Bill Belichick, arguably one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, once famously stated: “To live in the past is to die in the present.”
While Barbados is not very familiar with that kind of football, the comment rings true for our local football with the Barbados Football Association (BFA) about eight weeks away from its presidential elections.
As of now, it will be the incumbent Randy Harris, a veteran in sports administration, against former BFA council member Omari Eastmond, a new youthful asset to the sport, at the April 7, 2024 vote.
The contest, no exaggeration, will be viewed as perhaps the most important election in the history of the BFA since a victory for either of the two candidates will determine the future of Barbados football.
Harris, since becoming president in 2012, has been presiding over nothing short of what can only be described as a disappointing period for local football as Barbados now embarrassingly sits at number 178 in the world, based on FIFA men’s rankings, and number 161 in the women’s rankings.
When one looks at the nations above us, one can only cry in shame.
The state of Bajan football can hardly be disputed.
Serious questions will no doubt emerge as to how the home nation of a sitting CONCACAF Vice President and current Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president languishes in the bottom ranks of international and Caribbean football.
Then there is the BFA’s internal turmoil, with four general secretaries resigning under Harris’ tenure, not to mention national coaches. Within the last six months, we have had six national coaches resign, with Renaldo Gilkes being the most recent. It was reported that when asked his reasons for stepping aside as coach of the Barbados Under-15 boys team, Gilkes said his vision and that of the BFA did not align and he felt it was best to move on.
Gilkes said: “I just think at present that we are not compatible, that our ambitions for the group (Under-15s) contrast. There were a couple of instances when I tried to speak with the decision-makers about the programme that I don’t think was prioritised.”
Harris will no doubt have to face up to these issues as he appeals to the island’s 64 clubs (as of last year) to support his bid for another four years at the helm.
Apart from the presidential jostling, the CONCACAF region will be hosting the 2026 World Cup and no Caribbean team will be involved. Yet another grim reality Harris will have to defend.
Still, the BFA elections will be determined by the football clubs of Barbados which are often silent when it comes to the development of the sport.
Harris is still idolised as the father of out-of-season football.
The popular Barbados Entertainment Support Services (BESS) Tournament, later LIME Pelican, provided much-needed funds for those who had football as their only means of income.
There have however been questions about his handling of out-of-season football when he took up the presidency.
Eastmond also has his crosses to bear as he hopes to unseat Harris.
Though a popular and respected young man in the football arena, having represented Barbados at the highest level, he has the difficult task of uprooting Harris who is a household name in local football.
Eastmond was once a member of the failed BFA executive and resigned due to personal differences with Harris. To his credit, he has released a manifesto and a series of video messages.
However, he must come to terms with the fact that while he may appear to have tremendous public support and positive online feedback, the decision lies with the 64 clubs who have a vote.
While Eastmond says the right things about youth development of football, changing the public perception of the game, increased prize monies, better venues, and improved government and private sector partnerships, these are the same promises local clubs heard 12 years ago.
The clubs must consider the Belichick quote as they determine the future of Barbados football.
Let’s hope they take the best shot for a national victory.
