Dear Editor,
I know a good captain when I see one, and calm waters never made a good sailor. It was a brilliant decision by so many of the sports association representatives to re-elect Mr K Juman-Yassin as President in the just concluded Guyana Olympic Association elections. The ship continues to sail.
The gentleman had commitment and dedication as captain; I observed that from the sidewalk as an independent observer, and have absolutely no apology to make about it.
It is my opinion that some persons were devastated by the news of his re-election and will continue to be unhappy, but at the end of the day the mission is one where we all need to band together for the development of sport in Guyana.
I am sure that the GOA would welcome anyone aboard as stakeholders, but they cannot force anyone to do so if they choose to keep throwing stones as we have seen over the past few weeks in an irresponsible and totally disrespectful manner via the press.
In respect of my position over the past weeks, my contribution in the press was in no way intended as a campaign for Mr Juman-Yassin, but I chose to get on board immediately after I noticed the first attack on the gentleman about Guyana’s failure to medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. I was not prepared to stand by and allow anyone a free pass from the sidewalk when we are all responsible.
I say to athletes that their consideration for selection in making Guyana’s national team is the sole responsibility of their sports fraternity, and this is then submitted to the Guyana Olympic Association. Thereafter that office communicates with the IOC. They should not be misled into believing that it is the GOA which handpicks athletes, or that the Guyana Olympic Association makes them win a medal at an Olympic Games.
It is the nurturing and preparation they would have received from their sports fraternity and their level of performance that are the determining factors. They have to go out there and earn it. The IOC doesn’t award a medal at an Olympic Games for just being part of the parade of nations during the opening ceremony.
Yours faithfully,
T Pemberton
