The 21st Annual Caribbean Junior Squash Champion-ships concluded on Saturday at the Georgetown Club, and the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) proved to all and sundry, that it is capable of organising and hosting without a hitch an activity of that magnitude despite the constraints in the country.

It is arguably a novelty in Guyana that such a feat could have been realised.

Because of the success the event was, Sportscope is forced to make a call on other local sports associations to take a leaf out of the GSA’s `book.

For too long associations host teams who, before the end of the tournament complain vehemently about one thing or the other.

If it’s not that the accommodation is not suitable, it is that the lighting is bad or the quality of the food is poor or the game officials do not know what they are about etc. etc. etc.

Eight countries including Guyana participated in the just concluded championships and there were over 100 players and officials for the GSA to house (comfortably) and feed (properly), yet there were no hiccups whatsoever.

Sessions, and there were three daily, started and ended on time, hotel accommodation was the best in Guyana, officiating could not have been better and meals were on time, enough and palatable...dessert et al.

For those who missed the `miracle’, from day one, the organisers gave those present at the opening ceremony which was held at the Everest Cricket Club, a hint of what was in store as far as organising a championship of this magnitude is concerned.

The seven visiting teams along with the host, immaculately decked out in their uniforms/track suits, stood tall as each of the participating country’s national anthem was played.

The GSA received kudos from newly-elected chairman of the National Sports Commission, Laurie Lewis, who, despite not playing a further part in the tournament, hinted to what was in store.

For those of us who followed the championships over the nine-day period, especially those old enough to know, none could deny that it was the best-ever organised international event staged in Guyana... at least for the past three decades.

Guyanese are of the view that natives of Barbados look down on them, feeling they (Barbadians) are superior, even benching some Guyanese at the Grantley Adams International Airport.

But there was one Barbadian at the championships who held a different view. Montgomery Cumberbatch, the Barbados team manager told Sportscope that the GSA “rolled out the red carpet” that is set aside for the visit of dignitaries.

So impressed and so pleased was Cumberbatch with the organising committee’s ability to stage a championship of such magnitude, that he promised to reciprocate the treatment to the locals and other Caricom nations when they go to Barbados for the Caribbean Senior Championships next month.

The just concluded championships were originally slated for Venezuela, but because of political problems in the Spanish-speaking country, the Caribbean Squash Association, in December 2002, asked Guyana to play host, and within a matter of days, the GSA responded to the Caribbean body in the affirmative, and the rest is now history.

The GSA went about its task assiduously; an organising committee with a willingness to work was put together. The man at the helm of the GSA and a man with clout Khalil Alli (president), used his office and those of others with clout like himself and secured sponsorship from Western Union, Nestle Supligen, Bounty Farms, Royal Castle, Ansa McAl, Courts Guyana Inc and GT&T.

A Tournament Director was appointed, while referees and liaison officers for each of the participating countries were identified.

Medical facilities inclusive of three hospitals and five doctors were identified along with three venues for matches which were played simultaneously.

With this in mind, Sportscope is now calling on other local sports associations to borrow a leaf from the GSA, and not continue to cause Guyanese embarrassment, on and off the field of play.

Remember also there is nothing to lose from seeking assistance and all to gain. So if you cannot do it yourself, call on the GSA and they might be able to help for, like the song goes.... “we all need someone to lean on.”

Kudos to the GSA.