GOVERNMENT’S commitment to assist with the upgrade of Bushy Park to bring it to international standards is plausible.
Motor sport has paid its dues and deserves the kind of support as outlined in last week’s budget by Finance Minister Chris Sinckler.
It has mass support and is arguably the biggest spectator sport in the country with a very passionate following in all forms of competition.
I would want to point out that this is not entirely new because back in the day, the likes of Bizzy Williams, Bill Mallilieu and Andrew Phillips used to have patrons in a frenzy much in the same way as today’s contemporary hot rods such as Roger Skeete, Paul Bourne, the Mayers and Maloney clans.
It cannot be disputed either that the numbers watching have grown tremendously and the sport’s visibility has increased because of greater media coverage.
I take it that its popularity makes it much easier to acquire sponsorship as businesses recognise the benefits of partnering with a sector where their products can be readily marketed to suit consumer taste.
In essence, it’s a win-win arrangement for all parties at the parochial level.
It’s enough to fan the ambitions of those within the sport and Government, which is beginning to see it from a sports/tourism viewpoint and the hope of getting economic gain.
I have no doubt that it’s the business perspective that would have been critical in Government’s deliberations to be a partner in an extended and redeveloped Bushy Park.
We hear of the additional hotel rooms and the money added to the public coffers when there are major events in Barbados.
Improved facilities and a higher level of competition can only enhance what is already there.
And as cited earlier, motor sport deserves that type of risk given its big appeal and notwithstanding that it finds employment for hundreds and also opens a window of opportunity for entrepreneurs.
In other words, based on holistic considerations few would question whether it deserves an extra filip plus some Government incentives.
I am very aware, too, of that pocket of pundits who believe that other mass based sports should also get preferential treatment because there are some instances where preserving the social capital is equal to the dollar we go after to help bolster the economy.
Some may argue that some of the money gained may still have to be used to correct deviance among a certain group if we don’t find ways to keep them actively engaged and create more incentives for them to reach for higher goals while contributing positively to national development.
I am being realistic because at a time when the public purse strings are extremely tight some may wonder how is it that great assistance can be proposed for one sport and not the other.
I am not counting those in this analysis who would oppose for opposing sake but those who genuinely have an interest in the overall development of our sportsmen.
For instance, at the start of the economic downturn, the redevelopment of the netball stadium into a multi-purpose facility was put on hold.
A promise has been made but we are not yet in a position to relay the track at the National Stadium even though we have a current IAAF World Champion in Ryan Brathwaite and very promising performers among the younger brigade. Potentially, athletics can be a big money earner too, if we upgrade to world standards.
I can only imagine the numbers that would flock to Barbados if we had the resources to host a meet that included the likes of a Usain Bolt and a Tyson Gay.
I am just saying that while there is strategic planning for motor sport don’t let it appear that similar considerations cannot be given to other sports where participation is greater.
It must be tough balancing the national budget in a worldwide economic crisis but still I say full speed ahead to the proposed Bushy Park project.
The national good is what counts almost every time.