New Bermuda Track and Field Association president Stanley Douglas yesterday pledged to work with all groups and clubs in an effort to present a united front and so strengthen athletics' governing body.

But he warned critics of the BTFA that unless they participated in association meetings, they had no right to complain.

While not naming names, his warning was almost certainly aimed at members of the largely expatriate Mid Atlantic Athletic Club, the Island's largest road running organisation.

MAAC had reportedly hoped to install one of its own members, Stephen DeSilva, as president of the BTFA when long-time chief Phillip Guishard stepped down at last Thursday evening's annual general meeting.

And it was alleged yesterday by a third candidate for the presidency, Randy Benjamin, that once DeSilva had failed in his bid for election, his supporters refused to volunteer their help on the BTFA executive.

In a letter to the editor (see Page 25), Benjamin wrote: "Certain individuals who just happen in the main to have been white and expatriot obviously came to the meeting not for conciliation, not to help but seemingly to control, and when their candidate for presidency was unsuccessful they could not see themselves serving the Association.

"That for me was very sad, and I feel that in Bermuda's present climate it sends the wrong message, but on the other hand maybe an honest one.'' Douglas admitted that on the night he had been disappointed with the lack of support from certain individuals, but had since had a chance to speak with some of those same people, and now felt any differences could be resolved.

"In fact, I'd like to encourage Stephen (DeSilva) to come aboard. The Association need people of his calibre,'' said Douglas, a former vice president of track and field.

"I would hope that those who asked me to stand recognise that I have a management style that will help bring all groups together. Ultimately that's my goal.

"I want to bring the organisations together and develop the BTFA's goals as a team.

"There are some challenges internationally that we have to meet, and we need to ensure that the proper policies and procedures are in place.

"We need to identify those competitors who need help, and encourage them as much as possible. And that includes non-nationals. I want to be able to work with everybody.

"But there's only so much I can do as president. The BTFA's direction must be by consensus. The president has an opportunity to conduct meetings, but doesn't always have an opportunity to vote.

"As a body we need more discussion. It's important that the clubs and organisations participate on our committees. Voices that want to be heard must attend.

"If we don't participate, we have no right to complain.'' Douglas is joined on the new BTFA executive by vice president track and field Norbert Simons, secretary Anthony Philip, treasurer Brian Dowling, assistant secretary Pat Lake, and vice president road running Lee Tucker.