The end does not justify the means. It may be seen as the easy way and the quickest way but it is certainly not the correct way to go about solving the problem of poor governance in sport. That Guyana’s Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, can adopt the attitude that he will not back down even as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has made it abundantly clear that they will not abide with the government interference in the administration of cricket in Guyana, reeks of the kind of distorted perception that has brought Caribbean societies to its knees. International sport governing bodies will not countenance government interference. It’s a no no. Government interference is usually based on a notion that government and politicians possess the moral authority, all-knowing wisdom and insight to be exemplary models of good and ethical governance. But why should Government interfere in the running of sport? Why is it that the primary stakeholders aren’t the ones taking decisive action to correct poor governance? Wherever you find poor governance, bad administration and management in sport organisations, it is because primary stakeholders like it so. Truth be told, full responsibility must be placed on primary stakeholders. It is they who must have the courage to stand up for good governance.
If stakeholders want to change, they must make the effort, but in doing so there must be respect for the process, procedures, bye laws, rules and regulations. I know of no situation in the Caribbean where it is impossible to change or vote out a bad group of sport administrators. Why should Caribbean governments compete with national sport organisations? Isn’t it far more productive for the relationship to be a facilitative one? There will only be one loser in Minister Frank’s battle with the ICC and that will be the cricketers of Guyana. Here in the Caribbean, we seem hell bent on destruction. We live in an age where rage and angry outbursts are so much part of our lives that we expect them. Hate is in our faces every day on TV and radio. Heated arguments and insults. At every turn there is anger. There is need for calm in the face of rage. Caribbean sport needs leaders who in the face of negativity and disagreement, can continue to conduct business with respectful communication and thoughtful actions—individuals who will stand firm on grounds of good character, integrity, incorruptibility and behaviour. The proponents, advocates and supporters of government interference are reflecting a personal ideology and view of things as the effectiveness of direct government interference in sport is a matter of conjecture.
Sport federations, governing bodies and organisations have no choice. They must remain unwavering in preserving their autonomy and fearless in resisting all pressures of any kind that may prevent them from complying with their rules and regulations. If Caribbean politicians really want to help sport, they should resist the temptation to interfere or compete with sport. Let the conversation be about facilitating and capacity building. Focus on progressive and conciliatory measures. Eschew heavy handed and agenda based interventions that do more harm than good and that will not be sustainable. Why worsen the problem? There is no international governing body in world sport that will back down on the issue of direct or perceived government interference. It is far better to be guided by the knowledge that the best example of good, ethical, transparent and accountable governance are deeds rather than words—a clear pattern of behaviour that shows that good governance is both a belief and guiding principle. Maybe if those who advocate and support direct government interference in the running of sport first remove the plank from their own eyes we will see clearly to remove the speck of poor governance from all our eyes. Brian Lewis is the Honorary Secretary General of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee.
-Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt