Recently repatriated Golden Jaguar International Jeremy Garrett, has declared that the safeguarding of good mental health is essential to the overall wellbeing of everyone during the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, which has swept across the globe in 2020.
Garrett made the disclosure to Stabroek Sport yesterday in an exclusive interview. Garret, 20, said, “Overall the situation has taken a toll on the mental side mostly, because it’s a new adaptation to isolation and not being around teammates and coaches.
“That is the most important part, the mental side and I am adjusting myself and building my mind to be strong and adjusting to the situation at hand.”
He added, “The mental side is very important at this time. It’s scientifically proven that, as humans, we have to interact and with you being away from your teammates and coaches, you have to adjust because we are not accustomed to this. Then with mental it breaks you, and makes you lazy and gives you a mindset not to train because there is no motivation as you are always inside. It tells on you and honestly the mental side is the most important part in this situation.”
Owing to travel restrictions at Guyana’s national ports of entry, Garrett, who is currently pursuing a diploma in Rehabilitation Science at LSUE, was unable to return to local shores along with several other Guyanese. He finally made his return three days ago after an 80-day period in Miami, Florida.
Asked how the current situation has affected his training regimen, he said, “I have been doing morning runs and afternoons I do physical and technical sessions with the ball. It’s been hard. Sometimes you don’t feel like going out but because there is light at the end of the tunnel, that motivates you because this won’t last forever. But I think that is what is affecting a lot of people because they believe it will be forever.” Garrett, who has captained Guyana from U15 to the U20 level said, “Honestly, the situation of course has impacted the everyday training but I have adapted to the situation and continue a daily routine. Workout at least two hours in whatever area that I have access to.”
He added that training advice for respective sessions with individuals such as physiotherapist Neil Barry Jr., and former Golden Jaguars captain Christopher Nurse has greatly aided his workout regimen. Garrett added, “I have been working along with coach Anson, Physiotherapist Neil Barry and Christopher Nurse. They all have been helping in a way to maintain being in shape but it’s on me.”
Questioned about his goals for the Golden Jaguars senior programme, Garrett who has been capped twice at senior level said, “My intention is to continue to develop, moreso my all-around game and get more exposure and game time as well as keep my fitness at a certain level so I can be equipped to compete at the national level. Definitely I am only 20 and would love to give Guyana a good 15 years of my service. I would love to help the nation develop going forward, that is my intention as well as playing at a higher level in a structured league like the MLS.”
