Caribbean Governments do not recognise sports
Says Comonwealth Games federation chairman Mike Fennell
By Michael DaSilva
Stabroek News
February 2, 2003
Commonwealth Games Federation Chairman, Michael Fennell, stated that government leaders in the Caribbean do not recognise the efforts of athletes and their contributions and the contributions of sports.
Fennell was at the time delivering the feature address at the Guyana Olympic Association's (GOA) Appreciation Ceremony held at the Le Meridien, Pegasus Hotel Friday night.
In his brief address, the Jamaican was straightforward in highlighting sports' ability to touch a wide array of issues including health as well as social and economic matters.
Fennell made reference to the development the Commonwealth Games brought to the ghetto area in Manchester, England, highlighting the development that took place including massive apartment complexes, shopping malls, hotels and other infrastructure.
"Guyana is no different from Jamaica with the social and other problems they are currently facing, but sports has flown a positive flag, both in Jamaica, Guyana and other parts of the world."
He added: "Politicians in third-world countries, fail to recognise the positive contributions sports has made to the society and its ability to touch all."
Fennell said Guyana should use sports as its main tool for development. He pointed out that the Caribbean in general should do likewise, "because at the moment they are not taking full advantage of its capability. Sports could provide the answer to the many problems faced by Caribbean territories," Fennell noted.
The Commonwealth Games Chairman took the opportunity to congratulate Guyana's 2002 Commonwealth Games 400-metre gold medalist, Aliann Pompey for her outstanding performances, and disclosed that she is a role model for youths in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Pompey who returned to the US yesterday, was the Guest of Honour at Friday's ceremony.
Awards were presented to GOA's Sports Journalist of the Year Michael DaSilva (Stabroek News), Guyana Teachers Union, National Sports Committee (Sports and Well-Being Award) and Charles Corbin (GOA's Council Member of the Year).
Other recognized for their contributions to sports were; Troy Peters, Dr. Clive Bowman, Bobby Fernandes, John Fernandes Limited, Banks DIH, Demerara Mutual Life, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Terry Holder (GT&T), Courts and North American Airlines.
Special appreciation was shown to Pompey, who also received a Cheque for $180,000 from GT&T to assist her with her training, Chief Justice Desiree Bernard, June Ann O'Brien, Denise Carryl and Mrs. Lee Lam.