NSC manager wants revolution in sports

Jomadean May, manager of the National Sports Council (NSC) of St Vincent and the Grenadines, is advocating a “revolutionary approach” in sports here.

He expressed his view-point while addressing a tripartite meeting recently at the media centre at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, stating that things cannot be done as they were many years ago.{{more}}

Recognizing that sport is ever changing, May stated, “Evolution calls for revolution”.

Lamenting the many issues which are acts of debilitation to the development of sports in St Vincent and the Grenadines, May pointed out, “Each country in the Caribbean and in the developed world, they are finding solutions… what are we doing? The state of which sports has progressed, we are way behind… In terms of catching up, we have to be revolutionist about it.

“We spend more time trying to point fingers at who are causing the problems… With this revolutionary approach, we have to put all egos aside and be honest,” May advised.

May, in providing some pointers towards a change in the mindset and structure, listed the collaboration among stakeholders; the lighting of major facilities, the proper marketing and promotion of events; better utilization of human resources; stakeholders becoming more proactive in the development of sports; greater involvement by the private sector; and proper structure in recruitment, development and transition as areas to tackle.

However, the NSC manager holds the strong view that before many of these are achieved, there must be a concerted effort to develop a “sports product”.

And, in the grander scheme of things, May outlined the intentions of the NSC in carrying out its part in the process.

May projected the refurbishing of the hard court at Arnos Vale Sporting Complex, along with the Double Decker, Mike Findlay and Bleacher stands at the Arnos Vale facility and addressing the problems with the toilets at the Double Decker stand.

The NSC head revealed that the marketing of facilities and appropriate utilization of space to create revenue streams, along with the development of area management committees, implementation of user fees and meetings with associations so as to enhance relationships, are high on the NSC’s plan of action.

He noted that soon to be carried out, in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), will be an update disaster management plan and staff training in disaster preparedness.

The tripartite meeting also heard the plans and programmes of those national sporting associations which were present.