We are facing a perception problem and need to get our mindset right.
If one is to go by the allegations, gossip and rumour circulating, it would be easy to believe that corruption is rife here in T&T.
The perception of a culture of endemic corruption, smart alecks, thievery and beating the system should concern all right thinking citizens, including national sport organisations (NSOs).
Against this background, it is necessary for sporting organisations to make themselves aware of anti-corruption efforts and to adopt a zero tolerance approach to corruption in sport.
A few years ago, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the IOC’s Lausanne headquarters to fight corruption in sports. Between 2003 and 2006 the government of T&T signed and ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
The UNODC Web site describes corruption as a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9, 2009, UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon said corruption “is not some vast impersonal force” but “the result of personal decisions, most often motivated by greed.”
Is corruption destroying the future of T&T? Or are the allegations and ole talk just that? It’s not about who feel they are holier-than-thou, sanctimonious or morally superior. It’s about standing up for what’s right for T&T.
Trust is the foundation of leadership. Leaders can’t repeatedly break trust with people and continue to influence them.
The ordinary citizens are disillusioned and have lost confidence. People will tolerate honest mistakes, but if you violate their trust you will find it difficult to regain their confidence. Trust is a leader’s most precious asset; when words and the facts don’t match, mistrust sets in. Having quoted John Maxwell before, I make no apologies for doing so again. Maxwell recommends leaders develop their character, integrity, authenticity and discipline. To develop integrity, he suggests making a commitment to be scrupulously honest. Don’t shave the truth, don’t tell white lies and don’t fudge the numbers—be truthful even when it hurts. To develop authenticity be yourself. Don’t play politics, or pretend to be anything you are not. To strengthen your discipline, do the right things every day regardless of how you feel.
Thou shalt not steal is an age old admonition—call it corruption, cheating, doping, match fixing, fraud, misappropriation, unauthorised use of money, embezzlement or bribery, the consequences are the same.
Valuable resources are taken away from those who need it the most. It is the grassroots who are cheated out of needed benefits.
The temptations are strong and the inducements are attractive but NSOs must remain faithful to the core values of sports—honesty and fair play. Integrity should be non-negotiable and priceless.
The responsibility and trust is even greater in nonprofit volunteer based sport organisations. It’s not only money that can be stolen. Dreams can be stolen. The welfare of athletes old and young and their peace of mind can be stolen. Opportunity can be stolen. Just and fair treatment can be stolen. Fairness in selection and coaching can be stolen. Infrastructure and funding can be stolen. Good governance can be stolen. The sustainable development of sport can be stolen.
Thou shalt not steal.
This is not the time to be indifferent.
Sport must do its part to change the perceptions and debunk the allegations, rumours and gossip.
If NSOs want to perpetuate the view that sport is wholesome and that the nation’s children and youth should be encouraged to play, participate or compete in sports none of us involved in sport have a choice.
Brian Lewis is the Honorary Secretary General of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee www.ttoc.org. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the TTOC.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt