‘Bad apples not allowed to spoil bunch’ - Hon Julian Fraser
So said Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and Representative for the Third District Honourable Julian Fraser, RA at a press conference today July 7, 2014 to launch his 2nd Annual Save the Seed Basketball League.
The launch took place at the Save the Seed Energy Centre in Duff’s Bottom.
It was attended by not only members of the media but also several other stakeholders including sponsors and committee members.
In his address which can be described as diligent, firm and purposeful Honourable Fraser stressed the importance of the league in pulling youths away from the negatives of society in order to keep them out of places but at the same time said that certain levels of indiscipline would not be tolerated.
“We are building a zero-tolerance League, despite our desires to reach far beyond the call to bring our youth along. But we cannot, [and I repeat] cannot allow one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch,” Hon Fraser said.
He added, “That said, I regard these facilities to be on holy grounds, and therefore players must know that the use of profanity is not welcome; unsportsmanlike conduct is not welcome; and neither is tardiness. We have a reputation, both the Bishop (John I. Cline) and I, and we intend to keep it.”
Hon. Fraser’s stand was well supported by his main partner in the League, Bishop John I. Cline, who said in the area of youth development there are other components such as respect. “One of the things a team sport will do is help to build respect for one another and respect for leadership and also create a sense of teamwork,” said Bishop Cline.
During the first Save the Seed League of Hon. Fraser in collaboration with Bishop John I. Cline one team was suspended for two years consequent of a deliberate nasty fight. Asked if there were any waivers that could allow the team to participate in the competition this year, Commissioner of Hon. Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball League Mr Rajah A. Smith said “NO.”
Smith said that the committee has since reviewed the video recording of the incident and has decided that they cannot withdraw the disciplinary action against the team. The decision of the league to suspend the entire team following last year's fight incident stands, according to the committee.
It was also noted that there were no known apologies offered by the errant team, no legal action occasioned or any other form of disciplinary actions taken.
Mr. Smith said that any player who participated in the competition last year automatically qualifies for entry this year. He also said, “However, this year there will be a draft system to allow any player within our Territory a chance to play in our league. A raffle pick will determine what teams get which number pick in the draft.”
The motto for the tournament this year is, “Respect yourself, Respect the fans, Respect the game.”
New for this year’s league also is the decision to award the senior championship teams with rings.
The league is set to get started on August 15, 2014 and all games will be played at the Save the Seed Energy Centre Basketball Court, Duff’s Bottom, Tortola, VI.
The Hon Julian Fraser Save the Seed Basketball league committee comprise Committee Chairman Mr Julian Willock, League Commissioner Mr Rajah A. Smith, Assistant Commissioner Mr Milton C. McLean, Secretary Ms Gloria Mactavious, Ms Jacky Nathaniel, Mr Charles L. Forbes and Ernest Potter.
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Out with the NDP!