Pressure...real pressure and stress. I’m blindsided by the scale and enormity of what is unfolding in the public domain.
Many people involved in sport in T&T are feeling uncertain; some despondent, with their trust betrayed.
Two years away from the Rio Olympics—new Minister, new Permanent Secretary, new deputy Permanent Secretary, new SportTT CEO and Board.
The saving grace is that national sport organisations (NSOs) charged with governing, managing and administrating their respective sports are still fairly stable and must now step up to the plate and ensure that the negative aspects are calmly navigated.
The current debacle highlights the importance of the Ministry of Sport and the Sport Company of T&T understanding that their role and responsibility isn’t to run sport and assume the role and responsibility of the national sport organisations.
The NSOs are the sport leaders and sport managers. Many have asked, “Where do we go from here?”
There is no choice but to face the pain, difficulties and hardships. Cast aside all the hindrances and the past imperfections.
The beauty and power of sport as a force for good will live on after the trouble and distress; the difficulty and pain of betrayed trust.
We need a fresh start for sport. Clipped wings can grow again.
It is always darkest before daylight. There is a silver lining behind every gray cloud.
On the grayest of days there is the gleam of sunlight.
To overcome shame and remorse requires courage and rebuilding of trust.
Cast aside all regret, trials and tribulations and press on to the summit.
Sport is a positive force for good.
No weapon formed against sport will prosper.
Our youth and young people who possess God given athletic talent and potential must have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
The positive power of sport will not be defeated. A fresh start for sport in T&T is imperative, because in adversity, failure and disappointment can be found the seed of opportunity and progress.
The clouds will clear.
Be resilient, persistent; be of good courage.
The power of international achievement on the Olympic and world stage is respected and recognised. T&T benefits from the positive global publicity it receives from the sporting achievement of our athletes and national teams.
Sport can make a positive and transformational contribution to the sustainable social and economic development of T&T.
Temporary setbacks don’t define the true potential; the positive, progressive and constructive reality of sport in T&T.
Integrity, honesty, fair play, courage and determination are essential and core values of sport.
Stem the tide. Be a part of the solution. Live those values. Rise up and move forward.
Don’t evade responsibility for what we do, protecting ourselves from being held accountable for the consequences of our behaviour by deflecting attention onto others.
As we walk in the dark valley fear no evil. Positive actions will change the headlines.
Leaders entrusted with the responsibility of stewardship and service in difficult times must have the answers and the action plan to navigate rough seas and danger.
Fortitude, perseverance and an indomitable spirit are the qualities required to overcome adversity.
Fear not! T&T sport shall overcome. God bless.