Another ‘stink ah road’ episode

Football administration in St Vincent and the Grenadines must be at its worst state in terms of confidentiality and professionalism.

This assessment is based on the current wrangling which is taking place within the walls of those who are vested with the responsibility to administrate the sport at the national level. The latest episodes of the Federation’s business being on the street like a road march sound more like village gossip of the virago type, rather than how grown men and woman who possess the acumen of leaders behave.{{more}}

Like any organisation, there will be discontent and fallouts from time to time; but where are the moral ethics as members of an executive as it relates to professionalism? In short, nothing is private with the business of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation, as almost every document is in the hands of persons closely linked to the sport, either by soft or hard copy.

Additionally, the contents of the minutes and discussions are made public within hours of meetings taking place at the Federation’s office on Bentinck Square. Who is the Judas (or Judases) within the organistation who are spilling every piece of information to members of the general public? No one was able to unmask the James Adams of just over a year ago, so what is occurring is similar in nature. Has James Adams been re-clothed and renamed in another form, but doing the same white angel/ traitor on board task?

Accusing fingers are being pointed to some top ranked persons, but this, like the entire scenario, is mere speculation and talk without any confirmation of fact. But the underlining truth is the mistrust and lack of integrity that exist among those persons on the executive. It is more than dishonourable for persons to be engaged in such actions as it does the organisation and the image of football, both home and abroad, no good. And, such could not come at a worse time, as the sport is struggling to keep abreast with the pace of progress on and off the field.

Thus, situations like these make eyes, including regional bodies such as the Caribbean Football Union and CONCACAF and eventual the world parent body – FIFA, take a closer look at our state of affairs.

Unfortunately, many of the concerns are of a financial nature and point to the leadership style of president Venold Coombs, which more often than not, warrants greater scrutiny. Plus, there is the frequent labelling of Coombs as a “dictator” and one who likes his own way and does not listen.

If that is the case, and Coombs is guilty of the allegations, is it that the holders of the offices lack the spine to disassociate themselves from what they deem to be wrongdoings? What has become of the moves back in August to make demands on Coombs and ask certain pertinent questions?

And, if they were not forthcoming, was there action against him, which was promised to be taken?

Have the concerns been met and why was the decision pulled back, when Coombs returned to the state? Have things become better, making it unnecessary to follow through and seek the support of the affiliates?

This column holds the strong view that those executive members who are dissatisfied with Coombs’ style of leadership should take the moral highway and resign.

Are the men and woman selling themselves short for the stipend that they get each month?

Surely, this cannot be the case, as all are of greater standing in society than to allow themselves to be dragged in a mire of national proportion.

Gentlemen and ladies, history will be unkind to you, as when the time comes for stocktaking, the house will not simply be swept, but it will get a general cleaning and remake.

The task now is for the affiliates to take their rightful roles in policing the present situation and demand of the executive forensic accountability of their stewardship for the past twenty-five months. The truth of the allegations must come out, one way or the other.

Football administrators have been their own worst enemies with their inherent iniquitous nature to self destruct. So, the affiliates should have a door of opportunity to have their demands met, as they are set to meet face to face with the executive soon in the overdue General Meeting.