Urgent need for a national sports policy

I ECHO the sentiments expressed by the President, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Mr. K Juman Yassin at the annual presentation of the GOA, held on 30. 04. 16 at the Georgetown Club. “A lot of sports organisations are struggling and they need funding. On this Mr. President (David Granger) and Minister (Nicolette Henry) I have been harping for years that there needs to be the implementation of the Sport Policy.” Meanwhile, His Excellency, President, David Granger was equal to the task in outlining. “I do believe the populist model could emphasise the development of sport at the grassroot level by generating a larger pool of talent from which to select our best athletes; a new model could increase participation of citizens in sports and ensure everyone’s social and recreational development.” Editor, while I hold His Excellency President David Granger in “high esteem”, a man of commitment, dedication, integrity and honesty! And this has nothing to do about his victory at the polls, in May, 2015. Rather way back in the 80s as a former resident of Lodge, jogging five times a week, in the mornings. It was always a sight to behold, the brisk pace of the Rtd: Brigadier, traversing Homestretch Avenue, the Botanic Gardens, via Vlissengen Road and Mandela Avenue. While more than often, outpacing Adam Harris with his slow jogging at a snail’s top speed (humour)! However, from a governmental standpoint, are those tasked with the responsibility of charting the way forward for “National Sports development” equally up to the task?
This I publicly question, since “examples are always better than precepts”! By now the underlings should have had a blueprint in place, ascertaining how many Community Centres/Grounds, Public Parks and Recreational Facilities would be upgraded! With the closure of a few Guyusco Sugar Estates, what would be the outcome of the Community Centres, Grounds and the groundsmen ? Additionally, it’s a burning shame and a colossal disgrace that Parade Ground fell into the state of decay under the auspices of the M&CC, led by former Mayor, His Lordship Hamilton Green, in whose honour a football tournament was held for over 20 years! Indeed, Editor, it’s a sad day that Bartica, upon becoming the seventh township with a population over 10,000 people, still relies on the Community Centre Ground, as its only venue for outdoor sports activities, a situation existing probably for 50 years or more. With football being the most popular sport, producing former nationals, both male and female, once again, how serious are the competent authorities with national sports development? Then, the element of “political patronage and recycled administrative failures” within the hierarchy of the NSC, make national sports development “a fleeting illusion to be pursued, but yet still likely to be attained, with the rightful mechanism in place! Of course, this must include competent and professional individuals functioning as: Regional Sports Administrators, Physical Trainers, Physiotherapists, and Nutritionists. et.al.”
Finally, government’s commitment of $20,000,000 to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation for hosting the Caribbean Basketball Federation under-16 male and female championship in July! What would be the yardstick for selection? Does the GABF have adequate numbers of FIBA-certified Referees and Match Commissioners, under its auspices, since the current executive assumed office? With a significant shortfall of revenue/gate receipts, where will the additional funding come from for the shortfall? Within the budget of income and expenditure, internal transportation, accommodation, meals, laundrying, stipends et.al, are all compulsory expenses that have to be catered for. Is this factor being taken into serious consideration? However, with the astronomical sum of $20,000,000 representing the single largest amount ever doled out to a national sporting fraternity, with the Guyana Basketball Federation as the recipient, is this act of generosity a clear indication of development, since to the best of my knowledge no disciplinary charges were meted out to the defaulting club, players or officials. That with the “Road to Mecca” National Basketball Championship ending in controversy in the first instance, surely, much is left to be desired. Moreover, with the GABF President assuming the role of “Match Commissioner,” wasn’t this a conflict of interest, albeit, micro-management? Is the individual certified by Regional/FIBA standards to function in that capacity?
Respectfully Yours
Lester Sealey

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