Making use of Clive Lloyd is a good thing

Dear Editor,
I am noticing a great movement – the spread of cricketing academies in Guyana. I know that in Guyana it is not possible to have these academies on a full-time basis, so these one-week camps are indeed most fabulous. What makes me even happier is the fact that people of great cricketing pedigree are being utilised.
Just recently, Milton Pydanna helped out in Berbice, and Clive Lloyd did his part in Lusignan. As for Lloyd, the former Guyana and West Indies captain told the young participants (at the opening of the11th East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) Annual Cricket Academy) that, without a foundation of discipline they are likely to fail as individuals, not only in sports, but in life. I do know that these academies are most holistic, and so it is not surprising that Clive emphasised discipline in life, and not just sports. Lloyd, in his feature address, defined discipline as: “training expected to produce a specific type or pattern of behaviour, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.” This point about the moral and the mental is most profound.
I advocate that cricketers (other athletes too) read as much as possible. Lloyd explained that each of us, as we develop in life, are influenced in some measure – at some point or other – by guidance that would have hopefully charted a course of propriety in personal development as responsible members of society.
He said even as children, we are taught and nurtured by elders to inculcate good manners and proper habits that would not only make us responsible citizens of the community, but successful individuals as well. It is reasonable to assume therefore that in life without a foundation of good discipline, we are likely doomed to a future of, not necessarily, failure but of uncertainty, and likely instability. These are good words indeed and they have great implications for life. I am urging all the youths to really take this to heart, and be more disciplined sports men and women. I include not only the game of cricket, but in terms of education and morals as well.
By the way, over the past decade, a number of participants who attended the academy went on to represent Guyana at different levels – Zaheer Mohamed, Brian Sattaur, Kumar Nandalall, Emran Khan, Kevin Basil, Clive Andries, Krishna Deosarran, Kamesh Yadram, Abeena Parker, Devanie Sewnarine, Indomattie Goordial, Triolla Marshall, Faye Franklyn, Reneeka Isaacs, Darlene Gayle, and Bashkar Yadram. So, the academy is working and must be accorded full support.

Respectfully submitted,
Jaideo Seelall