Keep the Story True

So much has been published and carried about Jamaica since August 15, 2008, that it is almost unbelievable the value of the exposure this small country has gotten during this time.

I heard BBC Journalist on radio saying “Jamaica gets so much bad press that the last few days have just been so much great news. And there are so many angles to tell these stories from.” I think that is an endorsement from the BBC and we should build on that.

I cannot overemphasize how well our 51-member team to the Olympics in Beijing, has kept Jamaica in a positive light and what a momentum it has created, way past the nine-day wonders we have become accustomed you.

I am going out on a limb this time around to say this time around, things will be different. Let us be mindful that while we are getting great press, there is always a way for international media to twist and turn the stories to suit their own needs. For example, I saw a headline recently “From Pauper to Sprint King” now how untrue is that? If my information is right, the Bolts were never paupers, and now they are not. But there is always someone, somewhere who wants to denigrate. I beg us to tell our own story and tell it with pride.

Please print, carry on radio and TV, and produce documentaries, features and even full length movies as part of the legacy of our programme. The MVP story, even with all the current grouses, would still be good material for a feature…truth be told!


SPORT POLICY ON THE WAY

Within a few months Jamaica will have a draft sport policy to discuss with all major stakeholders. As a credit to Jamaica, The UNESCO International Roundtable Congress on Sport for Peace and Development was just was hosted in Jamaica over two days and from the discussions to take place, the country will have a document to guide how physical education and sport is managed for economic, political and social development.

As we celebrate though, let us be serious about our commitment in sustaining programmes and activities geared at success at the highest level for sport, but we must be decisive. The policy will help as we will have guidelines by which to operate.

Jamaica’s 60 year history is more than sufficient for us to pay attention to sustaining another strong 60 years and more in sport for this country.

Yes we can! Yes we should!




PROTOCOL

Hosting a welcome home reception for one of the world’s most popular track and field athlete is like hosting a major sporting event. This means that all the necessary plans must be in place to ensure smooth running.

Protocol must be observed as for this activity you would be dealing with a variety of persons, including National Officials, Family, Officials of the particular sport, officials of the sporting fraternity and the exuberant fans.

As we prepare for a round of celebrations to last over an extended period, let’s plan, rehearse, assimilate for rain or shine and hope for a perfect implementation.

Invitations must be sent out early and the necessary follow up done so seating or placement of people by status be done correctly.

Our athletes deserve it!