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Is the objective to win at all costs?

Jun 09, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

Is this the message that our nation would like to embody? It was the summer of 1988, during the Olympics in Seoul, the world watched in awe, and excitement as Canadian Sprinter Ben Johnson outshined his opponents. Johnson received Canada’s first gold medal since 1928. He was dubbed as the “the fastest man ever”. I remember how ecstatic and honoured the country of Canada was during that specific moment in history. Johnson cemented himself as Canada’s best sprinter by smashing world records and stampeding his opponents one by one, all in styleable “gold” fashion. Johnson’s acclaim to fame would have brought him a loyal fan base and millions of dollars in sponsorships. But WAIT! All of Johnson’s glitter was not all gold… There came a shocking revelation that sent waves throughout Canada and the entire sports world when the anti-doping Olympics body declared that Ben Johnson had tested positive for Stanozolol, a performance enhancing drug. It all ended for Johnson with shame, tears and international embarrassment. He had betrayed not only his fans and his supporters, but also his country and the integrity of the sport. This all happened just three days after ascending to the podium. There was a similar case of Lance Armstrong, the American road-racing cyclist, sports icon who won 7 consecutive wins in the Tour de France from 1999 – 2005. Like Johnson, he also was considered one of the elite athletes in his sport for a long period of time until doping allegations surfaced. An investigation was filed which concluded that Armstrong had been using performance enhancing drugs and was deemed as “the ringleader of the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping programme that sports has ever seen.” All of Armstrong’s achievements were disqualified. These samples clearly showed that the end result does not justify unethical means of getting there. And almost always, it will come back to bite you.
With that said, Guyana has concluded the first phase of the recount tabulation process and is currently awaiting the final declaration from the Chairperson of GECOM for the winner of March 2, 2020 Election results. The questions that engross so many Guyanese within the political sphere is, how do we account for the multiple irregularities, accusations of fraud and ballot tampering? Can a clear winner emerge? If our country is to thrive and prosper, we must be willing to hold our leaders and policymakers accountable. A ‘cut throat’ and disingenuous culture only breeds more distrust and hostility. In order to stiffen the resolve, GECOM has two alternatives. Disqualify the cheaters or nullify the election. Ask yourself this, what message does our country send to our young children? Would we want our child to tell their parents: “I made an A grade, but I cheated?” Will you be happy? Is the objective to win at all costs? This is something to ponder!
Best Regards and Well Wishes to our Country.

Lady Wendy,
Entrepreneurial Mentor

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