The centrality of sports in Vincentian society
More promises
Politicans seem to eagerly adopt an understanding of our people as if they are lacking in intelligence and in a belief that we are all gullible.
For these reasons our politicians thrive on the making of promises as an indication of their own commitment.
Promises in and of themselves are useless.
Achievements speak for themselve
s.
It is most unfortunate that newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sport, Hon Glen Beache, has allowed himself to commence his political career by falling into the same sick vein.
In is unfortunate that he so readily seems to have accepted the promises route as the acceptable modus operandi among politicians, especially those with ministerial portfolios.
As a former athlete of sorts, Beache ought to have recognized the far greater significance in terms of potential for sports tourism and cost benefit analysis of the national stadium over and above the massive infusion of funds at Arnos Vale.
It is unfortunate that the cricket bias that has thus far characterized every National Sports Council appointed in this country since its inception to take firm hold of his own entry into sport at the governmental level.
The decision to reintroduce cricket at the Victoria Park is inevitably backward and does nothing but earn him and those responsible the ire of the nations footballers.
Contrary to Beaches comments, the expensive upgrading of Arnos Vale gives not one sngle guarantee to this country that it will, in any given year, secure more One day International cricket matches. The realization of cricket venues in every one of the Windward islands diminishes the chances/guarantees that Beache and others involved in the CWC 07 preparatory exercises would have us believe are coming our way. Instead, the issues of air transportation access, hotel rooms and the overall quality of the delivery of services are far more critical in respect of determining future success in this regard.
Talk remains cheap and especially so among politicians of the day who seem ever hopeful that the populace will forever remain in their perceived ignorance. For it is only a perception and not reality.
Should our politicians ever wake up to the realization that the average Vincentian is far more conscious than they perceive him/her to be, they will probably begin to talk less, promise nothing and commit themselves to engaging in meaningful action for and on behalf of the people and in collaboration/consultation with them.
If they do this they will find themselves using their energies to accomplish genuine development.
Perhaps only then we may find people rather than politicians appropriately addressing the centrality of sports in national development here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.