I have long held the view that November is the best month of the year, and nothing has happened to change that, particularly in sport. And while many believe the last few months of sport in the Caribbean are overshadowed by other celebrations, such as Divali and Christmas, this November promises something different.
Football will be at the centre of attention with crucial developments which will not only impact on our current footballing pyramid, but also help to establish a new vision and give hope to a sport, which appears to have lost its way. Firstly, we have the Football Federation elections on Sunday, November, 11, where a new president will be elected, as the incumbent Lennox Watson has opted out for reasons best known to him.
And while most will welcome a new leadership, it has to be said that in the last few months, Watson has found his voice and demonstrated a strong attitude in dealing with questions, particularly from sport minister Anil Roberts. There is a general belief that a new president will attract corporate attention and this will ensure a reduction in the dependence on government assistance.
The ability to be self-sufficient is critical to survival, and whether this entire nomination process is authentic or a smokescreen, the people want change.
The two candidates, Raymond Tim Kee, a top insurance executive and former member of the Federation, and Colin Murray, a brand manager at Carib, will undertake the job on a part-time basis, since both hold substantive posts elsewhere. Of course, this has been the tradition.
But my own view is that the time has come for us to move away from that kind of leadership in a sport that is rapidly expanding its horizons, and if properly managed, has the potential to evolve into big business.
It is the lack of respect for this important position over the years that has led to some of the disasters in the past. It is time to get a president with teeth and not one who is a lap dog.
Unless either man can fully dedicate himself to the job on a full time basis, we are banging our heads against a wall. It will be important to observe how transparent these elections turn out to be. In the past, it has been contested under a veil of secrecy. The good news is that we all know the date and contestants in advance. The country will be watching closely and the secret handshakes of the past will be investigated.
We also have the second round of the Caribbean Cup qualifications against Cuba, Suriname and St Vincent from November 14-18. Indications are that the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago is the venue for all three matches. There is a school of thought that given the difficulties which the team has endured, people have decided to support it because of its success.
Arguments for the matches being staged in Trinidad have been advanced and some feel it would be best to play in Trinidad. I have to say that I believe the fans are behind the team simply because of the way it was treated by government. Maybe that has provided the inspiration for the players.
The reality is that football—the game—remains bigger than any administrator. People who are aspiring to guide its destiny must understand that for a proper job to be done, there are certain basic requirements. One must have the time, the integrity and be prepared to make major sacrifices.
If these criterion are met and adhered to, it is reasonably to conclude that the administration of the sport here, would be on sound footing. And as far as I am concern, that will be a good start.