The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government is in a bit of a pickle these days. Certainly there is the condition of embarrassment faced. Given the National Insurance Board controversy that has resulted in the requested resignation of the chairman, the referendum on gambling, the cries of many employed within the system for long overdue salaries and the dismal economic forecast, there seems to be building pressure within the government. In the upcoming weeks and months, the leadership of Prime Minister Perry Christie will be severely tested.
Those of us within the sporting fraternity in this country are hopeful that issues relating to the national program are not pushed further down on the priority list. I can image Cabinet sessions these days. Sports Minister Dr. Hon. Daniel Johnson will be hard-pressed to get sporting issues tabled. The government is cautioned however that at all times, a good balance should be sought. The national sports program is surely an important part of our make-up that definitely should not be placed on the side until matters that are determined to have greater significance, get addressed. This is also a time when the true capacity of Prime Minister Christie and his Cabinet ministers will be judged.
How well will he handle political problems and others that are bound to come up since the chink in his political armor has been exposed? Marco City MP Greg Moss has challenged Christie like never before by any other under his political authority. Despite the huge majority that he has to work with, the honeymoon is certainly over for the PM. There is a concern here that more than ever now, sports issues will be neglected. Hopefully a steady stream of rhetorical spin statements will not be the diet for the sports family of the nation, going forward for the next few months.
When will the work actually begin on adjusting the track at the national stadium, so that it can meet International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) certification standard? The infield where soccer competition and athletics' field events (discus, hammer throw, shot put and javelin) are to take place needs to be re-done. Otherwise, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) will never provide certification. Is there jeopardy regarding the 2013 CARIFTA Games being staged at the national stadium? When will a soccer match ever be played at the stadium?
How advanced really is the planning for the National Sports Academy? We've only heard the words of Minister Johnson in that regard, but seen nothing tangible to support the claim. With public scrutiny at the highest since the May 7, 2012 return to governance, will Christie and his Cabinet members demonstrate any interest at all in having talks about the Bahamas Games? Given the political scenario, one really has to wonder. o To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.
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