A look at sports six years after I published an article in the media captioned “Corruption of Sports” which dealt with the then upcoming 2008 election of the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) and the participation of inactive associations.
For ease of reference, excerpts, from the said article as follows:
“I refer to the upcoming Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) election of officers for the quadrennial 2008 to 2012. The question arises as to how many of the existing associations are really properly constituted and active. Keep in mind that the affiliates of the DOC equal 16 sport associations but how many sport activities are being reported on, and how many annual general meetings are called and are these members made public. In fact the only sporting activities, that are annual competitions or tournaments being held on a regular basis are Cricket, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Boxing, and that’s about it 6 out of 16 sports. So what is wrong with the others?”
“That’s why it troubles me so much to see these non functioning associations miraculously materialize to claim their right to vote by paying the meagre 100 dollars affiliation fee, but if one were to take a close look at these associations, one will find the same people in the majority of these non functioning associations, which is a means of manipulating the voting process and that is the corruption.”
Now six years later what do we have?
An Olympic Committee which recently suspended the membership of a number of associations for not meeting the criteria necessary to be part of the committee. That action followed a public debate as to the legitimacy of the current executive members of the DOC which went to the International Olympic body for a resolution. The results and the actions requested by International body were never followed except that which required that the verification and legitimacy of all members should be determined.
As result, the DOC expelled about 9 member associations.
Interesting facts of the current Olympic leadership are as follows:
1. The DOC President currently holds the post of President of the Handball Association, but how many of you have seen a handball game or know of any teams?
2. The DOC Secretary currently holds the position of President of the Lawn Tennis Association and was recently embroiled in the media in the legitimacy of the Association.
3. The DOC PRO is a member of the Taekwondo Association, but again, how many of you have seen a Taekwondo game or heard of a tournament?
So how is that right or an example for associations?
Furthermore, a disturbing development in this corruption has been enhanced with the coercion of presidents of associations with the promise of financial assistance to support their activities. In addition, there is a tendency to withhold support to some associations on the premise that these sporting associations stand no chance of making it to the Olympic Games or their athletes are not up to standard.
I therefore call on the relevant authorities and the media to play a more active role in monitoring the operations of all national associations, including the Sports Division, which itself have sometimes displayed a level of unpleasantness in their communications with a number of sporting associations. This leads me to inquire as to what really are the policies and plans of the Sports Division as well as the Government of Dominica to develop national sporting facilities.
It is all well and good to hail our athletes when they perform admirably and make us as a nation proud. We must be cognisant of the fact that a lot more has to and needs to be done if Dominica is to enter into the Sports Tourism market which has grown significantly over the years to a multi-billion dollar industry. Equally important, and as indicated above, we need to take some deep introspection into all our sporting organisations and how they are governed. Without proper and honest governance we will just be lending lip service when addressing the official opening of every sporting activity.
With a true unbiased commitment to seeing sports begin to rise to levels we are capable of, this publication serves as an attempt to open a discussion on sports in Dominica with a view to treating sports as an industry which it has become while simultaneously providing an avenue for the proper enhancement of our athletes in every sporting discipline.
Opinions expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Dominica News Online or its advertisers.
there is too much fight for power especially in
the dominica lawn tennis association
All i can say is team Dominica that playing sports..they will lead and do what is right for sports..lets us not forget that. leading by example…
Given the facilities and training that are required to get a shot at a medal, both of which do not do not exist in Dominica, why would we even bother to have an Olympic committee?
Looking at this strictly from a business standpoint, having people on staff for something that will never bear fruit is a complete waste of money.
I fully understand having sports facilities to encourage young people to engage in fitness activities and prepare for regional tournaments, but the Olympics are a totally different matter.
We must also question the positions of:
The DOC V.P. Cedric Harris, who is also the President of the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association.
The DOC Treasurer, Philip White, who at the same time is also the treasurer for the Dominica Football Association
The DOC Asst. Treasurer, Albert Loblack, who also holds the post of President of DAVA (Dominica Amateur Volleyball Association)
DOC Executive Member, Glen Etienne, who is also the President of the Dominica Football Association)
DOC Executive Member, Allan Morris, also the the V.P. of DABADominica Amateur Basketball Association)
DOC Athletes Representative member, Woodrow Lawrence. Why is it necessary to have a separate athletes’ representative on the DOC Executive when Cedric Harris is already a member of the DOC (V.P.) and President of the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association?
Because it is necessary under the DOC and IOC constitution. Your arguments may make sense but this structure exists worldwide.
Sounds like what is wrong with everything in Dominica. From Gov to church
But Parl Rep Timothy say he want the old labasse to be a 400 Meter track. What else he wouldn’t say. So many years he representing this area, he stared a complex by the Goodwill Primary School and up to now nothing continue. What political gimmick? Dem politicians just continue to fool constituents.. Maybe the money they spending they need to really get proper facilities for the sports association.
I like the way u wrote this piece u asked relevant question so sad the medias and the ones in charge to take your points and advice further will just blow in the wind. That’s a question I always ask where is the sports minister in all this even if u might not power some of the goings on at least say something no man.
Real Possie, with respect, there is no such word as medias. Media is a plural in its own right ( the plural form of medium).
The association of sport in Dominica should show more concern when the young people or children are traveling to participate sport. I mean just in Guadeloupe the children are coming and no body knows. we here would like to show our support to them, by encouraging them. ect.
Too much fight for power. Instead of moving forward for the betterment of ourselves and the sports
you are very right
Mickey,
Consistency is key.
You support dem fellas politically.
You cannot in one breath slam people for corruption and then in another turn a blind eye to the greed and incompetence that starves the country of investment in sport.
The honest truth is that this Government hates sport and young peoples capability to become independent through sport.
1. In 2014 we have no indoor facility and athletes still qualify for Olympics etc by running on GRASS. In fact we dont even have basic facilities, like pole vaults. We could have created a running track for the stadium, instead we have a white elephant for most of the year hosting one or two cricket matches and serving as a constant reminder of the stupidity of sporting administrators.
2. All our sports are weather affected because they are played outdoor, meaning we cannot host any major events.
3. The minister for sports has little or no interest in sport, has no pedigree in sport, and has not put ONE idea of note for the advancement of sports.
4. In a world where athletics, football and basketball are sports that can elevate young men and women to millionaire and iconic status, it would do more for Dominica as a brand and destination if one ‘Bolt’ or Dominican Messi could emerge than any amount of money spent on tourism or world creole. ONE global name would transform the perception of the island.
Mickey Joseph. YOU are part of the problem.
To recap.
We do not have a publically accessible swimming pool.
We do not have an indoor facility for indoor sports.
We do not have an athletics track INDOOR OR OUTDOOR
We do not have proper tennis court.
Our football fields are cow patches in the main.
And you want to focus on what is happening in the DOC ? Sports in Dominica, is in crisis, and you wonder why the youth are so disenfranchised ?