Corruption wins as democracy rules the day. It is time to face the debilitating truth and move with the times. There are those who believe corruption and all its derivatives, variants and many faces is not an issue once the ability to deliver results and excellence is clearly demonstrated. Grin and bear it even though the deceit is in the fine print. At this time in our evolution as a nation and society, corruption is winning by a mile. Hands down the outcome is not even in doubt. That corrupt wealth and influence decimates social justice and harmony, peace of mind, safety and security matters not. The rewards of corruption are far greater than the deterrents. There is no significant consequences, getting caught brings with it no punishment. Every now and then a small fry gets thrown to the wolves but cheating, corruption and criminality are seen as distinctly different. Corruption has a negative impact on transparent and accountable decision making and resource allocation. In such an environment a sense of injustice will gather and reach a tipping point. The ball has been dropped or maybe it was never in hand in the first place. That there are implications for every single citizen of the twin island republic cannot be in doubt.
Who will take responsibility for standing in the gap for society on a whole? Or is it that those who still hold dear values such as honesty, equity and fairness must pay penance. In other words grin and bear it. A focus on good governance and leadership in local sport requires that broader governance and leadership matters must be looked at. It can be no other way because as said many times before, sport cannot operate in a vacuum. Sport's inherent values of fair play and sportsmanship must not be allowed to be corrupted by unsportsmanlike values, thinking and behaviour. Local sport leaders must stand up for the sporting values that matter. Cheating in any form or fashion, behaviours that are not sporting in nature ought not to be tolerated. Someone has to take responsibility for what really matters and it’s not wealth and success at any cost. Corruption and its many faces and variants range from major to petty result in the same consequences, wasted resources and inequity. It also allows pettiness and vindictiveness to intrude when civility and dignity is required. Corruption wins when a society has a tendency to focus on personalities, to be impressed by credentials, intellect, talent, education, charisma, will power, and determination. When followers turn a blind eye to positional leader’s feet of clay and believe the hype and public relations, positional leaders become idols who can do no wrong.
Some persons will find it unconscionable, unacceptable and repugnant at the mere thought that corruption may be the new national watchword. Marie Currie once said “nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less." Not only does it demoralise and decimate the social equilibrium, corruption perceived or otherwise dampens enthusiasm for volunteerism and a volunteer spirit. In all societies first, second or third world dedicated volunteers, philanthropists and donors make an invaluable contribution to civil society in not for profit and non-governmental organisations. Where there is a culture, atmosphere and tolerance of corruption and influence peddling and people turn a blind eye or choose to be deaf and dumb because upward mobility , influence , access or their career maybe compromised they become part of the silent majority who allow corruption and white - collar criminality to reign supreme. When persons who are absolutely corrupt, insincere and dishonest are permitted to operate with impunity, endemic corruption is the result.
-Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt