Sport View by Neil Kumar
THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) must now wake up from its slumber and be more proactive. While we are seeing the exit of the veteran GOA President, Kalam Juman Yassin, we must ask where is the Secretary General, Mr. Hector Edwards and the Vice-President, Mr. Charles Corbin, along with several other executive members who are undoubtedly tired and have become ineffective.

The New President of the GOA must be able to recruit a vibrant and effective executive that will work with the National Sport Associations and the government for the further development of sports in this country.
Mr. Yassin’s efforts, while admirable, were ultimately fruitless in attaining a medal at the Olympic Games during his tenure. While Mr. Yassin was indeed elected as President of several national associations and sports clubs, it must be asked: What did he achieve?

It cannot be denied that he effectively lobbied the PPP/C Government and received a plot of “prime land” and the GOA now can boast that they have a “Headquarters”. However, while the lower flat is operable, the chaos that is the top floor must be completed. Hence, I would like to make a strong plea to the new executive to complete the building of the GOA’s Head Office and ensure that it operates in the interest of the further development of sports in our country. That building must become a real national attraction and a source of inspiration to our people, especially to our sports personalities.

After serving for 26 years, “one generation”, he [Juman Yassin] should not struggle to stay at the helm of the organisation, and excuses of political interference only serve to diminish his legacy. Any successful leader must have a succession plan to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership. Whenever a leader fails to garner the unflinching support of his team it is time for him to exit peacefully. Juman was a good friend to many persons and he knew how to get along with his peers.

It is an understatement to say that elections are overdue at the GOA. The postponement of the International Olympics Committee (IOC) games and the alleged deliberate delay of the GOA elections are not encouraging. There have been serious discussions of change taking place since 2019. The IOC approval of an age limit of 70 years is a positive step. The three-term time limit is also another step in the right direction, since it will give a President 12 years to perform and give his best to the Organisation.

GOA was very consistent in their call for better sport facilities. However, with the construction of several world class facilities, the GOA failed miserably to achieve the quality of performance expected from our athletes.
Instead, we are witnessing squabbles for trips abroad and the GOA showing a desire to ingratiate themselves with the sports administrators to win their support at GOA elections. The pervasion of such necrotic behaviour has only hindered the development of sports.

While we appreciate Juman’s interest in sports, we must now stop sporting with sports and get on with the business of truly developing sports in Guyana.