–for whoever takes over the AAG

AFTER his return to the helm as President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson says that since he is back after more than a year, he is working feverishly to ensure all is in place for whoever takes over the local governing body.
In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport Guyana Chronicle, Hudson says he is still undecided about seeking re-election, but insists he is always willing to serve the sport in any way possible.
“My role in track-and-field has always been a position of service. I would always like to serve athletics until I can’t anymore, and being president has never been my ambition; it’s not that I have a thirst for the presidency.
If that was the case, from the time I got the first suspension letter, they would have heard from my lawyer,” he said.

Hutson, who was reportedly suspended by the General Council of the AAG in April of 2023 because of a myriad of issues that plagued the 2023 CARFITA team and their travel and accommodation problems, says he resumed duties months ago.
Hutson, who was first elected by the AAG in 2013, said that he has seen it fit to resume his duties after taking the necessary time away from the sport.
He was adamant that he personally took the decision to step away from the sport in light of the chaos that marred the team, and maintains that the AAG could in no way rightfully suspend him.
“For the smooth running of track-and-field, a sport that I loved dearly,” he said, “I decided to step back. As a matter of fact, at the meeting, even before the motion could be passed or the attempt at passing the motion, because a motion has to be based if accepted on the Constitution… .at that stage after sitting there for 10-plus years, you get a little tired.”

He said that the entire situation was a sour episode, and he felt he needed to take a break.
“I was happy to step back a little bit,” he said, “because I was being overwhelmed by track-and-field and serving track-and-field, so while I was still assisting when people called for advice… I was still assisting in the best way possible, so that it did not bring the sport into disrepute, because, ultimately, it’s the athletes that we care for.”

Hutson said that while he firmly disagreed with decision taken, he didn’t entertain the option of moving to the court which would adversely affect the sport locally.
Hutson noted that he met some resistance on his return but better sense prevailed for the good of the sport after legal advice was sought by the counsel on the matter.
The AAG head says that Vice-President Amanda Hermonstyne, who acted in the role did a commendable job for which he is proud.

‘Take your hat off to Amanda, she tried her best, we all have our limitations and could say she did try her best’
The next AAG annual general meeting and election is likely to be in between December of 2024 or January of 2025.