Sober reflection and introspection. Realising our shortcomings. It is an aspect of life that can work both ways—positively or negatively. There are times when, instead of seeing the opportunity for growth and learning, human nature and behaviour may cascade us down the dark, gloomy road. We become overwhelmed by negative emotion. It’s dark and depressing. None of us are perfect. It’s human to err.
I recall in a “Things That Matter” column - not sure which one - I referred to my late mother’s non-negotiable rule–when my siblings and I engaged in behaviour that didn’t meet her acceptable standard–was “Speak your truth and speak it fast”. And speaking the truth, didn’t necessarily mean an escape from her “spare the rod and spoil the child” method of discipline. Speaking the truth wasn’t a way of avoiding unpleasant consequences.
During the past two weeks of personal turmoil following the unexpected passing of my younger brother, it was a struggle to manage my emotions. But painful as it is, I was reminded of my mother’s intonation: “Speak your truth and speak it fast regardless of the consequences”.
But then again, the question is: what’s the truth? And which version of the truth are we to believe?
In the past two weeks, both in the wider national life and sport, we have seen versions of individual and collective truths. Claims and counterclaims. What is the truth? Whose truth is the truth?
Inherent in my mother’s “speak your truth and speak it fast” refrain was the attribute of accepting and taking responsibility for your action(s). Her’s was a don’t point fingers or blame anyone or anything else culture. The choice at the end of the day is yours to make. Taking responsibility regardless of the consequences underpins how I approach leadership, governance and strategic and performance management.
Sports organisations continue to face intense public and media scrutiny surrounding sport governance. Governance is the process by which decisions are made and implemented. The issue of good governance in sport is a major point of contention.
A significant aspect, both for Olympic and non-Olympic sports, is the autonomy of sport. A concept propagated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and is one of the fundamental principles of Olympism as set out in the Olympic Charter. It is said that the autonomy of sport principle is indicative of the sport movement’s belief that it alone understands best how to govern and regulate itself. Governance experts assert that this belief is the main reason why there is a resistance to government or other outside interference in the governance of sport.
Governance is not a simple conversation. Many aspects may manifest in either good or poor governance. But a meaningful conversation requires truth and responsibility as the starting point.
In closing, I noted newspaper reports that another talented teenage footballer, Zwade Alleyne, a Form Five pupil of the Arima North Secondary School, who also plays for Maloney Real Footballers Academy, was a victim of gun violence, up to the time this column was submitted in a critical condition at the Arima Hospital.
Yet another talented youth with so much to look forward to, suffering life-changing injuries at the hands of misguided youths.
How do we keep hope alive? How do we inspire and encourage young men to put down their guns? What are the alternatives?
I again reiterate the importance of better governance within the sport ecosystem. Sport provides alternatives.
We need a reset. Too much is at stake.