Bannister’s comments came as a result of many of the country’s top athletes that are on government subvention selection not to compete at various competitions they may deem not major especially regional events in the Caribbean and Central and South America.  As a result of those decisions, The Bahamas overall success at such events are lessened.

“It is important for the young athletes coming up to see their senior counterparts representing the country and to whatever extent the government can, it will lend support to the BAAA in this regard,” said Bannister during the recent BAAA Banquet.

Bannister also took the opportunity to further explain that the government subvention to certain athletes “is not a salary” but only an assistance package. 

He also explained that athletes who have been placed on probation from the subvention program like World High Jump Champion Donald Thomas would still get their subvention funds, but would have to prove over the course of the year that they are competing at the required level once again.

If the athlete does not regain world-class status they would then be suspended, which would result in the cancellation of their subvention funds.

The Minister of Sports for The Bahamas Desmond Bannister, former BAAA president said recently at the federation awards banquet and ceremony that his ministry will assist the federation in its effort to assemble the best possible National teams.