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“30+ Years of Power: SKNOC Elects Unchanged Executive, Raising Concerns Over Voting Process”

The St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) has held its Annual General Meeting (AGM), confirming a largely unchanged executive team that has maintained a grip on power for over three decades. This has reignited criticism from observers and member federations about the integrity of the voting process and the lack of fresh leadership within the organization.

Veterans Maintain Their Posts

Dennis Freddie Knight, a founding executive member serving since 1986, was confirmed as President after stepping into the role earlier this year following the passing of Alphonso Bridgewater, who led the SKNOC for nearly 40 years. Knight is joined by long-serving members Jennifer Nero, Glen Quinlan, and Glen Jeffers—both on the executive since 1993—who were all re-elected unopposed.

Leroy Greene, who has been an executive member for over 25 years, defeated Techell McClean 20-11 to secure the position of Assistant Secretary-General.

Four additional members were also elected:

• Lester Hanley
• Troy Mills
• Brenda Allen
• Jamir Claxton

Criticism of the Voting Process

At the heart of the criticism lies the SKNOC’s voting structure, which disproportionately empowers the sitting executive. Each executive member has a vote, totaling seven votes among them. Additionally, three executive members, who also represent sporting federations, can cast two votes each. This setup allows the executive to wield as many as 12 of the total 23 votes, effectively ensuring their continued dominance.

With only 11 sporting federations eligible to vote, the executive’s influence has been described as a “stranglehold,” marginalizing federations that should have the primary say in leadership decisions. Critics argue this entrenched power structure is the primary reason the executive has remained virtually unchanged for over 30 years.

Calls for Change

Observers and member federations have voiced concerns that the SKNOC urgently needs an injection of new leadership and youthful energy. Many members of the executive are past retirement age, with decades in their roles. Critics argue that while the executive has served well, they have overstayed their tenure, and the organization risks stagnation.

Efforts to revise the SKNOC constitution to address these issues have been unsuccessful. Constitutional changes require a vote, which the executive can block using their disproportionate voting power. As a result, many believe that meaningful reform is unlikely unless current members step down voluntarily.

A Legacy of Longevity

The late Alphonso Bridgewater, who led the SKNOC until his passing, epitomized the culture of extended leadership. He served nearly 40 years with largely the same executive team that continues to serve today. A critic of this system, noted: “God bless his soul, but Bridgewater literally died in office after near 40 years as President. This is no way to run an institution that should evolve and adapt.”

History of the SKNOC

Founded in 1986, the SKNOC was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1993. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in advancing sports in the federation, including the construction of the Olympic House and the amalgamation of the National Olympic Committee and Commonwealth Games Association in 1999.

A Call for Renewal

With the SKNOC’s leadership seemingly resistant to change, many believe the future of the organization depends on a willingness to embrace reform. “The SKNOC requires change and new blood to remain relevant,” one federation member said. However, unless current members voluntarily step down, the prospect of change remains slim.

Affiliated Federations Demand Action

The SKNOC affiliates include organizations such as the St. Kitts-Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Amateur Athletic Association (SKNAAA). Several of these federations have expressed frustration over the current system, with some openly advocating for constitutional reform and leadership turnover.

As the SKNOC enters its next chapter, the call for change grows louder. Will the entrenched executive heed these calls, or will the SKNOC remain trapped in a cycle of stagnation masked as stability? The sporting community is watching closely.