New
York
- They
came with questions seeking
answers, clarity and
direction. Moreover, they
wanted a clear explanation
as to what were the benefits
to their continued
participation. In addition,
they asked “what was going
to be different?” They
wanted to know - Who?
What? Why? How and When? All
reasonable questions. To
their credit, the current
administration of USSA was
prepared to meet inquires,
address concerns
and did not shy away from
any question.
In a short forum held March 20 in Brooklyn, New York, the
directors of USSA met with
the public for the first
time.
It is no secret that there
was a major shake up within
the USSA ranks this past
Winter, culminating with the
vote of ‘no confidence’ in the
then-president Anthony “Ike” Hinds.
Of course depending on who
you spoke to - that removal
took on different
storylines. It is in
this regard Magnus
Scanterbury, the USSA public
relations officer, explained
that this was one of the
main reasons for the
solidarity forum. The
new administration wanted to dispel
rumors about the legality
and reasons for its
ascension.
The vast majority of the
attendees were young adults
who openly shared their
concerns in a manner rarely
seen in a forum like this.
Moreover, they were clearly
not interested in fighting
old folks’ wars or repeating
past mistakes. "Show
me", "Deliver" seemed to be
the theme of the evening.
As is often the case, the
youth were not hung-up or
fixated on past details to
the point of ‘paralysis by
analysis.’ Once a clear and
concise summary of the
events leading up to the
actions taken to dismiss the
previous administration was
received - the youths’ attention and focus
turned to the future.
Their questions were frank,
direct, and to the point.
Their distrust and
disapproval of the deficiencies
and absence of progress
in the past years were not hidden.
Moreover, their lack of an
active voice in past
proceedings was not lost on
the USSA directors.
USSA officials explained
that they had already moved
towards ensuring that the youth
and young adults would have
and play - a
significant role in the future
and decision-making process
through the association’s Youth
committee.
Indeed, it was encouraging
to see young people
answering other young people and
engaging in meaningful
dialogue and reason.
All in all the meeting was
educational and bode well
for the future. The USSA
public relations officer
said "this was a break
from the past" and also,
that “this was no
longer the old boys
network.” The
distinction was also made
that “this was New York, and
not Trinidad.” The new
president Keith Marcelle said
that they (USSA) will be held
accountable to its members.