The sports infrastructure in the Cayman Islands is an enviable one compared to the rest of the Caribbean yet the sports organisations rarely work together as a collective to maximise the raw talent of the youth.

Typically, a brilliant young footballer may have more potential in track, swimming or on the cricket field but his coaches and parents insist he stays in football where his chances of succeeding to a level where he can make a living from it are negligible, such is the competitive nature of the sport. A sports executive could possibly help him channel his energies in another sport.

The good news is that the Minister of Sports, Mark Scotland, will soon put together a small group to form a sports executive to direct how to maximise the abundance of talent and excellent facilities in the Cayman Islands. “We’re putting together a sports advisory policy to channel which direction all sports should go,” Scotland said. “That way we can get a collective direction going on such topics as how best we can utilise ministry funds. It won’t be a comprehensive sports collective, but it will be a start.”

Scotland uses boxer Kendall Ebanks as a case in point. “I love boxing and we wholeheartedly support the programme here because it has so many positives, helping to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble. Kendall is benefiting from that and because of his total commitment.

We are looking to help fund him so that he can be a full-time boxer. He gained a lot from going to the world championships in Azerbaijan in September because he realised what it takes to reach the highest level. Some kids here think being a full-time athlete just involves a couple of hours a day training, but it is far from that. I’m a firm believer that kids here have to go off island to see for themselves what it takes to succeed.”

A sports executive will help Scotland best decide how to channel the ministry’s resources. Theo Cuffy, technical director of Cayman cricket, thinks a sports executive would be an excellent move forward - as long as it happens.

“The sports executive can work out a plan for youngsters to best use their god given ability,” Cuffy said. “We have a very small sports community here but a wide range of sports, as many as 20 major ones. As adults, we should guide and direct our youngsters much more. The executive can give much better guidance.

“Funding is so critical for facilities, exposure and scholarships. The executive should also look at how to raise the profile of various sports so that funding can come more easily from the private sector. About 10 years ago the director of sports then had the same idea for a sports executive. All the organisations met for a fantastic lunch and great meet. But that is as far as it went. Nothing happened. I hope history doesn’t repeat itself.”