GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) is facing a possible suspension by sport’s global governing body, World Aquatics, for failing to formally adopt its revised constitution.
World Aquatics Executive Director, Brent J. NowickiIn a letter dated October 31, 2025, addressed to GASA president Yolema Phillips, World Aquatics Executive Director, Brent J. Nowicki expressed concern that the version of the constitution reviewed and approved by the international body had not yet been ratified by GASA’s General Assembly.
As a result, GASA has been given 30 days from the date of the letter to address the issue or face severe repercussions, including suspension of GASA’s World Aquatics membership rights, loss of eligibility for World Aquatics funding and development support, and restrictions on participation in international competitions sanctioned by World Aquatics.
According to World Aquatics, while the proposed text of GASA’s new constitution meets its governance standards and membership requirements, the failure to adopt it formally places the association in breach of its membership obligations under the World Aquatics Constitution.
“Member federations are required to maintain statutes consistent with World Aquatics rules and principles of good governance,” Nowicki maintained.
The development comes at a time when GASA’s administrative and governance practices have already drawn local and regional criticism.
Both the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have previously withdrawn recognition from the association, citing financial irregularities, constitutional violations, and a general lack of transparency.
