Squash president eyes successful second term in office

FOLLOWING Thursday’s election, Karen Anderson is set to serve another one-year term as president of the Jamaica Squash Association.

Speaking after her re-election, Anderson, who took over the reins last year, stated that her first year in office was a success and believes the upcoming year should also be successful.

“Some of the major highlights from the previous year included securing full sponsorship for senior CASA (Caribbean Area Squash Association) and us having a very successful tournament and seeing Chris Binnie winning his 10th title on home soil. Also, at the All-Jamaican Senior Squash Championships seeing Julian Morrison winning his first title and Mary Mahfood winning her second title. I just want to thank the community for trusting me and putting me back in there for another year,” Anderson said.

In the upcoming year one of the biggest changes will be a name change from Jamaica Squash Association to Jamaica Squash Limited as amendments to the constitution are expected to be discussed and approved early in 2024. President Anderson revealed that talks have already started in a bid to get this move sorted out as quickly as possible.

“The resolution spoke to Jamaica Squash Association becoming a charitable entity and changing the name from Jamaica Squash Association to Jamaica Squash Limited. We’re now starting the process of going through with TIP Friendly Society in getting all the paper works to become a registered entity. I would think by mid next year, April or May, we should have everything done,” she revealed.

President Anderson said she will be working with the same executive body from last year and they will be seeking to increase the popularity of the the sport and the main focus now will be on squash’s growth and development.

“The executive body, all members, were returned unopposed, Joey Levy as vice-president, Deanne Pryce as treasurer and Gillian Binnie as secretary. Nathlee Boreland, Tahlia Lumley and Douglas Beckford also returned as directors. We are looking to grow the sport, one of the areas that we fell down in was growth and development and getting the sport more known and having more eyes on the sport, more racquets in hand,” she explained.

Heading into her second term as president, Anderson stated that playing squash in more schools will help the association to identify more players for national duties.

“We will be trying to get it (squash) into more schools and try and identify more talent for national programmes,” she said.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com