JOHN Azar was officially confirmed as the new president of Tennis Jamaica (TJ) at its annual general meeting (AGM) at the offices of Jamaica Olympic Association on Tuesday.

Azar, who lost to John Bailey at the last AGM in 2016, was elected unopposed and will lead the association for the next three years. Bailey had resigned from the post, which was assumed by then first vice-president Aswad Morgan, who did not seek re-election. He had been in the post for the past 18 months.

Aubyn Hill was elected unopposed as first vice-president, as Dwayne Pagon defeated Llocket McGregor, a vice-president from the last administration, for the second vice-president post.

Errol Campbell was the lone candidate for the post of third vice-president, as Nigel Casserly, who was the other candidate on the ballot, withdrew at the last minute.

Casserly said he did so out of respect for Campbell, who has been involved in the sport in Jamaica for over 40 years and was also Jamaica’s and the Caribbean’s singles champion. He also represented Jamaica in Davis Cup competitions for many years as well as captained the team.

Nancy Pinchas was elected unopposed as the new general secretary, while Christofer Martin is the new treasurer being the lone nominee contesting the position, replacing Charles Pennycoke, who did not seek re-election.

Azar called for unity. “There should be no personal winners or losers, and all stakeholders must come together to ensure that the sport itself is the only ultimate winner.

“I reiterate that, if elected Tennis Jamaica president, I am willing to work with anyone who means the sport well, and the only fight I intend to partake in is the fight for the game of tennis,” he said.

The new TJ boss said for many years Jamaica has not hosted an international tennis tournament and before the year ends he hopes to change that.

When asked about plans to build a National Tennis Centre, that was part of the proposal by the former board, he said: “We will be looking at the idea and proposal about building a National Tennis Centre, but presently there is no money around as it will involve millions of dollars. However, we will be looking at this properly as it would need the support from corporate Jamaica and stakeholders to get the assistance.”

Meanwhile, outgoing president Morgan said he has been involved in the sports for 16 years and one of his proposals was to build a National Tennis Centre with a gym and a swimming pool for the training and development of young players.

He congratulated the new president and his executive, and hopes that he continues with the development of the sport that he has loved and participated in.

The election for nine directors to the board was postponed and will be done at a general meeting to be announced by the president. Six board members will be selected from Kingston and St Andrew, and six from the rural area.