Following a virtual forum earlier in the year via Zoom, Rugby Americas North (RAN) Unions returned to Miami, Florida on November 11 & 12, 2021 to hold its Women’s Forum, Strategic Planning Business Sessions and Annual General Meeting. The opportunity to meet in person was not lost, as members all fully vaccinated, met all COVID-19 Testing Protocols.
The Trinidad & Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) was represented by President, Ms. Maria Thomas (BAAN, MSA) and Chairperson of the TTRFU’s Selection Committee, Ms. Kanisha Vincent. Ms. Vincent played an integral role in discussions around competition structure moving forward throughout the region.
The TTRFU congratulates the newly elected RAN Executive Committee (EXCO): President, Mr. George Nicholson (Barbados), Vice President – Dr. Araba ‘Roo’ Chintoh (Canada), Second Vice President – Mr. Miguel Carner (Mexico), Treasurer – Mr. Paul Santinelli (USA), Secretary – Mr. Willet Wayne Pantor (Trinidad & Tobago/St. Lucia), RAN’s World Rugby Council Representatives – Ms. Cristina Flores Justic (Mexico/Canada) and Mr. Dennis Dwyer (Bermuda). We wish to also extend gratitude to Mr. Bob Latham who, after being a catalyst for change in the region along with Mr. Dwyer, has stepped down from RAN EXCO.
Trinidad and Tobago National, Mr. Willet Wayne Pantor, was elected as the RAN’s Category C Representative. His extensive work in multiple Unions including St. Lucia, where he is the Technical Director, backed the confident and successful nomination.
There were a number of standout items coming out of the four days of discussions and meetings. The Women in Leadership Directive (WiLD) kicked things off with a combined virtual and in person workshop which set the stage for the Strategic Planning Sessions.
Strategic Planning and Competition Structure took into consideration the ever-changing global environment and focused on defining and setting pathways to achieve the goals of the region. This included looking at alternative ways to accommodate meaningful and accessible competition.
The Annual General Meeting was also accessible online which facilitated the inclusion of Unions’ Executives who were unable to physically be present.
Chairperson of TTRFU’s Selection Committee, Ms. Kanisha Vincent (left) and TTRFU’s President, Ms. Maria Thomas (right)
Unions’ Representatives and EXCO at RAN’s AGM and Business Sessions
