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By Samuel Peters
History was made on Friday evening as Shawnor Joseph was elected as the first female President of the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association, decisively defeating challenger Teddy Daley by a margin of 32 votes to 12.
She takes over the reins from Everton Cornelius, swept into office alongside a slate of supporters who dominated the elections across multiple positions. Her vision for change and commitment to grassroots development resonated strongly with voters, delivering what can only be described as a mandate for transformation.
“My mission is simple: to rebuild and reboot Track and Field in Antigua and Barbuda,” Joseph declared following her victory. “The first thing I’m going to do is listen to the athletes.”
Joseph wasted no time outlining her immediate priorities. She has already scheduled her first executive meeting, where two critical committees will be established: a technical committee and a finance and fundraising committee.
“I think these two committees are imperative to start with,” she explained, emphasizing that her campaign was built on realistic goals centered around supporting young athletes who demonstrate dedication to the sport.
The new president’s agenda is comprehensive and practical. Initial focus areas include much-needed improvements to the YASCO facility, particularly the long-jump pit and shot-put areas, as well as basic necessities like meet materials, stationery, and water for athletes. Equipment purchases are also on the horizon.
“Even just the simple upkeep of the facility—these are things that we think are simple, but we need help,” Joseph said, acknowledging the challenges ahead while demonstrating a clear-eyed understanding of the work required.
Joseph’s approach to funding extends beyond traditional means. She plans to actively pursue partnerships with corporate Antigua, working closely with her marketing and finance team to develop strategic relationships that will sustain the association’s programs.
“We’re going to work out our strategies and try our best to partnership with corporate Antigua,” she stated, noting that a capable chairperson has already been identified to lead these efforts.
Joseph’s victory was part of a broader wave of support for her vision. Jamille Nelson secured the First Vice President position with 28 votes, defeating Daley (13 votes) and Dr Philmore Benjamin (3 votes). Patrice Skerritt claimed the Second Vice President role with a commanding 34 votes over Cordova “Poppoy” Simon‘s 9, while Joanne Small won Third Vice President with 28 votes against Heather Samuel-Daley (6) and Teddy Daley (8).
Several key positions went uncontested: Anika Jon Baptiste as Treasurer, Denise Benjamin as Assistant Treasurer, and Mashama Samuel as Women’s Representative.
The five ordinary members elected to serve four-year terms are Sonia Williams (40 votes), Oswald Baptiste (39), Terrance Fenton (35), Gillian Matthew (33), and Hughan Daley (33). These members will have voting power and assist the executive in carrying out the association’s mandate.
While Joseph may have worked behind the scenes, she is hardly new to track and field. She has been actively involved in the sport since 2015, when her daughter, Dahlia Barnes, was an athlete. Her consistent presence and dedication over the years made rallying support a natural process.
“I’ve been around track and field since 2015, and I’ve never been absent. I’ve always been present,” Joseph said. “It wasn’t hard for me to communicate, motivate, and tell people, ‘Listen, we can do it.’”
The association’s first development meet is scheduled for January 10, 2026—an early test of Joseph’s ambitious plans for grassroots development and athlete empowerment.
Joseph emphasized that her vision extends to supporting underprivileged athletes, many of whom have drifted away from the sport due to circumstances beyond their control. “Those are just children with talents that could have stayed within the sport and would have really made an impact,” she reflected.
In a gracious note following her victory, Joseph offered respect to her opponents. “I offer respect and appreciation to Mr. Daley and his team for their passion and dedication,” she said. “We all share one common goal: the development of athletics and the empowerment of the athletes. Going forward, we’re going to be working together because the administration is not about one person. It’s about teamwork and putting the athletes first.”
As Joseph prepares to take the helm, one thing is abundantly clear: the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association is entering a new era—one built on collaboration, practical and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletic talent.
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