He was beaten, but Craig Archer feels in no way victimized.
The now deposed Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) director acknowledged that his position on the board was always in jeopardy once he decided to challenge the long-serving Erskine Simmons for the post of secretary general.
Archer made the comment in a WEEKENDSPORT interview moments after the BOA elections in which he lost the battle for secretary general and then his spot as director at Wednesday’s elections.
“There are obviously risks going up against established and entrenched incumbents, but I don’t consider it me being victimized at all as that’s the beauty of democracy,” Archer reasoned.
“Of course, it’s a bit disappointing to lose out on being secretary general and not being returned as a director.
“I was just very concerned about the lack of a strategic plan going forward. Erskine Simmons obviously was able to persuade more persons in the room to look at his record, but my position is that it’s difficult to drive a car looking in the rear view mirror.
“I was looking forward to what was ahead in the next four years and I think the voters focused perhaps on persons’ accomplishments in the past, but so be it,” he added.
Simmons’ victory was just part of the overwhelming support shown for the incumbent board by the 32 national federations, which returned president Steve Stoute, Simmons and assistant secretary general Cammie Burke by double-digit margins.
Vice-president Ralph Johnson and treasurer John Griffith were unopposed while Browne, Mona Alleyne, Esther Maynard and Dr Adrian Lorde all retained their posts as director.
But Archer was also unsuccessful in his bid to return as a director, becoming the only deposed board member when he lost his spot to Barbados Tennis Association vice-president Sandra Osborne.
And Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Browne, Archer’s running mate in the elections, garnered the fewest votes of the five successful candidates, fuelling speculation about a “closing of the ranks”.
“I don’t feel that way. There were 43 votes in the room and if I wasn’t able to garner that support, then so be it,” said Archer.
“I’ve worked hard for the Barbados Olympic Association over the last eight years. I enjoyed my stint and I wish the board all the best going forward.
“There are no hard feelings whatsoever [because] Sandra Osborne is an excellent choice and I am sure that she will provide the board with tremendous leadership and guidance in the area of governance,” he added.
