By Carlisle Jno Baptiste
ROSEAU, DOMINICA-SPORTS– President of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) Billy Doctrove and his new executive have taken the required oaths for a new team in office, and for Doctrove, it will be his third team at the helm of the DOC after he became the first individual to go “uncontested” as President.
At the ceremony, he stated that “he considered it an immense honour to lead this prestigious organization”.
Some members of the new executive of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) at the head table-All photos by Clyde K. Jno Baptiste of CKJB Photography
“Leading this organization has been a challenge with disappointments, but it has also brought elements of great joy, hope, and achievements,” Doctrove stated.
“I also quickly realized that we had to undertake a transformative process to win the confidence of the Dominican populace, who at that time had lost all confidence, respect, and trust in the DOC. Thanks to those who have served with me over the years, for their unwavering commitment, and I am now calling on the newly sworn-in executive (members) to likewise commit to selfless service.”
He reminded his executive that “they are not here to serve themselves nor are they there to serve and or promote the association that they are part of or to boost our personal egos”.
“If that is your intention, then the door is right there; you can take your immediate leave,” he stated.
He also credited any success achieved to what he described as “impressive teamwork, meticulous planning, and execution of the plans.”
Doctrove also showered praises on the hard work and sacrifice of athletes representing the 16 affiliates, remarking that, “they must also be applauded and recognized”.
The DOC President also took time out to issue a call on the private sector to come on board early to support the programmes planned by the respective affiliates, stating to them that “they must not wait for success before offering tangible support”.
“Gold medals don’t drop from the sky, and it is paramount that the private sector needs to take a meaningful role in the preparation of those athletes…in that regard, I also want to take time out to shower praises on Cheryl Rolle for her support in the athletes; she is always willing when called upon,” he said.
According to him, in preparation for the next Olympic Games, the DOC has already started the process, with six athletes being the recipients of Olympic Solidarity Scholarship, all with the intentions of assisting them in qualifying for the LA 2028 Games.
He also issued a word of caution to athletes, parents, and guardians wanting their children to study in the United States, stating that while the organizations “mean well,” more attention needs to be paid to “the fine print of the contracts.”
On the issue of the much-talked-about delay of the rehabilitation of the Tennis Court on High Street, Doctrove labelled the present status of the rehabilitation works as “an eyesore” after the DOC received the funds US$120 thousand from PAN-AM Sports for the rehabilitation.
“We have done all that we were supposed to do, and we are disappointed that the project has come to a frustrating and grinding halt, a matter that DOC and PAN-AM Sports are “very concerned and disturbed about,” he stated.
“The resurfacing of the court needs to be completed to enable the court to be opened to users. We are appealing to the relevant authorities to resume works so that the dream of the Dominica Tennis Association (DTA) can become a reality. Mr. Minister, we are asking you to use your good office to assist us in that regard,” Doctrove stated.