SCORE ONE for the smaller clubs in Barbados.
Parkinson Memorial principal Jeff Broomes believes Bajan society still needs sports clubs that are firmly rooted in their districts, saying they are necessary in encouraging community building through social interaction and for creating more avenues for positive youth development.
Broomes made the point in an impassioned speech as the keynote speaker during Yorkshire’s annual awards ceremony at the club’s pavilion in Friendship, St Michael, last weekend.
“The social connectivity that defines a team can never be overstated [as] we share ideas, we collectively plan strategies and support each other in the tactical execution of the plans, sometimes winning and sometimes losing,” explained Broomes.
“Such social interaction defines community, defines country and indeed defines what makes human beings different from animals, insects and rocks.
“This opportunity for social interaction at clubs is even more widespread [because] the spectators get necessary release. The dominoes and cards also provide light-hearted intellectual stimulation. The liquid refreshment to be found at every social club gathering, in addition to giving support to the local economy, also provides opportunity for robust conversation, stress-releasing laughter and good heart-warming manifestations of social interaction and even friendship,” he added.
A one-time Barbados youth manager and former Barbados Cricket Association board member, Broomes has played a significant role in local cricket as both a player but more importantly as an administrator.
And he played his most recent stroke on Sunday, advising Yorkshire to get deeper in the fabric of the Friendship community by recognising its seniors and mentoring the young children.
“There are many senior citizens to be found, identify who they are and establish a database of the birthday of each. Let specially chosen members of the club pay a congratulatory visit on their birthdays, then, once annually bring them out of their homes and here to the club for a senior citizens party of thanks and appreciation.
“There are also quite a few young children who should also be hosted at an annual children’s party here at the club. And maybe because I am an educator, I believe educational support should be given to your young students, be this for Common Entrance or for CXC.
“If this is accepted by the club, I pledge my support by way of gifts of books and the shaping of study and teaching programmes for you.
“The more you strengthen your community, the stronger and better your club becomes,” he added.
Broomes went further to suggest that Yorkshire should look at establishing a youth arm and creating a female cricket squad to help with the development of the women’s game in Barbados. (JM)
