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**Football, football..** » 2013-03-11 17:17

I heard some information read out today on ZDK and it is clear to me that it is only just a matter of time before Banks and Batow get thrown 'under the bus.' The football clubs in membership of the ABFA have no choice but to respect the governing body and ask the two administrators to leave or face legal action.
From the letters read today it is clear that Banks and Batow allegedly misrepresented FIFA's position and allegedly misled the ABFA membership. Just for those two breaches the two should tender their resignations or be forced out of football. The entire country should decry their conduct and FIFA should take steps to rid the sport of such influences.
I can only imagine how the shredders are working overtime and what we are likely to hear after a change of administration. Heaven help us all

**Shambles** » 2013-03-11 09:31

I am glad that FIFA/CONCACAF decided to recall the elections. All that Banks and Batow have done is destroy football in Antigua and Barbuda with their dictatorship. Can you imagine the xxxxx of the ABFA having his own professional team, and allegedly writing check of 65,000 to his own team. That is corruption and a conflict of interest. Get rid of them.

**Yape** » 2013-03-11 09:28

Both Banks and Batow was disciplined by FIFA for sitting in a meeting in Trinidad where money was allegedly past for votes to get rid of Sepp Blatter. They say they did not receive any money, but i am wondering why did Axxx have to write to FIFA on their behalf, pertaining to the cash for scandal votes. They have also incorporated the ABFA and it's now run by a board of directors. And the matter was never brought to the membership. They are now 3 million dollars in Debt.

**Swim Parent** » 2013-03-10 16:11

Madness, I agree that much of what p** for associations and executives is a farce and nothing short of persons seeking personal glory. However I wish to correct you about a government minister fixing the age old swimming problem. That problem was fixed though the direct and sustained effort of Mr. Chet Greene and the NOC. They reported the matter to the international Swimming Federation, FINA and brought them here. Lets give Jack his jacket, the ministry and government had nothing to do with that

**Madness** » 2013-03-09 19:29

It just goes to show what can happen when the right people are put in authority, people who don't have an agenda and do it for the love of the sport and nothing else, things can be turned around. Every single Sporting Executive in Antigua & Barbuda should be revamped and should not be allowed to be run by the same people year after year for such a long time. There should be checks and measures in place which should be constantly updated and kept an eye on. The trickle down effect of a properly run sport in any country is a HUGE advantage to that country in the long run.

**Madness** » 2013-03-09 19:21

HOWEVER, there was a group of individuals who's children started competitive swimming in various private swim clubs in Antigua, and these children wanted to compete in regional events. Other OECS islands understood the situation in Antigua and the stranglehold that this so called 'executive' had on the sport, so the private clubs in Antigua were INVITED to compete in the regional swim meets, in fact, the other islands welcomed them with open arms and were very excited to have an Antigua swim team added to their list. These handful of parents managed to finally get the support of a Government Minister in Antigua, and managed to get the executive changed (but not after much back and forth and plenty trouble in the camp) and for the first time in NINETEEN YEARS ABSA held the OECS Championships here in Antigua from the 9th to 11th November 2012. In 2007, 9 swimmers represented Antigua & Barbuda in Grenada and brought home 2 medals. Four years later, in 2011, 29 swimmers represented Antigua & Barbuda in St. Lucia, this time coming home with a grand total of 113 medals, having broken 4 OECS.

**Madness** » 2013-03-09 18:40

This type of corruption is a way of life in Antigua for many. The Executives of many organizations in this country always make sure that they are reinstated year after year, and so it goes, and when they've had enough they then make sure that they pick and choose either friends or family to carry on the legacy. It is shameful. And those in power (Government) who know of these shenanigans turn a blind eye year after year. One case in point is the Swimming Association of Antigua, who controlled the Executive for DECADES. Swimming was DEAD in Antigua, years and years of lost opportunities for our children, monies given to Antigua for swimming squandered for the personal use of the Exxxxx, for so damn long.

**tenman** » 2013-03-09 18:39

John French II, all I can say is wow. Again it reminds that the merry go round continues

..

**John French II** » 2013-03-08 21:44

Note From A Native Son Of The Rock! From Cap'n to Bosun All Fall Down!
Friends, CountryWmen/Men , Rastas, why is it that so many of our compatriots fail to appreciate our social capital and the cultural wealth of many of our ancestors. It seems that many continue to feed the negative perceptions of our people that has been harboured since Columbus refused to set foot on the Rock and sailed merrily by. Growing up my Grandparents Spoke of Garvey apprehension of "Garrats".

Quote:

In 1896, Chamberlain, England's Secretary of State for the Colonies wrote: Local Government (falsely so-called) is the curse of the West Indies. In many islands, it means only the rule of a local oligarchy of whites and half-breeds - always incapable and frequently corrupt.

History informs and repeats itself if you are not vigilant.

Past & Present have been discredited in the World's Press. At Home, they are Celebrated!

They all learned at the knee of Buccaneer & Privateer Cap'n Jack.

Oh Gad! Pray Fuh Mi Picknees!

**Grave Yard John** » 2013-03-08 14:21

Leave Banks alone! He is a UPP! He not foolish like his brother to go against the Party! He is going to be the next General Secretary of the UPP come this week-end!

Banks smarter than all a' are u!

**Cool Ruler** » 2013-03-08 13:19

Since the days of my friend Chet the position of general secretary has been a paid position, hence Banks desire to hold on at all cost. I remember the accusations that were leveled against Potter for having Chet doing as he like but it would seem that Everton can also be accused of the samething. Glad to see that Vaughn did not take this travesty and sulk off into a corner. This is not the days of Crump and Weston.

**jasper** » 2013-03-08 13:04

Given that the guiding light and mentor was one Jack Warner -what do we expect! ABFA has been corrupt and syphening off for years - you only have to input a few names to Google to see that even in sports Antigua's name stinks!

**MY WAY OF HELPING** » 2013-03-08 13:04

I also agree, this happen because just like criminals do not feel Antigua have the right police force to catch them, Antigua do not stand up for justice and fairness 24 hours a day, there is a holiday when you do wrong, we have a day that the wrong is ignored, even worse wrongs, horrific wrongs, yeah, they have a holiday from being persecuted and prosecuted from us.

Do you think they would do what they did, if they had fear of a swift, certain and proportionate sanction from us the people of this Great United Islands of Antigua and Barbuda?

Well, I am not ALP nor am I UPP but I am for the People, the people of this world.

**MY WAY OF HELPING** » 2013-03-08 12:59

Thank you, reading your blog, i was about to stand up and chant Antigua and Barbuda over and over. I agree with your deep words.

**MY WAY OF HELPING** » 2013-03-08 12:50

I agree with you comment also, it is why i preach we aren't ready yet because we have not progress when it comes to fairness, justice and standing up for what is right. It is why, with no animosity, i can't support many crucial organisation being located in our area being controlled by us, not at this time. Corruption and wrong is everywhere but we are still on a different level of greed, power hungry.

I would love to see my own succeed but giving us authority at this time will only cause 100 times more problems at this time.

Dr, Dredd you are a genius. Read my blog about 2 days ago, you are fine with worse, so they will be okay with corrupt, but less corrupt.

**MY WAY OF HELPING** » 2013-03-08 12:43

I completely agree, it is why we should never rest to bring the truth to the people and in fighting for justice and what is right. There is no holiday for Justice, fairness, love.

Love your comment Morris, Jusitce, Dig it, Tenman and honorable Pompey

**Jumbee Picknee** » 2013-03-08 11:45

It's very sad, appaulding and damning to know, that WE always have to be controlled by external governing body's because of the parasitic nature of those who are entrusted with managing the affairs of Our Nation.
This is absolute confirmation of the ENDEMIC CULTURE which have become the norm to emulate.
Battow, the youths deserve to be shown better...
As far as Banks, dead fish in a fishing pot, leaves a very omnious odor.

**Dave** » 2013-03-08 11:06

One word scampish ,,,,,,,them say that they appealing

**Dr. Dredd** » 2013-03-08 10:28

The AFA is a reflection of the country and its society. Many who are making much about this AFA fiasco have no problem with what is happening in the Government. We live in a dictatorship - the Constitution is being trampled. The constitiencies are being gerrymandered. Our passports will be sold.
And we are worrying about football. What a country of jokers.

**RAWLSTON POMPEY** » 2013-03-08 09:47

Real Observer,
Interestingly sane comments. Rationally thoughtout.

"...Sixty million Frenchmen could not be wrong" [Mighty Sparrow].

**Fed Up** » 2013-03-08 09:40

What is it with Antigua & Antiguan's that they seem to think they can do as they please all the time ? FIFA is not run by Antiguans, you can't get away with your usual nonsense that seems to be par for the course here. The 'here mi bahn' , 'I can do what I want' attitude doesn't work outside of Antigua. Now once again the whole world can see what a bunch of xl, xed, xy, xing individuals we seem to put in high office. Batow was on the radio this morning saying that FIFA had received letters of complaint from Chet & Asot, who are they to complain, give me a break. If I was Edwards and I had Chet & Asot in my corner I would resign on a matter of principle, who can take me seriously with those two on my side. Everything that xxxx has been involved in has had some kind of financial disorder, and we all know what xxxx is capable of.

**Morris** » 2013-03-08 09:29

What a bunch of jokers! Did they forget that they were already on FIFA's radar and thought they could get away without notice? Some people just never learn. The love of money is truly the root of all evil, and absolute power can really corrupt absolutely.

**mirowave chef** » 2013-03-08 08:27

007 in reply to your question Chef will suggest it is for the love of money aka greed. for the love of power aka arrogance.

**zzzz** » 2013-03-08 08:24

check uncle jack in Trinidad

**Dig It** » 2013-03-08 08:09

Quote:

The ABFA Executive Committee elections must be conducted under strict supervision of a three-person independent electoral committee appointed by FIFA

Now the FIFA will monitor this upcoming election very closely. That is right and proper way to do it, as there is too much "corruption" with ABFA! Time to rid the 'rats' out! Enough said!

**Dig It** » 2013-03-08 08:08

I totally agree with the FIFA findings and recommendation on the alleged 'irreglarities' around the election process! Myself and others have said all along that the last ABFA election was purely a "sham" from start to finish. Is no wonder Veron “Epilus” Edwards was "barred" from the election processes, as he and his supporters seen it as "rigged."
Quote:

Gonsalves lone challenger, Veron “Epilus” Edwards, was barred from contesting the election because he did not meet the deadline for submission of his police record...Two other candidates on Edwards’ slate - Devon “Centaury” Jarvis and Ickford “Nyiah” Roberts - were also barred for the same reason

http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/sport/football/102651-gonsalves-remains-football-association-president.html#ixzz2MwsYB1Gq
How can you have an election with the incumbent President "unoppsed?"

**Jackie Spence** » 2013-03-08 07:03

Banks is on several other Boards. Will he be asked to resign from the other Board**egrity is important?

A real shame!

**tenman** » 2013-03-08 06:54

Real Observer its like the sun so hot that it causes persons to do foolishness. There seems this inability to recognize that leadership means being a servant to the people you lead. Instead the attitude is that others must bend to your will, therefore laws will will also be bent to serve your purpose.

..

**Fireworks** » 2013-03-08 06:48

Batow and Banks.... You were both once well respected me and it should never have come to this. Shame on you both for trying to hijack an election against democratic principles for the love of power. We not the 1960s no more where you can do these crap and get away with it.

And the worst part is, Batow had a record to run on, so the election may have been close if he had just contested it fair a nod square. Now, he is sure to lose and Banks is sure to be fired as general secretary.

**OO7** » 2013-03-08 06:15

WHAT IS IT THAT IS SO SWEET THAT PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO SELL THEIR VERY SOUL TO THE DEVIL. THE BIBLE SAYS THAT A GOOD NAME IS BETTER THAN RICHES.
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME EXACTLY WHAT IS IT THAT IS SWEET SWEET IN FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATION THAT MEN ARE WILL TO LIE, CHEAT, MISLEAD ETC ETC?

**justice** » 2013-03-08 06:13

The quest for power makes a man blind to the issue of transparency. We need to move from the Antiguan mentality and think globally. Batow your knowledge of the law should have guided this process.

**zzzz** » 2013-03-08 05:33

FIFA actually did something right. what a travesty of justice & fair play.

**No Last Name** » 2013-03-08 05:00

Even the blind could see that the Executive and their associates were acting in an improper manner leading up to and on the night of the actual ABFA elections.

It is sad what people will do for power!

**Reformation** » 2013-03-08 04:30

Banks is intoxicated with power, and notwithstanding his childlike smile, has no regard for people. Who could imagine that Batow could so easily be led, that he himself would bask in this squalor. Well, my people always tell me, nothing wrong with treating people with respect and these two have been nothing but disrespectful to football loving people and those whose services they depend on. Funny that Banks Derrick was at the heart of getting rid of Chet Greene with the argument of suspicious dealings at the ABFA but Chet's story may be looking like childs play, if the guards are removed and a deep dive is undertaken. Contemptuous, corrupt, disingenuous and devilishly dangerous, could this be the sum total of x x ABFA reign? With all the fancy footwork over the cash for votes bachanal, you would expect them to know scrutiny has increased. Perhaps it was the drink ?
They deserve to go, they are too callous in their dealings, but beware of their skills and abilities to x, they are good at what they do, and losing may not be an option.

**Real Observer** » 2013-03-08 03:06

How could so called smart and sensible people end up like this? Everybody cold not be wrong. Not a single person who spoke publicly about that election last year approved of the conduct of Banks and Batow.
Now that FIFA has ruled, I do not think that we (Antigua and Barbuda) have a choice in the matter. Football is too important a sport to our young people to allow **s and vagabonds to go unpunished. They must be made into public examples of what will not be tolerated in this country. Anything less will be an indictment against us as a people. Let us resolve to give our youth good examples and always support right over wrong. Ban them from football locally and refer them to FIFA Ethics for international sanctions.
Some people could really fool us. I feel cheated and deceived

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