Dear Editor,
I would agree with anyone who says that the current government can afford to do some more for sport in Guyana, but at the same time, sports associations should take some responsibility for the decline of sport. I am a strong supporter of anyone who has great vision for development, because in my book that represents upward mobility. I will not support anyone or group who sits by and expects the government of the day to hand them everything on a platter without making an effort to fend for themselves.
How many active fund-raising sports committees are currently in operation? Can any sports association/committee which receives funding of any sort from their respective world sports body say publicly how much they receive annually for the development of their discipline?
Can sports associations/committees share with the public their audited financial reports done by accredited audit firms? This also applies to the National Sports Commission. The Guyana Olympic Association is excluded owing to the fact that the current President, Mr K Juman Yassin has publicly cleared the air in Stabroek News.
I used to be very critical of the current government of the day for not doing enough for sports but when Chartered Accountant, Mr Christopher Ram‘s report surfaced, I now view the situation very differently.
I welcome the report from Director of Sport, Mr Neil Kumar, in the GC, dated August 12, headlined, ‘A red letter day,‘ but I do not agree with him that the Guyanese 2012 Olympic performances were miserable or embarrassing. I believe the sports representatives made a great effort on the days of the qualifying competition, and hopefully they will continue to grow with that experience from London in whichever way they choose to continue their respective journeys. May I also remind all that the Olympics are not only about achieving a medals. Participation is very important.
Is Mr Kumar at liberty to educate the public about which sports fraternity recently received funding for their participation in the London Olympic Games?
After reading the reports of the press conference with regard to the London Olympics in the dailies, I will echo what I have said in the past, namely, that under the current conditions, Ms Kadecia Baird will never have a fruitful track career representing the Golden Arrowhead. I sincerely wish that an avenue could be opened up for her in her adopted home and that she could represent the flag of the USA.
Yours faithfully,
T Pemberton
