Our man in India

Lance Neita, Contributor

Sports fans around the world are hanging on to his every word and noting every gesture made by the man who is currently the centre of attention at the site of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

No, he is not Usain Bolt, but he, too, is from Jamaica, and his name is Mike Fennell.

It is Fennell who, in his capacity as Commonwealth Games Federation president, has been handed the job to iron out those troublesome issues that have been plaguing India's preparations for the games.

Michael Fennell, OJ, CD, is superbly up to the task. Elected federation president in 1994, he is widely regarded as a leading authority on major global and regional multi-sports events. His experience and leadership spans over 30 years in international and Olympic movements.

There was an air of confidence about Fennell as he strode through the Nehru Stadium this week with high-ranked officials, including India's prime minister and Cabinet members giving him audience and others seeking to appease.

His opinions and recommendations are succinct and unapologetic.

In an interview on Monday with CNN-IBN he went straight to the point. "Disappointed at what we have returned to see," he said, describing the poor state of the physical conditions with only seven days to go.

Sightseeing tour

Fennell's remarks made it obvious that this was no sightseeing tour. As president, he must be concerned with just about every aspect and detail of the groundwork.

"There is still more cleaning up to be done," he said on Monday. "Elevators not working, there is water in the basements, and we have structural and operational safety issues to be dealt with."

While pleased to announce later that much progress had been made, and that all nations will be represented (and they are arriving), he expressed his frustration with the delays in getting things done.

Overall, India's commitment cannot be faulted, but "preparation has been a difficult journey," says the chairman, who does not mince his words.

He would not accept the excuse that local hygiene standards may be different from what the 8,000 athletes and 71 countries expect. "There is no difference in standards when it comes to hygiene. Hygiene has no nationality."

As the week progressed, Fennell must have been satisfied that his prodding has helped to produce results.

Athletes are now moving into the village and some are saying they are pleased, following their initial complaints.

After 16 years at the helm, Fennell is used to getting results. All Jamaica must be proud when this son of the soil appears on global television as the man who invites Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to open the Games. This year he will be asking Prince Charles, seated beside him, to read the Queen's message.

No bragging

There is no bragging, no muscle flexing from this great Jamaican who carries our flag across the world with such dignity and character.

Flashback to the efforts of another great sports administrator, Sir Herbert McDonald, who directed Jamaica's hosting of the Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston in 1966.

Dubbed the 'Family Games', it was an outstanding success. It was opened by Prince Phillip on August 4, and moved effortlessly and seamlessly from start to the tape in a superb display of excellent organisation.

It was the pride and joy of Jamaicans. We flocked to the stadium each day, with 30,000 attending on the closing night, August 11.

Governor General Sir Clifford Campbell and Lady Campbell enjoyed every minute in the true spirit of that 'first, fine careless rapture' of the years immediately following Independence.

The King's House diary has the jovial Sir Clifford watching badminton at the arena, polo at Up Park Camp, attending a cocktail party at Caymanas Country Club, and returning to the athletics in one single day.

Jamaica was the smallest country to host the Games. It was a great national effort with the public contributing over £100,000 to the Games Drive. In 1966, we hosted 1,400 athletes from 35 countries, and did so with aplomb.

Let us hope that India will emerge from their pre-game trials with similar fortune and success. With a Jamaican in India, we expect nothing less. On with the Games.

Comments may be sent to columns@gleaner.jm or lance.neita@norandabauxite.com