Howard Hamilton

The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel makes very interesting reading. In chapter 29, verse 18 is written:" Where there is no vision the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

There is no phase of our life that does not require having a vision of what you wish to achieve and planning accordingly. The strategic planning process is essential for proper corporate governance. The steps are clear:

"Mission: What am I? What is my purpose? Why am I here?

"Vision: Where am I going?

"Strategy: How am I going to get there? What goals do I set and what is the time frame for achievement?

"Apprasial: How many tasks have been achieved? What changes do I need to make?

This is an ongoing exercise in every well run company. The importance is that there is continuity especially when dealing with long term plans.

Unfortunately there is very little evidence of this in the racing industry. I repeat what I have been saying and writing consistently. In my last article I reminded readers of the many administrative changes since racing moved from Knutsford Park. Those of us involved in the industry for some time will recall the amount of "Ls" we have gone through. There has been RPL with TSL, HPL, CTL and almost CEL - with all these "Ls " it has been continuous HELL for horsemen.

New set of directors

Each change of Government brings a new set of directors - we even have directors changing when ministers with portfolio responsibility change. Recently there was a change of directors due to political pressure brought about by "influential" stakeholders. This is no way to run a successful business. Let us now grasp the opportunity to make this critical change to our corporate structure and remove the power from government in the running of our business. Our current directors speak with an aura of independence, let us now see if they will act and do what is right for the industry. We again have the opportunity of trying to get it right once and for all. Divestment is no longer a but investment is an urgent priority.

This board has the opportunity of making the most lasting contribution to the industry, leaving behind a legacy that no other board has had the vision to do.. A totally restructured corporate model with private sector in partnership with the Government is the greatest legacy which this board could leave to the industry.

Directors would now be appointed at an annual general meeting and the operation would be run as any normal business. Our current board of directors need to fix the model for progress as a lasting legacy to their contribution.

As they grapple with determining the right course for the way forward the suggestion had been made that they incorporate proposals putforward in response to the government's request for divestment of the Caymanas Park complex.

That does not seem possible since the principal of one of the proposals has taken legal action against Caymanas Track in a matter which seems to preclude any positive cooperation from that quarter.

Much more proactive

I have written on previous occasion that the Jamaica Racing Commission needs to be much more proactive in protecting the integrity of racing. We have still heard nothing of the "Cordite affair" nor an explanation for the running of Sea Cracker when ridden by visiting jockey Andrew Ramgeet and starting as an odds on favourite. Turfites will recall that Sea Cracker apparently fell asleep in the starting gates and trailed the field for the entire race.

We have had nobody warned off from places where the rules of racing applies for quite some time. In fact, I can only recall this happening during the Dennis Lalor regime as chairman of the commission. I can't believe that the serious contravention of the rules of racing is any less prevalent today than it was then. An interesting rule is 247A section (iii) which states "Any person who: within or outside the boundaries of a racecourse is guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interest, welfare or image of horse racing shall be warned off all courses and other places where these rules are in force."

Clearly, should the court rule that this action brought against Caymanas Track and the chairman of the board prove to be without merit and is mischievous, then the commission will have every reason to take action in this matter and prove that they are not a pack of wimps.

Howard L. Hamilton, C.D, J.P is a former chairman of Caymanas Track Limited. He is the current president of Thoroughbred Owners and Breeder's Association. He can be contacted at howham@cwjamaica.com.