“THE FOG OF WAR” is an instructive metaphor describing the complexity in making decisions is the midst of conflict. It was coined by that German military strategist Carl von Clausewitz.
Ever since our men’s and women’s spectacular T20 cricket victories in India a few days ago,the “fog of victory” has been sweeping overour West Indian (Caribbean) countries, bringing with it a heady mixture of euphoriaand acrimony.
We won convincingly, yet, deep-seated anger and dissatisfaction with the administrators have eclipsed our moment of victory, a moment we’ve not experienced for the past three decades.
I wonder how many have heard the voice of 27-year-old Carlos Brathwaite, the hero of the moment, on the British Broadcasting Corporation radio programme Stumped.
He demonstrated a maturity and strength of character that was a joy to hear. He praised Marlon Samuels and,with admirable magnanimity, deflected off himself many, if not all, of the “accolades” (his word), directing them towards his senior Jamaican partner.
But that wasn’t all: this young Barbadian also had much sympathy for the devastated 24-year-old Ben Stokes offwhom he hit four consecutive sixes in the final overof the final match against England.
We in the Caribbean must build on the moment of victory and not let the fog of recrimination and pent-up anger becloud the way forward.
Instead of casting about in search of administrators to behead – only to replace them with more of the same – we should pause for a moment and learn something from young Carlos Brathwaite.
He might have more to offer us than four consecutive sixes.
– CARL MOORE