Jermaine Figueira, APNU+AFC Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister of Sport, has criticized the National Covid-19 Taskforce for their failure to establish a structured timeline as well as the relevant guidelines and procedures for a phased reopening of the sporting sector.
He forwarded this position during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday. He opined, “The Covid-19 task force has not demonstrated it has a workable and sensible plan to keep the society safe and is capable of readily informing the society of how to keep safe and protect one’s self from this deadly virus. In this regard, I hold the view that sports can also have a gradual reopening before the year ends, where all parties involved, athletes, coaches, trainers, etc. are tested two or three times and are allowed to participate in the respective disciplines without spectators.”
Figueira declared that the current Covid-19 environment could become the norm of the future due to the sustained prevalence of the disease, adding, “We are living in a Covid-19 environment, this is our reality and as such, we humans will have to adapt in a safe and smart manner because Covid-19 is not going anywhere for now. The ministry must come to grips with this fact and do that which is required to get its act together, the sports fraternity is impatiently waiting for the minister and his team to do their work for all our athletes and persons involved.”
Citing the resumption of the sporting activities and respective disciplines in many territories via controlled and safe environments, Figueira affirmed that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport must face criticism for their failure to craft a sports protocol, which can be implemented in the current climate.
He elaborated, “The fact of the matter is, and all will agree, that the Covid-19 taskforce with new directives has failed us and it continues to fail the society. But that is no excuse for the Minister and his ministry’s failure in establishing a sports protocol in the Covid-19 environment for our sportsmen, women and our youths who are also involved. Other countries are having multiple sports being played, where athletes and other parties involved are safe. So the question is, what is holding us back from doing the same? One would say lack of vision, lack of will and passion or there is just no leadership. I would inculcate all of the above but I’m an optimist like most, so I am optimistic and hopeful for the best. Our athletes deserve better, athletics and sports deserve better, Guyana deserves much more than what is being experienced to date.”
Figueira noted that given the lack of protocols established by the relevant authorities, disciplines of the indoor nature should be promoted in this current pandemic, which could serve as an immediate platform and avenue for the eventual restart of the sporting fraternity.
He noted, “In my view, given that there aren’t any established proposals for any sports disciplines and the extremely bad handling of this Covid-19 environment by government, the honourable minister should not be giving out footballs, basketballs, cricket and other outdoor paraphernalia to encourage gathering of people which increases the risk of spreading the virus among our young children. What he should endeavour to do instead, is promote indoor games such as scrabble, chest, dominoes, darts, etc. keeping our youths meaningfully involved in a different sport in the safety and comfort of their homes which can also aid in strengthening the family’s bond. The Minister and his team should practice social distancing and have virtual conferences to put together a sports protocol for all disciplines in preparation for the gradual reopening of the society when Covid-19 is better managed.”
According to Figueira, the reopening of society and its respective sectors should occur following consultations with various entities and stakeholders of local and international repute. He noted that the aforementioned can be achieved once the relevant resources are made available and accurate information is disseminated to the public.
Figueira added, “The society being opened should be guided by the opinions and views of both the scientists, the World Health Organisation, PAHO and the economists. I believe if government and key stakeholders play their part in ensuring the public is well informed and the necessary resources are made readily available then persons who can engage in society in a safe manner, by adhering to the stipulated internationally accepted guidelines and practice, should be allowed to do so. Many families are literally on the breadline because of how our economy is structured and as a result of this they can’t work, so there is a need for a sensible and gradual reopening of society.”
