.

The TCI Sports Commission has been reached by the TC 3As for intervention; we are told none has come from the Commission.

The local Sports Commission, in May, made it clear it was not responsible for the appointment of members in NGBs like the TCAAA, “Contrary to public belief, national team selection and coordination is the remit of the National Sports Governing Body and not the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission. NGB executive members are elected by their general membership and are not appointed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission.”

It had also informed in a media statement it would investigate allegations of abuse and inequalities at the TCI Swim Federation. To date no information from that investigation has been shared with the public.