The Government has been handed an important tool with regard to securing the interest of the voting public. A golden opportunity to straighten their political halo which is at present residing somewhere around the neck of each minister. To date, anything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. The economy, political graft, gross incompetence, the list is long. There is no need to identify any particular wrong. We know and they definitely know their many  political frailities.

The foreign media invented the words "photo opportunity.'' Not Minister Warner. It is not unlikely that Keshorn Walcott's Olympic Gold medal, has generated enough interest for the big-time sponsors and the world media to follow this young man to the fishing village of Toco. 

The entire village needs a makeover. The opportunities for any gainful employment should be examined. Toco will need to have a community centre with amenities that can be utilised as both sports facility and venue for social occasions. Keshorn Walcott comes with the whole village, not just alone. The foreign media thrive on the rags to riches stories which bring in huge financial returns. What they find in T&T could go viral. The Partnership needs to "look in the mirror.''

The Sport Minister needs to get his act together.  How about pursuing the idea of sending four javelin throwers instead of one to the next Olympics?  

Same number of swimmers and cyclists. Consider gymnastics as a new path to glory. Plan to make it affordable for the parents to financially support the children who are being trained. The Sport Minister has hands on experience where this is concerned.  Start with swimming classes for all. Build around the many gains of George Bovell.  Pay Bovell a salary that will be suitable to garnering his services locally instead of him returning to the US to seek employment.

As a nation, we must consider where we are headed in the world of sports. Trinbago is the name of the political village in which we all reside. The world is watching.

 Lynette Joseph

via e-mail