ON Saturday 22nd May 2021, businessman Eddie Hazell was elected to an unprecedented third term as president of the Saint Lucia Aquatic Federation (SLAF). He is the only president to have served for three, two-year terms.
The election took place at the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) La Clery headquarters and lasted for two and a half hours.
Hazell, prior to the election, spoke of the programmes and policies his administration administered during its previous term.
“To date, I am proud to report that various programmes were implemented. The objective being, to enhance the growth, functionality, and awareness of the importance of swimming. All of which are well documented,” he said.
“My mandate was and has always been about the swimmers and the development of the sport,” Hazell added.
“Our athletes’ performances improved significantly once more exposure was provided to competition and training facilities. The memories of Goodwill, OECS, CARIFTA, CCCAN, Fina Juniors, Fina Worlds and of course, the highly celebrated UANA Championships in Peru are well etched in the history of this organization. It is important to note that their achievements were in part, primarily due to their overall commitment to the sport, the dedication and hard work of their coaches, the full support of this executive and their parents,” the SLFA chief said about the local swimmers.
With reference to development, Hazell said, “I have spoken and reported on various plans in terms of facilities to support the many programmes. I am pleased to report that the campaign we had embarked on yielded some success. The learn to swim portable pool purchased in 2019 which was initially earmarked for the community of Carielle will be relocated to Ciceron (the Lady Gordon Opportunity Centre) in support of a much larger and unique initiative.
“In the south of the island, a site has also been secured in La Tourney, Vieux Fort. The site/land has been leased to the SLAF for 100 Years. This property will be the location for a 4 Lane, 25 metre community pool. We have commenced discussions and initial designs for the facility were completed, however, Covid-19 hampered our progress.”
Hazell said the construction of the National Aquatic Center (NAC) will commence shortly and that all designs for both pools and stadiums have been finalized. The Government of Saint Lucia and the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) have since entered into a contractual agreement with MYRTHA POOLS for the design, construction, and installation of 50 metre and 25 metre pools for the NAC. Arrangements are being pursued in earnest to have site preparation commence as the timelines set for the opening of the facility is December 2021.
According to Hazell, “SLAF has secured the bid to host the CARIFTA Games in 2022 hence the rigid timelines set for the National Aquatics Center. We are also in dialogue with CCCAN as well as UANA for the hosting of the championship here in 2022. Lots of interest in Saint Lucia both regionally and internationally.”
The new executive to serve for 2021 -2023 term comprised Eddie Hazell – President, Paula James – Vice President Administration, David Peterkin – Vice President – Technical, Tessa Charles – Louis – Treasurer, Constance Rene – Secretary General, Public Relations Officer – Sue Monplaisir, Fundraising Officer – Diane Spencer – Mauricette and Yasmin Tyson – Aquatic Development Officer.
