Dr Warren Blake is one of the best JAAA presidents

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Dr Warren Blake, head of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), has bid goodbye after serving the organisation with distinction. He was a very powerful administrator who served the organisation with great leadership acumen. Anyone who is objective can clearly say that he led the organisation brilliantly, with astuteness and far-sightedness. So, in retrospect, we can also say his era was the most successful era in the history of the JAAA. He was fair and fearless in seeing to the stakeholders feeling comfortable and willingly giving of their best. Although most of the time he was not visible in the many media networks, he worked with fierceness but without fear or favour. One thing is for certain, he has achieved his objective with relatively unprecedented success levels.

Dr Blake came in the midst of Usain Bolt’s magnificent display of his remarkable talent and in Asafa Powell’s long stretch of sub-10 seconds runs. Many other athletes, especially the females, are collectively known to have done unusual feats during his tenure. We will never forget his exploits as long as there is a World Champion Competition and there is still an Olympic Games. His memories will be cherished throughout the eternal future where he will be revered by generations for his remarkable stewardship. Even in the less glamourous areas of athletics to Jamaicans, like the field events, we are known to stand tall on the international stage.

To be on top of your organisation and willingly walk away when you are not being pushed is what more administrators should embrace. Dr Blake’s tenure was punctuated with genuine accountability and transparency, and he has never once been accused of corruption or the misuse of funds in cronyism or nepotism. Well done, President Blake! Your job came with showing much guts, which calls for personality and integrity. We wish Dr Blake good luck in his future endeavours.

PARIS TAYLOR

paristaylor82@

hotmail.com