IF the 2009 Sportswoman, Nicolette Fernandes was never a fan of the dailies, I bet she has just become one with the attention surrounding her selection for the national award that was recently bestowed on her. I believe it was my Guyana Chronicle publication (12.19.2009) that was the initial one that touched on the topic. I also did mention that she will qualify for the selection process. Subsequently, she got the award and a back up publication of mine appeared in the GC 2.17.2010, until R. Trim had some concerns about the achievements of both the male and female awardees in his SN commentary 2.18.2010.

I responded in the Guyana Chronicle (2.21.2010) and I think that KN also featured those readings.

Never in a million years I ever thought that this topic was or seems to be such a high profile one creating waves and having Mr. Peter Abdool from the boxing fraternity sharing his readings with almost a spread in the SN dat. 2.25.2010 in defence of another sports icon, Shondell Alfred, who he believes should have been selected for the sportswoman award. I do appreciate her (SA) efforts and accomplishments. I also hope that she will eventually get the recognition that some felt that has eluded her.
Thank heavens I am not a member of the selection committee and it would definitely be interesting to read a commentary from that group.

The gospel truth is that I have never met Nicolette Fernandes and my commentaries were ones as an observer on the sidewalk. I also have absolutely no regrets penning my views. However, if the attention this young lady (NF) is receiving from the dailies may have caused any discomfort as she passes her time, my views were meant with only good intentions. In my book, the giant leap she made with the accomplishment of a win on the European circuit was indeed a huge one.
NF, I hope you get used to the fact that there will always be concerned minds who strongly feel and objects to such decisions (national awards) and it comes with the package.
Looking on the bright side of things, you are now like the most talked about and popular Guyanese sports celebrity.

If you have to return to defend your title in Greece later in the year and have to make a choice between clubbing and a trip to the “Acropolis,” take the latter. I understand it’s a breath taking experience that would complete your stint in that country.

T. PEMBERTON