It came as a shocker to many when in a recent social media post renowned Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell expressed regret over not switching nationality earlier in his career. One of the greatest athletes in history ruffled many feathers and elicited many negative responses from angry Jamaicans who felt that his remarks were unpatriotic. Well this writer is not one of them.

Interestingly, his verbal bombshell was dropped in the wake of a viral video of his son effortlessly winning his race during his school’s sports day. In an unapologetic, no holes-barred revelation, Powell spoke about the poor support system for athletes in Jamaica and why he should have taken the opportunity then to run for another country. And, having said that, the bemused sportsman declared that he would not allow his children to run for his homeland if conditions remain the same.

Of course, this seemingly vituperative remark has come against the backdrop (though not directly related) of the Stocks and Securities Limited (SSL) scandal surrounding the missing funds from legendary track star and Olympian Usain Bolt’s investment account, money he had put aside to take for his retirement, as well as the declaration by another great Jamaican runner Yohan Blake, who has repeatedly bemoaned the fact that his country has not been particularly kind to him, especially during his “down in the dumps” moments on the track.

Those who despise and denigrate Powell because of his outburst should “rewind and come again”, because the harsh truth is that over these many years of Jamaica being a shining star in the sporting arena, there have been many tales of woe regarding how athletes have been badly treated in just about every major sporting activity.

Historically, too, there have been many instances of athletes being outrightly exploited in one way or another. There have been instances of sexploitation, gross ill-treatment, and a crass disregard for the overall welfare of our men and women who have brought fame and glory to this country. Yes, there have been whispers, innuendoes as well as anecdotes which detail the inhumane and and unconscionable ways in which some athletes have been treated. But the sad truth is that no one is willing to bell the cat.

Other areas of concern include lack of mentorship, counselling, and psychological help; financial management and career guidance; insurance coverage; as well as economic assistance for the less fortunate sportsmen and women who sometimes fall on hard times after having given their all to their beloved country.

The Jamaica Premier League, which receives millions of dollars in sponsorship, in my opinion, has the welfare of its players at the bottom of the list of its priorities. Apart from those well-heeled clubs that are owned and managed by private sector moguls, players receive very little pay for their efforts and their personal welfare as well as their socio-economic circumstances are oftentimes taken for granted. Many a football player has to scrounge to survive, relying on the generosity of friends and loyal fans. Indeed, it is no secret that some players sometimes do not know where the next meal is coming from or how their rent will be paid. Hence, the adage “Star at park but starve at home”.

It must be noted that the two major areas in which underprivileged youth can find their place in the sun are sports and the entertainment industry. But unlike dancehall and reggae which can provide a prolonged source of income, sports have a relatively short shelf life. Then there are the hazards that can plague athletes, such as injuries, drug use, and indiscipline, among others.

In the meantime, much concern has been expressed by discerning pundits about the great pressure that is placed on young athletes, especially at the high school level, with some suffering from early burnout, psychological disorders, or unnecessary injuries because of poor coaching. This is not to say that there are not many positives emanating from pursuits in track and field locally, but there has been emerging a worrying trend whereby youths may be pushed to their limits too early, and the intense rivalry at boys’ and girls’ championships (Champs) can have deleterious consequences for some young athletes who are lacking in astute and caring guidance.

Another negative side to this whole issue is the fact that Jamaica is plagued with a “wagonist” mentality, whereby athletes are given all the accolades and adoration when they excel, but the moment they fail to spark they are tarred and feathered, even ridiculed and ostracised.

In a small country such as ours this can prove to be devastating for the athlete, and may well explain why many of them, in the long run, choose to pursue their dreams in a more accommodating and understanding environment.

It is against this backdrop that we should appreciate and understand why an aggrieved Powell decided to go public with his angst, which is far from being ill-founded. We should, therefore, “tek sleep and mark death” and not just condemn him for being “unpatriotic”. His concern should be seen for what it is worth, a genuine wake-up call that should not be taken for granted or shoved under the carpet.

In the final analysis, we live in a country where talented youth, especially from the lower echelons of the society, are oftentimes treated unfairly, seen merely as a commodity that must be exploited and then, in the long run, discarded and forgotten. In this regard, Sport Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange must be commended for some of the meaningful efforts she has been pursuing to put a human face to the business of sports development. We are all so quick and ready to blow the vuvuzela, clang the pot covers, and applaud from the stands, but when the dust has settled, we care little about how our athletes survive.

Powell’s stance needs to be taken seriously, and this writer strongly suggests that he writes his biography, a section of which should chronicle those experiences that have left him feeling so bitter. Many lessons could be learnt from such an exercise and would help to create a better environment for our sportsmen and sportswomen.

Let us hope that the stone that he has cast will have a rippling effect and eventually redound to the benefit of our young and up-and -coming athletes whose patriotism should not be taken for granted but rewarded.

Big up, Powell!

Lloyd B Smith has been involved in Jamaican media for the past 49 years. He has also served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is popularly known as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lbsmith4@gmail.com.