JFF and brain drain

THE EDITOR, Sir:

In a recent article published in your industry-leading newspaper, it was reported that the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) General Secretary, Dalton Wint, attempted to put a positive spin on the departure (from the island) of three coaches who have been part of the national youth programme.

The only possible positive I can see will be to the coaches but certainly not the national programme. Wint further suggested that the coaches who will replace the outgoing should seize the opportunity to further their coaching careers. Whereas that possibility exists, the credentials of these replacement coaches should be widely ventilated. What are the accomplishments of Messrs Gilchrist and Gilmore upon which rest the JFF’s justification to elevate these gentlemen?

War on veterans

The JFF, like many of our organisations, has seemingly declared war on our veteran statesmen whose credentials are beyond question. Emerson Henry, Jackie Walters, Dr Dean Weatherly, and Leebert Halliman are some of the finest and certainly the most successful schoolboy/youth coaches who are still active, yet the JFF, I’m assuming, believes they are too old to have a positive impact on our national youth programmes.

Thank God the likes of Glen Mills and Stephen Francis remain active as track and field coaches, both at the club and national levels, and both impacting the careers of some of the country’s young talent.

The JFF lacks the vision, creativity, and organisational leadership acumen to understand and appreciate the value of veteran coachers at the youth level.

I have no problem with a younger coach, assuming he has the requisite experience, accomplishments, and qualifications. But let’s stop throwing out the older guys with the bath water.

There should be a system that provides for mentorship and generational overlap, and there is no better place to implement this than at the youth level.

Yes, there is not only brain drain, but also brain freeze. I await the transparency on the qualifications, credentials, and experience for Messrs Gilchrist and Gilmore.

DR RICHARD

KITSON-WALTERS

Sandy Bay, Clarendon

k-w@cfl.rr.com