FIFI we are sorry

AT DIS YEAR’s Summer Olympics being held in France, dey are 206 Nay-shuns participating in over 329 events in 32 Sports.

Sixteen days of intense sporting rivalry covered by every conceivable form of media promotions. Never before has de Nah-shunall Flag of SVG and its 100 thousand population received so much global exposure. Millions, lie-Za says billions are now aware of ah country (doh mind de size) name SVG and are viewing and hearing one-dah-full reviews of our beloved country. Tour-ishim pro-more-shun at its very best, at its lowest cost. “Nuff respect to sports and nuff respects to de youths.” Dey like love and marriage, dey go to-get-her.Whether is running, swimming, boxing, dancing, Soccer, Cricket or what ever sport, just provide our youths wid de facilities and proper coaches. Lie-Za insists ah show appreciate-shun and respect dis week to de great efforts of our four young Vin-sent-shun Olympians, two swimmers- Alexander Joachim and Kennice Greene; and two track athletes Handal Roban and Shaffiqua “FIFI” Maloney.

Very talented young people under 25, SVG is in good hands. Dey all holding Nah-shun-all records in dey various disciplines proudly carrying our Nah-shun-all Flag high in Paris, France.

To dem we say Thank You.

Our Shining Star “FIFI” Maloney was one step behind de Gold, Silver and Bronze Medallists.

But important history was made on “August Monday”, traditionally de day we uses to celebrate as Emancipation Day.Was Big Festival Time at Heritage Square, as Vin-sent-shuns came-out in dey thousands to witness Live -TV broadcast of de finals in de 800 meter Female event in which FIFI made her-story. Having said dat, Lie-Za believes dey was Divine Intervent-shun in every step “FIFI” made during her unforgettable journey. Divine Intervention led her to be interviewed by Sportsmax Jamaica, dat was when she poured her heart out to de stay-shun, holding no punches, explaining at de time dat she was homeless (couldn’t pay she rent foh months, couldn’t pay her coaches fees.Yet she was World No 2 in de 800 meter Indoor event. She had qualified for de 2024 Paris, France Olympics, but had no funding. Den Divine intervened like de Straw dat broke de Calm-Ill’s Back.

Divine Inervent-shun again when “FIFI’s” boldsome disclosure prompted two progressive business companies, ECGC and Coreas Hazells Inc (separately) to provide decent Partnership/Sponsorship with “FIFI,” to support her journey to de 2024 Olympics. She will also serve as a Brand Ambassador for both companies, Beautiful! And den de Go-venom-mint came on board. De commentator during “FIFI’s” race said it beautifully: It has been quite a road to dis one, de lack of support turns out to be tremendous support, and now ah small nay-shun SVG and de entire Carry-Beyond fully behind her.

So we will hold dear to our hearts, day number five of de month of August 2024 when “FIFI” Won de prize foh fourth place in de Finals of de Female 800 Meter Race, becoming de first ever Vincent-shun Athlete in de History of de Olympics, to represent St Vincent & the Grenadines.

About running, and winning de prize, de Apostle Paul had dis to say: “ Do you not know that those who run in the Stadium all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may Win.” “FIFI’ and SVG won, SVG owes our Beloved “FIFI” an apology. Ley me borrow David Rudder’s lines and say: “ FIFI’ we are sorry.

We misunderstood you; But one day we’ll turn our heads and look inside you, FIFI we are sorry.”

KEEPWRITING RENWICK Congratulations to Renwick Rose, fellow columnist in celebrating his Golden Anniversary, (50Years) as ah Columnist/Journalist,/ Reporter/Commentator/ Product-shun Maniger/ Editor.

Renwick is all ah de above, but most of all he is reliable, trustworthy and committed. As ah Foundation member/shareholder of Searchlight, we sat at our first meeting of de company trying to come up wid ah name foh de paper. “How about Searchlight?” he said. And Searchlight it is. e has been very supportive and helpful to me as ah Friend and Fellow Columnist.

Long may he write.

And wid dat is gone ah gone again.

One Love Bassy

• Bassy Alexander is a land surveyor, folklorist and social commentator.