A Jack with a good trait

When former President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc Julian Jack readily accepted to be an honouree of the association’s annual awards and gala dinner, recently, it reflected a man who holds no grudges.

Those who follow sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines and cricket in particular, would remember the saga of May 2014, when a vote of no-confidence was brought against Jack.

During the course of that well-publicized no-confidence motion, Jack was vilified by some of the same persons whom he supped with and were part of the executive he led.

Such was his dismay of what he termed then as “betrayal” that he referred to them as “snakes”.

But the “snakes” (according to Jack) would have put away their fangs and venom and have turned around to be as harmless as doves.

They have found it suitable that Jack to be honoured for his contribution to the administration of cricket, not only here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, but the other three Windward Islands, as a whole.

Their actions work both ways, as it suggests that the current crop of cricket administrators whom Jack helped groom, acknowledged his input and they have let the past be the past.

Similarly, not many persons who would have experienced what Jack had gone through would have still accepted such an honour.

But Jack rose above what had transpired, and two weeks ago, manfully accepted the moment of again being in the spotlight. This time it was more auspicious and gratifying.

Jack, though, would have exhibited such a character trait, as he attended other meetings of the SVGCA Inc and showed no animosity to those with whom he would have had previous battles.

As a people, hitting back by getting even with those who may have angrered us and getting our pound of flesh is the normal course of action.

Therefore, Jack’s actions, whilst a rarity in St Vincent and the Grenadines sporting life and general operations, may be a guide rule for others to follow.

It may be easier said than done, as many of our national sports associations are plagued by personality conflicts, and if they can only let in tolerance, forgiveness and forbearance, then we will see some smoother operation of these organizations.

Jack’s act of professionalism in the circumstances, though, may have been forged by his many years of accounting and managerial practice.

Apart from those, Jack was at the helm of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association from 2005 to 2014, and prior to that had served as a national selector and Windwards selector, and stints as chair of selection committees.

Additionally, he has managed the senior St Vincent and the Grenadines team and the Windward Islands senior outfit.

Hopefully, there are many more of the Julian Jack ilk, at least for his recent actions.

Of course, Jack would have gained the respect of many, even those with whom he might have been in contention in the past.

Most of all, the significant lesson to be taken away from this episode is for persons in positions of clout to take hold of that practice of letting bygones be bygones and move forward.