In 1974 representing the Gold house at the Charlestown Secondary School annual sports day, Andy Liburd wrote his name four times within the records books, however, 35 years after, despite the fact that three of those records being erased, he still has one that many fear will never be broken. Still standing after 35 years is the senior males’ 1,500 metre record which Liburd took in 4:22:20 seconds representing Gold house.

Now a very successful businessman who has spent some 15 years within the banking sector, Liburd has issued a passionate appeal for the call for authorities to do more for sports personalities in the Federation of St. Kitts/Nevis.   

Liburd, who hails from Nevis and has been an avid sports enthusiastic, said more has to be done thus ensuring that athletes today within the twin-island Federation can be able to access opportunities that athletes of yesterday were unable to garner.

Liburd is known for his outspoken approach on a number of issues and his passionate support for youth oriented programmes. He told of his frustration in the way sports is conducted in St. Kitts/Nevis thus his strong belief that athletes are face with increased challenges.

He expressed the belief that athletes are not treated fairly in the country, thus the many challenges and difficulties that they face. The former sprint king pointed out that not much is being done or offered to those who would dedicate themselves in their involvement in the area of sports in one way or another.

Expressing his frank view on administrators of the various sporting disciplines in St. Kitts/Nevis, Liburd said most of those who are tasked with administering sports are either in for the money and benefits or purely just for fun. He noted that it must be solely on the grounds of wanting to make a meaningful contribution to the holistic growth and development of the athletes,

“Administrators must recognise that their involvement should be primarily on the ground of contributing positively and making meaningful contribution to the athlete’s growth and development rather than they (administrators) personal image and pockets,” he said.

The former athlete admitted that he stills supports financially and in any other way that he can to the development of sports as he recognises the enormous benefits and opportunities that it can and will open for young upcoming athletes today.

He stressed that his company’s sponsorship of establishing a Web site for the Charlestown Secondary School forms part of NEMUS’s approach to ensuring that records and other information are readily available to those that are interested in seeking it.

“The establishment of a Web site for your school will assist in bring opportunities to you with the click of a botton as I encourage you all to make use of the opportunities that this Website will bring,” he urged the students.

On the issue of time spent, he noted that much time is spent by some to get themselves in order and qualified and in most cases they are overlooked. He lashed out at the government’s approach to sports noting that while they (government) should be commended highly for some of the initiatives and programmes in some areas, they have not been putting money in some areas that are critically important.

Another area of grave concern he said is that government needs to address urgently is ensuring that the right people are involved so as to help in taking sports to another level. “We continue to see government pumping money into other areas that are not necessary, while there are a lot of people with the right knowledge, skills, expertise and experience who are not given an opportunity to administer the various disciplines,” he said.

Addressing the issue of managers and coaches, Liburd said they should have the required prerequisite before being entrusted with certain responsibility. He, however, noted that a different story is presented where anybody and everybody assume certain roles where they have no skills, expertise and even experience.

“Today, the number one criteria needed to be given certain responsibilities is friendship as most decisions are made based upon how close you know someone, which is purely unacceptable and unprofessional. We also see it when selecting athletes and other officials to represent the federation at various events and functions in sports,” he declared.

Liburd whose daughter, Tanika, has followed closely in his footsteps in terms of athletic exploits, said he is very committed and dedicated to helping in whatever way that he can as he admitted that he has a passion for sports and will continue to lend a helping hand.

Liburd who has been a major financial contributor to educational and sporting activities and events in both St. Kitts and Nevis reiterated his belief that there is an urgent need for a complete revamping of sports systems in the Federation, stressing that only then can St. Kitts/Nevis will make meaningful progress.