Sometimes, just sometimes, we tend to blame most problems society face on the government, justly or unjustly so. This dilemma is caused mainly by a misconception and lack of appreciation of the true role of government. But this article is not about that, though it’s certainly a debate that continues to be ventilated at various levels of society. As we continue this series of sharing with you the plans and aspirations of Department of Sports, we stop to address a very fundamental issue in the delivery of sport in any society, and that is the role of government. In the development of the National Sports Policy the government and its relevant agencies took very active and deliberate steps in ensuring that the process was meaningful and thorough.
Fundamentally, government’s role is to provide and promote safety and security for its citizens, promote and encourage equity and ensure development and advancement of society. Researchers agree that the government’s role in sport is very similar, as it should promote national identity, social cohesion and economic growth as well as social development welfare and health.
Governments that recognize the power of sports to advance their goals demonstrate that commitment through appropriate levels of resource allocations, policy development, strategies for the development of the sector and infrastructural development. Such governments understand the role that sport and physical activity can play in:
Improving the health and wellness of citizens and reducing the health care costs
Improving society’s sense of community and collective pride
Reducing risks of anti-social and self-destructive behaviors among youth and other vulnerable communities
Increasing worker productivity and reducing absenteeism and other forms of low productivity attitudes and behaviors
The Government of Anguilla has recognized and accepted its role in the enlisting of sport as one of the tools towards the fulfillment of national priorities. Through the support provided for the completion of the policy, and investment into HR expertise to assist in its implementation, it has showed its commitment. The goal of the policy in this regard, therefore, is to ensure that all Anguillians receive quality sport experiences as a result of Government’s commitment to aptly support the sports sector. In this regard the policy seeks to achieve the following objectives:
To maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the Sports Department through an established quality assurance framework that facilitates ongoing review and strengthening of the Department’s operations based on established performance targets.
To recognize and reward individuals and organizations who demonstrate excellence in sports and/or who contribute to the development of sports in Anguilla through the establishment of a National Sports Award Scheme.
To uphold appropriate standards of operation for sports sector service-providers through the establishment of relevant regulations and procedures that support the effective delivery of sports to all stakeholders.
To provide adequate resources to facilitate the growth and sustainability of sport in Anguilla through the establishment of a Resource Mobilization Committee that will be responsible for developing and executing resource mobilization strategies in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders.
To collaborate with other sectors within the national landscape through the establishment of a Multi-Sectoral (Government) Committee that will identify and support integrated strategies for the realization of national goals to which sports could contribute.
While budgetary allocations remain woefully inadequate to aid in achieving existing goals, there is deliberate and sustained support for resource mobilization efforts. The government understands that if we are to achieve the lofty goals of this policy there is need for greater injection of financial resources. The department currently manages one of the smallest budgets among all government agencies. With responsibilities for managing 13 facilities across the island, providing financial support to 17 National Sporting Associations, and developing and implementing programs to the various communities across the island, it is no wonder that there are challenges. Despite these challenges the Department of Sports pushes forward with the support of the Government to create an environment for success through policy implementation, the creation of more efficient regulatory and management frameworks and the development and redevelopment of facilities.
In the end, real success depends on all of us and the realization of a Healthier Happier Anguilla is not just in the government’s hands but in yours as well.
