THE interim chair of Jersey Sport, Steve Law, said that Ian Cuming raised some “very good points” in his open letter to the organisation and States Members, sent on behalf of Jersey Sports Council.
Cuming criticised Jersey Sport for not putting enough focus on the strategic growth of sport, while also panning the government’s “lack of ambition”.
The letter followed an independent review into the relationship between Jersey Sport and the government that set a number of recommendations.
Law said: “It’s good to see them back up and running because the Sports Council were dormant for a little, but they’ve reinvigorated the committee. They circulated a survey to their members and their statement was a reflection of that. I’m hoping that going forward we can work with them and they be a critical friend and that’s a good thing.”
However, Law disagreed with some of the points raised by Cuming.
“He makes the point that Jersey Sport is not and cannot ever be seen as independent. I would dispute that,” he added.
“And his assumption that Jersey Sport hasn’t raised any money. That’s not correct. It just hasn’t gone directly to sports clubs in the way they expect.
“Other than that, he made some good points. He took the government to task as well. I think it’s a positive thing that the Sports Council is back up and running and they’re going to put pressure on both the government and Jersey Sport.”
When asked whether there needs to be more clarity about what Jersey Sport and what the Jersey Sports Council does Law replied: “I couldn’t agree with you more. Clarity is required. I’m going to be defensive about Jersey Sport. We’re quite focused but the perception is that our remit is too wide-ranging and expectations haven’t been met.
“The sporting landscape is huge, but I think for some a lot more clarity going forward would be very helpful and it would certainly take a bit of flak away from Jersey.
“Clearly the job at hand is to work out how we implement the recommendations in the report, some for government to address, some for us to address jointly and involve the stakeholders and sports clubs who clearly felt that they’re not being consulted.”
Meanwhile, Law said applications for the role of chief executive officer are still open until 14 December to replace Catriona McAllister, who leaves at the end of January.