Gayle saga a metaphor for disorder
Published:Tuesday | March 6, 2012 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Many of our leaders, including Jamaica's prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, seem to sit squarely on the side of Chris Gayle, notwithstanding the fact that his actions with respect to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), was plainly disrespectful and unbelievably rude.
It always amazes me how quickly most of us are prepared to throw good sense by the wayside as we seek comfort in the arms of made-up patriotism and sentimentality. As a Jamaican, I'm always keen to see as many Jamaicans as possible on the West Indies team, and it gives great pride when the captain of the team is a Jamaican.
This, however, does not and should not allow me to put up with anything from a Jamaican representative on the team, and for me to support the actions of Chris Gayle would be for me to accept that good sense will no longer be required when patriotism is also a part of the equation.
Never mind how we slice and dice the issue, when all the facts are gathered, and all the comments made by Mr Gayle are heard, it is crystal clear that he cannot and should not be allowed to represent the West Indies again without a clear and unequivocal apology to the board, and to all the cricket-loving people of the Caribbean.
It was, therefore, very disappointing to read Howard Hamilton's letter published in your Saturday, March 3, 2012 edition. For a legal luminary to so blatantly ignore the facts is frightening.
Contrary to the statement made by Mr Hamilton, the board has made many overtures to Mr Gayle and has allowed him at least two opportunities to voice his concerns. On all occasions, Mr Gayle was adamant that he did the right thing and refused to apologise.
It is the right of Mr Gayle to hold his ground, but it is also the right of the WICB to require decency and respect in its organisation.
Those of us who are saddened by the general breakdown of order, discipline and respect in our society should look no further than the Chris Gayle saga for an explanation as to why this is so.
We should look closely at why many who support Chris Gayle do so, and we'll see exactly why our society continues to be challenged in so many ways. When those who should know better fail to do better, we'll forever be at the mercy of the thug mentality.
G. MARC GIBSON
Colorado, United States