Panam Sports is at a crucial moment before the upcoming elections in October 2024. At this point, candidate Keith Joseph the current president of Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) has presented his manifesto with a clear vision for sports development throughout the Americas.
This manifesto is based on four essential pillars: restoration, unity, reform and growth, which together he hopes will form the basis for a new era of success for Panam Sports.
Restoration: transparency and accountability The first pillar of his proposal is the restoration of trust in Panam Sports. “I firmly believe that transparency in decision-making processes and accountability are essential to building a respected and efficient organization. To achieve this goal, I propose a comprehensive approach in open communication with all member countries. The results of our actions will be shared on a regular basis, allowing all stakeholders to have a clear view of how decisions are made and what impact they have on their respective countries,” states the candidate from Trinidad and Tobago. Restoring trust involves ensuring that Panam Sports operates with the highest ethical and professional standards and he says his administration will “foster an environment where honesty and integrity are a priority in all activities, from financial management to the organization of sporting events. Only through constant accountability will we be able to ensure the continued support of our members and sponsors.”
A central point of Keith Joseph’s candidacy is inclusion. “I believe that Panam Sports must be an organization that is truly representative of the diversity of the Americas. This involves not only ensuring that all member countries have a voice in decision making, but also expanding our membership and including more territories. Expansion will not only strengthen our organization, but also allow more nations and territories to benefit from the opportunities that Panam Sports has to offer.” Inclusion must also be reflected in access to sport for historically marginalized groups, including those with disabilities. “I am committed to promoting initiatives that break down barriers for these groups and create equitable opportunities for all to participate in sport,” he concludes.
At the heart of his manifesto is a commitment to good governance. “The articulation of a clear strategic perspective, with well-defined roles and responsibilities, will be critical to the success of Panam Sports. This will ensure that the organization remains a dynamic force within the global Olympic Movement. My governance approach will focus on creating a flexible and transparent organizational structure that allows Panam Sports to adapt quickly to new trends and challenges. In addition, I will work to ensure that all member countries receive tangible benefits from our work, ensuring that every investment made by the organization has a direct impact on the development of sport in their respective territories,” explains Keith Joseph.
Finally, he acknowledges that implementing widespread reform “will be no small challenge, but I am committed to an inclusive approach that brings all stakeholders together. The active participation of all member countries will be essential to ensure that the changes we are proposing are effective and sustainable in the long term”.
