Thankfully, I have been able to keep my focus upon the various aspects of our sporting disciplines, enjoying the success and competence of some, and abhorring the deterioration and failures of others.
As is my habit, I have studied the various issues which these disciplines have fallen short of the formulas needed to conduct the affairs of sport in our society.
By virtue of the pain and despair which the public may have endured throughout the year, I believe that emphasis should be placed upon some vital signs for the purpose of corrective methods which are urgently needed.
In order of priority, the business of Cricket has produced the expansive turmoil which exist throughout the region, starting from zonal, national and international misguidances.
Every country within the Caribbean must take blame for this despicable state of the previously wonderful image which had once demanded respect and admiration from every cricketing nation across the Caribbean and the universe by extension.
If the stakeholders are commanded to provide a repair service within their own countries, and create some corrected methods which will take away the dubious bureaucracy, replace it with an acceptable form of management and bring some sanity to the table instead any form of insularity.
Qualified management personnel must be researched and certified in order to give sound intellectual service towards the democratic principles which strengthen all successful organizations.
What next for football
Our second love, Football, is not far away from our cricketing administration, maybe even more destructive, but closer to corrective methods which all lay within the details of the association's constitution.
While many exciting news have been announced by the hierarchy of the football fraternity, it is unbelievable that the level of fair play can be ignored when it comes to a finance pattern that show coaches, and other members of staff who dedicated themselves to their duties, even when they are either not paid for considerable periods and others not regularly.
Obviously, the present administrative structure has not been clear as far as rules and regulations are concerned, especially when it comes to the zonal associations most of whom are in shambles, but are making all efforts to regain some level of good management.
Time to re-set thecommunity focus
My third wish for the new year is for the people and the government to restart organized activities among the communities in the country.
In my humble opinion, the development of sport in the communities, if well organized and financed, will reap the benefits which many of us eventually recognise as "elite Athletes".
Did anyone ever ask themselves as to the immense value of community life where a sense of commitment towards the citizens who have grown up in these environment, whether it be football, cricket, athletics, basketball, boxing, cycling, and many other sporting disciplines, do they find themselves within that "ELITE ATHLETES".
Sometimes without trained managers, coaches, administrators, and mushy fields to play when they are growing up, they still turn out to be the Hasely Crawfords, Brian Laras, The Bravos, Arthur Brown, Eddie Hart, Ken hodge, Sonny Pope, Philo Ferguson, Russell Tesheira, Reynold George, Ian Bishop, Sonny Ramadhin, Kishorn Walcott, and on, and on,...... and on.
This New Year is ideal for the powers that be to restart the 'Village Olympics' which were excellent and entertaining and which saw community rivalry at its best and most of all it helped developed community pride and discipline.
A more supportive TTOC
Finally, will the TTOC management extend its attention to ALL the national associations, not only by being the Judge as to who goes to the Olympics or not, but for the member associations which lack the administrative ability, the lack of funds, and most of all, to make every effort to improve the quality personnel which can compare to all the successful administrations not only in the Caribbean, but across the world.
My wish for this nation is one of love, and respect for all persons, with the hope that absolute respect and consideration be shared among each other, and those who are more intelligent and affluent may indulge in support to those who need it so badly. A peaceful and prosperous New Year to all.