We can do better

It was a shameful display of “organization” (used here with some unwarranted dignity) by local Cricket authorities, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, host of the current Windwards Under-15 Cricket Tournament, which opened here last Wednesday.{{more}}

The shabby presentation of the two venues, the Arnos Vale One and Two Playing Fields, was a gross insult to the aspiring cricketers.

Why should we bring youngsters, at this vulnerable stage of their lives, and offer them below acceptable standard of organization?

The young cricketers were not afforded the privilege of the services of a proper refreshments trolley or some semblance of one; there was not a Scoreboard visible to spectators, neither were the national flags of the four nations on display.

In short, and to put it mildly, the host association has been given “F” for the start.

To make matters worse, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines team was the worst attired, with displays of different shades of white.

On the contrary, the visitors looked the part, with easily recognisable national symbols and logos.

As it seems it is the best that those in charge of the administration of the game here can do.

The senior team was served up similar treatment when their version came our way in 2007.

But to dish out to these youngsters is nothing more than a sporting felony.

Remember, first impressions are lasting and you will never get another chance to make a first impression.

These youngsters will now take as what was meted out to them as the best they can get.

The circle will continue, as they in turn will dish out that same mediocre attitude and eventual performances when they take the field of play.

It is no wonder why Windwards Cricket is at this low level.

Seemingly with little regard for part of the future of Windwards Cricket, the big names were nowhere to be found last Wednesday; certainly these youngsters do not hold much interest for them.

But when it comes to the big occasions, the same officials are plenty, with suits and all to make onlookers believe that they are lovers of Cricket and proficient at their duties. Far from that! What they love is the occasion to be profiled!

Who do they think they can fool, as their actions are becoming habitual rather than an occasional slip up?

Once is a mistake, but when this occurs, twice, thrice, then it is the norm.

Practising to do better at our craft, every time we have to do so makes good for near perfection.

However, this message has not reached the ears of those of the Association.

But the same officials often boast of their credentials and are always on the back foot when criticism comes their way, but failure seems the lone option for them.

If we leave these habits to grow, they will soon become ingrained.

It is not the first time that this country and these goodly gentlemen are hosting such a tournament, which should be a piece of cake for them to execute.

I was informed that efforts were made to put together some organizational committee. What, then, went wrong?

Are the guys too proud to ask for assistance outside their inner ring?

When you fail, it is the entire island state of St. Vincent and the Grenadines which fails, and conversely, we all will glutton with satisfaction when things go according to plan.

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union has started what others should follow, whereby they solicited assistance from other associations for the staging of the Caribbean Cycling Championships, and the result was a resounding success.

Redemption is the only thing that the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association should focus on, as there are still a few days to get the things right.

You not only can do better, but must do better.

Also, better must come to the Sion Hill Playing Field, when that “Mound’ is removed.

emai: kingroache@yahoo.com