The Silly Season and Sports

St Vincent and the Grenadines is currently into second gear as general elections to elect a new government are imminent.

Unfortunately, but aptly, this period of campaigning and electioneering is called the “Silly Season”.

And, indeed it is, as reasoning goes through the window, replaced by infinite loyalty to the party of one’s choice. It is also the season when the five-year phenomenon of promises is prominent, whilst the politicians transform to become the “ladies” and “gentlemen”, as no one wants to ruffle any feathers.

In the grander scheme of things, sports assumes the role of a pawn in the political chess game as instantaneously, it is an integral part of national development and social cohesion.

But it is what it is, and given the political culture, that has become the modus operandi when the silly season comes around.

Therefore, sports people should use the time to perfection, by cashing in on the opportunities that present themselves at this juncture.

We are aware of the nature of politics, hence, the timing and execution of the semi- professional Netball League and the cued up semi- professional Football League, both fit into the manoeuvrers that are common occurrences whenever general elections are looming.

On the smaller community scale, we see politicians throwing their support behind teams, offering sponsorship, and sourcing gear and other things.

Likewise, their visibility is in your face, present at sporting activities, making their presence known and of course, maximizing the photo ops; not forgetting that every venue will get a little sprucing up here or there, as the good show also takes effect.

Pawn, or pawn politically motivated, orchestrated or intended, sports will get its spotlight only if it is the campaign period. Beyond the obvious, people involved in the administration of sports at all levels should use the occasion as conduits for their own pursuits and the betterment of sports here in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Let your voice be heard as the antagonists and the protagonists, both have a plan, a message, solution, and will present themselves as the ones who will take the country and sports forward.

Holding the politicians accountable for their pledges of making sports better here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, should be in turn used as a social contract with the politicians who come almost on bended knees, begging for the vote.

Despite the non- existence of a vibrant Vincentian sports culture, sports can hold key in the overall soliciting process.

We have seen over time the strategies used to woo the youth population to get their support via that X.

All in all, let sports be the winner, as new facilities are sometimes built, and other offers are laid on the table in the season of politicking and jostling for rights to be the part that holds office of the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Make sports count and let it be a factor in the upcoming general elections whenever the bell is rung.