OP-ED – CARIFTA Games and what we can learn…

By Jafar Gibbons

Now that the CARIFTA games are over and the dust has settled, our athletes have returned to Guyana, while the President of the Athletics Association has stepped down owing to his dismal methods of leading the organization, what have we been able to take away from this as a country?

What were some of the underlying principles that were brought to the forefront of this issue? And, how do we go about solving these issues so as to ensure there is no recurrence in the future?

For quite some time, our national athletes have repeatedly faced disrespect.

While this has not occurred in all sports; SOME local governing bodies have gotten the protocols and maintenance of our athletes wrong at times.

In most cases, our system of accountability has ensured those at faults continue to operate per norm.

One may recall just last year, Olympic boxer, Keevin Allicock while at the South American games, fell ill with rhabdomyolysis and had to be treated by another team’s medical personnel as it was revealed that Guyana’s contingent of athletes hadn’t traveled with medical personnel.

When the athlete made his disproval of such a decision (not to send medical personnel on the trip), the Guyana Boxing Association then blamed the athlete for lack of training leading to his diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Nothing was done and business continued as per normal.

The CARIFTA games featured some of our brightest young and upcoming stars.

I believe that utmost care should have been taken when preparing these athletes for events.

This includes their dietary regimen, training schedule, access to medical attention and supplements, travel documentation, and other logistical support.

Had all of these issues been addressed prior to the games, the disastrous situation could have been avoided.

Athletes should have been in the Bahamas 3 days prior the beginning of the games. This would have allowed them competent time to rest, adjust and be in the best shape for the games, under minimal stress.

I am of the opinion that Guyana’s best swimmer and now CARIFTA record-holder, Mr. Raekwon Noel, could have excelled even more had these systems been in place.

I believe, going forward, athletes should be briefed in advance of protocols and provided with full compensation for inclusive of medical personnel, and other staff when travelling, they should be told beforehand what they may need to travel and who they should have in the event of an emergency.

It is truly sad that an evolved country such as Guyana cannot have these simple measures put in place for athletes representing them.

As the CARIFTA games comprises of mainly young people, it is heart-breaking to think that parents would at home panicking with news that their children are trapped/stranded in another country as their kids’ participation at an upcoming meet remains in limbo owing to their absence.

And while I applaud the Athletics Association for their swift no-confidence motion against their leader, Mr. Hutson, laying the burden of blame at his feet, I shall remain cognizant, that if the principles outlined in this article aren’t adhered to, we might be in for a repeat of similar issues even if it is from a different body.