The Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA) has long held the responsibility of guiding the nation’s track and field ambitions, but cracks in its leadership are becoming harder to ignore. From disorganized planning to last-minute decisions, frustration has been simmering among coaches and athletes who rely on the association’s structure for their careers.

Now, with a critical development meet at the YASCO Sports Complex looming, one of the region’s most respected figures, Oswald Baptiste, has stepped forward to challenge the status quo. His words cut deep, calling attention to issues that could stifle the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s athletic talent.

As per the Observer, in his appearance on the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show, Baptiste expressed frustration over the ABAA’s failure to confirm key details about the meet. “This is completely unacceptable,” he said. “We still don’t know if the meet is happening or if a recognized timing system will even be in place. What’s the point of running if the times aren’t recognized internationally?”

The meet, a cornerstone for assessing track and field athletes’ progress before the competitive season, has now become a point of contention. For coaches like Baptiste, who have spent weeks preparing their athletes—some traveling long distances to train—the lack of clarity is more than a logistical setback. “Our athletes are putting in the work every day,” Baptiste emphasized.

“But when the time comes to see their progress, there’s just… nothing. It’s disappointing and infuriating.” Adding fuel to the fire, Baptiste revealed that a last-minute meeting had been called to discuss the event. “The president wants to sit in on a meeting this afternoon at 5 p.m.,” he noted, calling the timing “totally out of order.” For him, this move exemplifies the ABAA’s lack of planning and disregard for those directly affected. Does the current management trouble call for a change?

Veteran coach demands accountability and transparency from athletic association to secure future of local track and field talents

One of Baptiste’s primary grievances is the absence of an operational electronic timing system. Without it, times recorded at the meet would be hand-timed and thus unrecognized by World Athletics, the sport’s governing body. “If we can’t even get the basics right, how can we expect to elevate our athletes globally?” Baptiste asked his words echoing the concerns of many in the athletics community.

The backlash against the ABAA isn’t limited to logistics. Baptiste’s call for elections to appoint new leadership highlights deeper systemic issues. “The president needs to give the date for the election and let [the person] who wins take athletics to another level if they can,” he urged. His comments point to a broader dissatisfaction with the association’s current trajectory.

Despite his frustration, Baptiste’s commitment to his athletes remains unshaken. For him, this isn’t just about criticizing the present—it’s about ensuring a brighter future for track and field in Antigua and Barbuda. “We’ve worked hard to get these athletes where they are,” he said. “We can’t let them down.”

With the development meet hanging in the balance, Baptiste’s outspoken stance has sparked conversations about leadership, accountability, and the long-term growth of the sport. Whether the ABAA will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the call for change is louder than ever.