MP Weeks, Minister Scott: Athletic Achievements
Shadow Sports Minister Michael Weeks has criticized comments made by newly appointed Education Minister Wayne Scott, who responded by saying it was “clearly a political statement and not worth taking seriously.”
Shadow Sports Minister Michael Weeks said, “In light of former Sports Minister Wayne Scott’s comments on Bermudian Olympic Athletes needing a reality check, his transfer from the Youth and Sports Ministry will probably be welcomed by our local competitors.
“All too often Bermudians are told that they aren’t good enough and Minister Scott’s ridiculing the aspirations of our athletes does little to reverse the anti-Bermudian attitude emanating from some parts of our community. Our youth need to be encouraged to be the best, regardless of the odds and not told to settle for mediocrity by Bermuda’s leaders and role models.
“The PLP believes that every Bermudian who aspires to success should be encouraged, not discouraged and that sports plays a major role in teaching work ethic, character and cooperation to our young people. We believe that:
- Bermudian athletes should be encouraged to be the best and strive for the highest levels of success
- Sports be structured and facilities properly funded from as early in our children’s lives as possible, to develop local talent, build world class levels of discipline, work ethic and competitive spirit in our youth
“The PLP will continue to oppose the anti-Bermudian attitude of the OBA and stand up for our youth as we encourage our youth to be the best.
“Often we hear comments from segments of the population that try to limit the ambition and achievements of Bermudians. We hope that comments of this nature do not follow Minister Scott from the Sports Ministry to the Education Ministry, and that he does not feel the need to discourage our students from international excellence,” added Mr Weeks.
In response, Minister Scott said: “This is clearly a political statement and not worth taking seriously.
“Anyone who actually read the original news story would know that Mr. Weeks’s characterization of it is not what was said, nor intended. As a former athlete who has actually represented my Country, my statement actually offered a pathway for excellence. I also acknowledged the extraordinary achievements that our athletes have made.
“If anything, Mr. Weeks’s statement highlights the difference between words that are used to move people forward and words that are used to play politics,” added Minister Scott.
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Well said Minister Scott
I kinda agree with Wayne Scott in some areas. It’s sad to be getting National records and placing 55th overall. Sometimes we mistakenly make people think they are better than they really are at a particular time. It doesn’t mean that we don’t think they can’t get better but just that they aren’t where they need to be to make it on the stage they are trying to get to. This is precisely what happened to the cricket team with the World Cup. The rules were changed and they qualified but should never have been there cause they weren’t ready.
You can’t blame the cricket team for qualifying for the tournament, it was done fair and square and the team indeed was one of the leading Associates at the time. The debacle of the national team since then, of course, was disappointing, but is a separate topic.
I take your point but just because you qualify doesn’t mean you are ready. When you can’t beat a team that is just starting out and whose first clubhouse is a shot down helicopter, it’s time to reevaluate your position. Track and field we always have people trying all year to meet a time that only allows them to come last at the meet but still happy to break a national record. All I am saying is go do other tournaments first and then when these are becoming easier to compete, then go try out for the bigger show.
I am no fan of the OBA (or politicians in general) but I agree with Mr. Scott’s argument which made sense and in now way denigrated our local athletes.
Mr. Weeks you have (intentionally) twisted the words of Mr. Scott and are now using them for your politics. You are attempting to use the island’s athletes as political footballs to score cheap political points for your selfish benefit. Shame on you.
You should be ashamed, because what you claim he said, he didn’t at all and he actually made sense as to what should be
“should be done to increase the level of skill across the board”
The prime give away that this article was politically motivated was “The PLP will continue to oppose the anti-Bermudian attitude of the OBA”
I do agree with Mr. Weeks and that our athletes should be encouraged to continually strive to go beyond their own perceived limitations, however his statement does use of the ease with which Mr. Scott’s statement was presented to spin it out of the context that it was meant to convey, for one that falls in line with the PLP’s electioneering propaganda that the OBA is anti-Bermudian. Mr. Weeks’ statement is of no real need, other than for this purpose, it does nothing to address the any issue affecting our island and community.
I tend to agree. It was a fine rebuttal until he got all OBA/anti-Bermudian on the topic, which completely distracts from the issue at hand.
Weeks was supposed to be one of the good guys but he has really fallen down in the last few weeks. Even if you don’t agree with Wayne Scott then Weeks’ petty politics does nothing for the island.
My patience is now getting very thin with the plp!! EVERY DAY, we are bombarded with absolute rubbish/nonsense from those lot!!!! Weeks/plp Puleeeaaasse!!! A real JOB is what you need, I do realiize that most of you are unemployable but please spend your time looking as opposed to subjecting the rest of us to your nonsense every day!!! Nothing stings the plp more than the TRUTH!!!!!!
Like your patience (or lack of) matters to any of us. Arrogance at its best…..
Another shameful twisting of word ……Mr Weeks. How embarressing for you and the PLP.
Yes it’s so embarrEssing.
I have to say, I agree with the Shadow Minister. And no I am not a PLP supporter. I think this issue is not, and should not be political.
When athletes compete oversees, they have to reach qualifying standards. So surely they can compete with other athletes.
So if someone makes the qualifying standard, they should be given all the encouragement to do the best they can.
If an athlete asks the Sports Minister for help, it would be considerate of the Sports Minister to at least acknowledge the athlete, even if funds are not available. I am speaking from personal experience.
Funny how it is no funds available, But if the athlete gets money together and goes themselves, the Minister would be along for a photo op. Oh and don’t forget to fly the Bermuda flag.
You’re absolutely right regarding qualifying standards and that encouragement should be received. The minute an athlete does well, on his or her own or through the help of family, there is an abundance of accolades and pride shown. Sad how we cheer someone on once they are doing well and then ignore them when they are not at the top of their game. It is not surprising that many athletes opt to hone their talent and skill off island and are ‘unchained’ to the rock!
MP Weeks, yet again, takes words out of context and twists them for political point scoring. Last time he twisted the words of MP Pettingill. Who writes (or believes) this stuff?
My wife had to explain to my 9 yr old son today who while coming in 17th out of 30 in his schools cross contry…somthing I was very bad at. That no you don’t get a medal… only the first 3 get medals… came as a bit of a surprise.
And the shadow minister saying it’s anti Bermudien is pathetic. ..
I also agree with the Minister my concern was why wait till a few days before him leaving office to say something. You know very well the wheels of Government move slow and now that he is not there nothing will be done. Contrary to many Ministers make a huge impact on promoting their agendas. I think it was all timed to sound good but nothing will be done unless he cuts some more funds
Another “week” and the PLP has twisted words made by someone in the OBA. And so what happens? The OBA has to come from behind and correct them yet again.
Talk about a farce.
I used to hold Mr. Weeks in such high regard but this is the second time I’m disappointed….
The difficulty I have with Mr. Scott’s reasoning here is that it is incredibly disheartening for aspiring athletes and such thinking could very easily drive a whole generation of kids away from their dreams and Into God knows what. Frankly, in this instance this is plain mean spirited and not very bright.
Clearly you haven’t read the Minister’s entire comment.
Political Spin DOCTORS don’t help at all !! From the bloggers to politicians !! Encouragement sweetens the labour yes ! We shouldn’t be satisfied with half a loaf , average or mediocre ! Not everyone can be gold medalist but we can be contenders for one !!
Minister Scott has hit the nail on the head! The PLP as always are unable to make tough calls !!
Mr. Week’s negative statement about a Bermudian Minister, Mr. Scott, shows how Anti Bermudian the PLP are. Once again the PLP put down an educated Black Bermudian with negative comments. Their constant demonization of Black Bermudians, in this case elected Minsters, shows how distrustful they are of Bermudians in general.
lol sounds crazy right? this is how almost every opinion piece from the PLP reads of late.