WHERE IS THE NATIONAL POLICY?

THE WRIGHT VIEW
BY DR . PAUL WRIGHT

As the summer begins, the exploits of our sportsmen and sportswomen continue to earn pride of place in the news giving we-the-people, cause for “celebration” during increasingly hot and somber days.

The report of our Prime Minister telling a group of party supporters in Montego Bay that we could huff and puff (my words) all we want, he will be going on about his business…..focused, may yet earn our embattled leader the respite he craves, but I doubt it.

Chris Gayle sacking

The sacking of Christopher Gayle as Jamaica’s captain by the selectors (minus Nehemiah Perry) has evoked a plethora of responses, including one from Trinidad, all seemingly (belatedly) coming to the conclusion that Chris Gayle is an awesome, feared, great, batsman, but an awful captain.

For me, the recognition that Tamar Lambert IS the second greatest Jamaican cricket captain (behind Marlon Tucker) is better late than never. From what I have seen at practice of the Jamaican squad, Chris Gayle seems unperturbed by the “demotion” and the other team members show (during practice) no tension.

Win or lose, to have Tamar finally recognised for his leadership skills in the presence of West Indies “greats” is most satisfying. May the Force go with him and the team.

In track and field the World Youth Championships are underway in Monckton Canada. The results of the first day included the disappointing elimination of Kemoy Campbell in the heats of the 1,500 metres.

Our local hero Kemoy, finished tenth in his heat in a time of 3:47.47. Bear in mind that his winning time at Boys Champs in March was 3:45.54.

Poor showing

What could have caused this relatively poor showing? Could it be the ambient temperature? Maybe. Or could it be that he was just tired. This young man has had a very strenuous six months of competition, beginning with a NACOC meet in February; Champs in March; Carifta Games; Penn Relays; Jamaica International (running against adults) and finally his last meet as a junior – the World Youth Championships in Canada.

One would have thought that his last career meet as a junior would have been his aim (and desire). But it is my considered medical opinion that the sixmonth programme (February- July) never intended his last meet to be his best. I would like an explanation from his support group as to what were his priorities? Certainly not “run-till-you-drop.” At the 21st Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Jamaica has already earned three gold medals and one silver at the time of writing this article. Our three gold medals have all been earned by Alia Atkinson who won her races in CAC record times. The silver was won by the men’s badminton team – beaten by Guatemala in the final.

Much more medals are expected especially with the much heralded track and field team yet to arrive in Puerto Rico.

CAC swim team

The swim team here at CAC deserves special mention. Our golden girl Alia, the daughter of one-time track and field strongman Tweedsmuir Atkinson, has taken her success with an assured grace and confidence that must reflect the input of parents and coaches.

To watch this young “superstar” relate to her fellow athletes and coaching staff is a lesson for all “big name stars”. It is high time that those responsible for the early development of our sporting greats be recognised when their charges respond positively and a genuine attempt made to incorporate their methods/ techniques in a National Policy or Programme. When is Carole Beckford going to be taken seriously? AT HER FUNERAL?

The rest of the swim team here at the CAC Games include 14 and 16-year olds some of whom have made the final of their events and consistently return either personal best times or national records while not earning medals.

Sponsors

The experience is as they say priceless.Would that some of the sponsors (or-soon-to-be-sponsors) were here to see the effect that the atmosphere of the Games has on our flag bearers.

Finally, one of our daily newspapers has editorialised an opinion about the positive adverse analytical finding of our heroine Shelly-Ann Fraser. The gist of the editorial confirms my long held view that these “GREATS” are National Treasures and their support staff MUST be of such a high quality that ”oops” can never be an acceptable excuse. Careless behavior must have a cost.