Letter to the Sports Editor Is Juman Yassin alone responsible for Guyana’s poor showing at the Olympics?

Sep 22, 2016 Sports

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Dear Sir,
“Self criticism is just a phase of appraisal or evaluation, while constructive criticism, must be accepted with the deserved smile and strive towards rectifying the situation.” Editor, over the past few weeks I have been paying close attention to letters and columns in your newspaper involving: T. Pemberton, Columnist, Freddie Kissoon, Sports Journalist, Rawle Welch and, President, Guyana Olympic Association, K. Juman Yassin. However, in supporting the notion of the philosopher, who once said, “If one were to ask me for the perquisite of being involved in sports, I would say the first thing is to be happy”. Within this context, is the GOA President, happy that after a period of 20 years at the helm of this August body, the nation of Guyana has been unable to secure an Olympic medal? Were Mr. Yassin and his fellow executives forceful enough to the AAG as it relates to funding of athletes, for overseas training?
Utilizing, national 400 metres champion and record holder Winston George, a two time Olympian as an example, in both instances his qualifying time was a “B” standard. Was his qualifying time in the recently concluded Olympic better than his first? Within the 8 years period how many semi-international meetings did he attend towards ascertaining if improvements are being made, compatible to the investments?
As a consequence, wouldn’t it have been more prudent to invest in a younger athlete that showed more potential at the Junior World Championships, rather than an aging athlete, who can’t hold his own at the Caribbean, South American, Pan-American and Commonwealth Championships? Swimming is also another factor in the equation with wild card entries, but despite establishing one’s personal best timing and breaking the national record, the individual yet still can’t advance to the next round.
In the final analysis, a lack of modern facilities, competent administrators that are visionary; implementation of proper training programmes; attendance of up-to-date courses for coaches, nutritionist et.al are all relevant to sports development. The harsh but sad reality is the absence of physical education being compulsory in the school’s curriculum, albeit the embryonic stage of development. How serious are our national sporting bodies in relation to “good governance” i.e submission of Annual Audited Financial Statements; Minutes of Annual General Meetings, Copy of its Constitution, Development Plan (s), encompassing overseas participation, competitions/championships, courses etc.
If two or more of the afore-mentioned can’t be fulfilled, then full-fledged membership with the GOA, which enables funding and voting rights, should cease forthwith. Likewise term limits of elected officials .i.e not more than 2 terms, which I agree with that was indicated in Freddie Kissoon’s column- KN 10. 09. 16. “Longevity in office breeds a possessive mentality”.
In the same breath how can the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), if they are affiliated to the GOA, moreover with football being an Olympic sport, isn’t in the forefront for term limits? Editor, my reason for these lines of questioning, is primarily due to the fact that the GFF, have term-limits within its constitutional articulation. Maybe its General Council should be a part of the deliberations.
Of significant interest are the four names publicized by Sports Journalist, Rawle Welch as credible candidates for the presidency of the GOA: Messrs Hughes, Fernandes, Forde and Persaud. Both Hughes and Fernandes are former students of St. Stanislaus, compounded by their Subryanville roots are both sport enthusiasts way back in the 70’s. This I can attest to from our interactions at DYC and the Farnum Playfield.
While David Fernandes had ventured into Hockey primarily, he was also a good footballer, midfielder if my memory serves me well. In relation to Nigel Hughes, as a former goalkeeper at the youth level in school, had he continued who knows national duties may have been up for grabs, based on his potential. Nevertheless, of Forde and Persaud, not being aware of their involvement in any sporting discipline, I can’t offer any assessment of their administrative capabilities or qualities. Whether or not Guyana’s dismal performance at the Olympics was/is a direct result of Juman Yassin’s presidency for the corresponding period, the individual alone can’t be blamed, since other key stakeholders are also culpable. I do think the time is now ripe for non-traditional sports i.e Archery, Canoeing, Kayaking among others to be pursued, not foregoing Rifle Shooting, Power-lifting and Judo.
Respectfully Yours,
Lester Sealey.

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