Dear Sir,

If you would allow me a few lines to discuss our trajectory in sport in these islands of Bermuda. Our history regarding our prowess in the arena of competition is simply astonishing and borders on phenomena, considering the size of our population.

However, as I dispense with the pleasantries, we are systemically dysfunctional with our approach as a nation. Public education has doomed senior athletics. The competitiveness of proper competition has derailed and deprived athlete and nation of systemic greatness. The ripple effect has been devastating. The losses have been immense and immeasurable. There is no quick fix. However, a paradigm shift has to take place at all levels.

The just-concluded midsummer classic: is it at a standard that players can be proud of? Our domestic football league and athletics share the same fate of mediocrity. We continue to talk about “when we used to”.

When will we get it correct! The standard of amateur has disintegrated into farcical sub-levels. The world has passed us by.

A semi-professional set-up is needed at minimum. We have to provide that extra layer of gravitas to what we do. Mediocrity and low flying is not getting it done. A government-initiated sporting ethos enshrined in legislation is the way forward. This should produce a trickle-down effect for all athletic interests. Excellence should be the pinnacle and destination in everything that we do.

DWIGHT JACKSON

Hamilton Parish