CARIFTA 2024: WE NEEDED THIS ONE!
After a few tough weeks that had national and international focus on Grenada – questioning the porosity and integrity of our security apparatus and the idiotic behaviour of some young men involving the brandishing of illegal guns, Grenada and Grenadians needed recalibration. We needed to reaffirm to ourselves that what prevailed over the past few weeks was no way reflective of who we are as a people and certainly not indicative of any trend. Grenada does not have a bad boy/bad man culture. Bad man does not take bus! A quick fix to this problem is simple. No bail for anyone found with an illegal fireman and stiffer penalties for the perpetrators.
As the nation pontificated on the national issues of the past few weeks something had to take place to unite us once again, to once again bring out our passionate and patriotic best. And the performances of our young athletes at the 51st staging of CARIFTA did just that. The performances witnessed at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium over the Easter weekend were of pure grit, determination, and courage. The 14 medals earned are testimony to the will of Grenadians and less about planning and preparations for a meet that we knew for more than a year that we would be hosting.
Against the might of Jamaica, the Bahamas and to a lesser extent Trinidad and Tobago our athletes eked out podium places much to the delight of an eager audience that needed the distraction.
The news cycles that seem to glorify and highlight idiocracy is now challenged to focus resources and time on young Grenadians with positive attitudes, will power and bright futures. The best way to avoid sensationalism is to ignore the clowns running around in Town and Granda Anse under the moniker of ‘bad man’. We should not be giving them the attention they so desperately seek. Let us use those spaces and efforts to highlight the young athletes more deserving of our collective attention. Urge them on! They should be the headliners in the news and on the front of our publications.
The collective joy at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium was palpable as Grenadians showed once more what we are made of. The visiting teams and their fans were made to feel most welcome, as witnessed by the friendly and playful banter in the stands and the mutual respect as athletes of every participating Nation gave excellent account of themselves. 10 records broken indicates a high-quality meet at an excellent facility. We all hope that the proper care, with track and field and football being the main focus, is a priority for the facility moving forward.
While the athletes excelled on the track and the field there were some organizational challenges that should not be happening at this level. The sale of tickets for a meet of this prestige at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium should be based on the existing system of seat numbering and labelling. At this level patrons should be guaranteed a seat with the purchase of a ticket.
The opening ceremony was exceedingly embarrassing and we should avoid placing such responsibilities in the hands of those woefully underqualified to perform such tasks.
The local announcers and broadcasters do require training. The incessant screaming over the mic and the general lack of information during the races and events made for an awful in-stadium experience. “And its Jamaica! Jamaica!”, was too common a refrain over the mic.
The athletes who are chosen to compete at CARIFTA represent Grenada therefore those responsible for the selection process are accountable to the people of Grenada when those choices are made. A press release is less than adequate, and a full press conference should have been held to announce the team and field any questions and or concerns about omissions or inclusions that might raise eyebrows.
Apart from the heart-warming and inspirational performances of our athletes the Officials must also be recognised for their excellent service during CARIFTA 51. Apart from the mishap on the final event – the Men’s Under-20 4x400m, the meet was well officiated and the discipline and integrity of the Officials were hard to miss.
Grenada needed this CARIFTA more than we knew we did. And the young athletes took it upon their collective shoulders to reset the narrative, to accentuate positivity and give us all a chance to focus on the great things about Grenada and appreciate the abundance of talent that dwell among us.
Our time, our effort, the sphere that is social media, the call-in programs, the news stories can and should highlight the great things about Grenada and Grenadians!
Let us spare a thought for young Sarah Dowden who, while on National swimming duties in the Bahamas, tragically lost her Dad who travelled with her to cheer her on. May his soul rest in peace.
Dexter Mitchell
