SPORTS, TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE & CULTURE

The Barbuda Team

If one were to agree that the youth account for no less than 65 percent of the population of Antigua & Barbuda, and as the saying goes, “the youth are our leaders of tomorrow,” then one may safely agree that the youth should command more attention in realizing their goals and aspirations.

Put aside academics, youth and adults participate in sports more than any other activity in most societies, including Antigua/Barbuda. As such, there should be no reason why greater and better coverage of our youngsters' involvement and achievement in sports are not of relevant priority.

The Annual Inter-schools' Track & Field Championships are a case in point. Besides the National Youth Rally, when all schools are 'compelled to participate', the Inter-schools' Track & Field Championships are the biggest gathering of the youth, and which are much more of a free will participation.

PMS Javvae Hypolite receives Championship Trophy from Neil Cochrane. SJA 2nd (right) & Barbuda (left) 3rd.

So, the question is, if youth comprise the greater percentage of the population, and sports command the largest participation of all other activities, besides academics, by the youth, how come our media policies do not reflect this fact.

Although ABS Television was present at the YASCO grounds, along with Sports Journalist of the Daily Observer and Editor of the News Pages, the reporting and highlights of the Event on air and the newspapers were sadly lacking depth and shortlived. Other sports journalists were clearly invisible.

ABS was present for both days, but media reports after event lacking.

One business man commented that he was very delighted that ABS carried the Event live, and that he got more information on television, than when he actually went to the YASCO, soon afterwards.

However, others commented that the reporting after the Event was lacking, if the country intends to promote sports.

Some parents, including a Barbudan, explained that they were looking forward to seeing more highlights of the two days Event on ABS Sports News and in the newspapers. According to one parent, “if they want more of their papers to sell, why don't they highlight the children.”

IN DAYS OF OLD - Tamera Archibald (left, 2nd place) was once the fastest sprinter for Wings and held the CKHS record in the 100m since 1992. She obtained Athletic Scholarship to UNLV through efforts of veteran coach & athlete, Fred Sowerby.