The announcement by Central Bank Governor Jwala Ramarran that the country is in recession and the effects will be felt next year (An Olympic Year) has not surprised the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC ).

Most people believe that sport administrators live a life sipping champagne, munching on caviar and operating in and out of five-star hotels.

The environment in which national sport organisations and governing bodies operate have evolved far beyond the traditional methods and thinking.

Unelected and unaccountable. When the unelected flex their muscles sport is less democratic. Free and fair elections, it is argued, is the bulwark of democracy in any sphere. Any effort to promote and strengthen democracy in sport governance must be embraced no matter how bothersome.

The medal bonus for Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil will be US$10,000 for an individual gold medal, US$8,000 for silver and US$5,000 for bronze.