WE believe it’s very fortunate that sports is high on the public’s agenda, even as Dr Andrew Holness and a new Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Administration get set to take the reins of Government for a third term.

On Friday afternoon, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz defeated hosts Bermuda 4-0 in the first game of the final phase of Concacaf qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup set for the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year.

And in a week’s time Jamaica’s athletes will be on the global stage yet again, with high expectations at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, September 13-21.

Inevitably, a new Government must place high priority on such imperatives as crime prevention, health, education, and elusive economic growth.

But the public’s current focus on sports and entertainment, which have consistently played flag-bearing roles in keeping Jamaica’s brand on the front burner globally, means our national leaders can’t turn a blind eye, even were they so inclined.

We are constantly reminded of the need to support sports by way of proper facilities and, very importantly, funding.

Recently, we came face to face with the troubling reality that many of our athletes are struggling to support themselves. That followed news that top field event competitors, including an Olympic gold medallist, had switched allegiance to Turkey. They obviously felt they had no other choice because of the money on offer.

This week we heard the cry for greater support from Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Mr Michael Ricketts, who said his organisation is struggling to meet the $480-million budget for the World Cup-qualifying campaign.

As has consistently happened, sporting bodies, including the JFF, must seek funding and related support from Government and the business community, big and small. In the case of commercial, for-profit operators, benefits to be derived by them from the promotion of goods and services must be part of any deal.

In respect to Government, the JLP’s manifesto for the recent election should be a must-read for everyone.

Infrastructural development, including the long-talked-about renovation and remodelling of the National Stadium; and the establishment of a national sports museum are central to that section of the document focusing on sport. So too a promised upgrade of infrastructure nationwide, including the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium.

The manifesto includes a plan for a $250-million, five-year initiative to “supercharge” school sports; and a $75-million scholarship programme for high school students to enter G C Foster College of Physical Education & Sport. That’s for those aspiring to “a career in sports”.

Plans are one thing, but the Government must also ensure errors, such as the horrendous decision not to host games for last year’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup, are not repeated. That error did Jamaica and its highly respected brand huge damage in every respect.

We believe that the sports minister in the new Government should have responsibility for sports only. That person should be fit for purpose, knowledgeable, enthused, energetic, and prepared to do whatever is required in furtherance of Jamaican sport.

Over to you, Dr Holness.