Officials of the Dominica Commonwealth Games Association met with the Athletes representing Dominica at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games today.
The athletes heard some brief remarks from President Billy Doctrove, Secretary General Fenella Wenham and Commonwealth Games Athletes Advisory Chairman Brendan Williams.
The interviews first with Doctrove and then with Williams, conducted by media liaison Garvin Richards, can be heard below.
What time is lift off?
President Billy Doctrine should be sacked as President of the Dominica Olympic Committee in favour of someone who is more energetic, knowledgeable, active, innovative, creative, inclusive and personable.
Under his present leadership what major changes have you seen? The sporting landscape of Dominica is as dreary and ‘run down’ as ever. This man seems to be in it for the the perks (free travel and hotel accommodation all over the world).
Look at how Grenada is forging ahead in sports in not only track but field events. Miranda James and Anderson Peters two of the best in the world in their disciplines. They also have other very prominent athletes.
Grenada has invested heavily in sports ( Tract & Field, Cricket, Football, etc.).The present state and absence of proper sporting facilities says a lot about Doctors leadership credentials.
Can you squeeze a stone and get water? I believe that every athlete that is selected on merit to represent Dominica tries his/her best. Every one of them wants to represent their country to the best of their ability on the regional and international scene.
However, this is the problem. How can they compete well against countries that have adequate and superlative sporting facilities; competent coaches; strategic sporting plans; huge investments in the youthful population? Look at how Grenades athletes are excelling!
We cannot only rely on the natural talents of the athletes. There must be well organised programs to tap into, and nurture the latent talents in them.
Telling them to try their best is not good enough. We have to provide requisite the tools and the enabling environment for our athletes to thrive. Nothing less will suffice.
give to their all…