OBA is right to set drug test example

It’s a good move for the people controlling our funds to be drug tested. I applaud the Government saying all the OBA MPs will be tested.

Anyone involved in sports knows that if they are representing Bermuda, they have to be tested and that includes other people in the travelling party so why shouldn’t MPs be tested, who are representing the people.

This is great they are now going to be setting the example at the top. I hope the Opposition will rethink their position as they are sitting in the House, too. They are representing the people and they would show the youngsters what the proper example should be.

It’s unfortunate that they are not.

If we lead by example, then hopefully, we can prevent some of our young people from making mistakes and getting caught with drugs.

We have several top sportsmen who cannot travel through the US because they got caught with drugs.

They are on the so-called Stop List and they can’t represent Bermuda.

Drugs then hold them back in their sporting careers. As a small island, we always need our best in order to compete.

We need to do our best to educate people so they can make their own decisions.

But it’s more than that.

I know of a man who was taking his family to Disneyworld and he got down to the airport and they told him he couldn’t travel. He was caught with marijuana 10 years ago.

That whole trip was ruined for his family. That shows how serious the effects drugs can have.

I’ve been drug tested over 30 times. I’ve been tested here and at international tournaments.

I am so blessed the good Lord stopped me from smoking marijuana when I was young or I wouldn’t have been able to travel the world and go to all the places I have been able to go to because of cricket.

I was able to maximize my talent and make a name for myself in international cricket because I have been drug free.

At Warwick we have a lot of young players and I have sat down with them and have been straight up with them.

I’ve told them I used to smoke marijuana when I was young and that was a choice I made.

I wanted them to know the pros and cons of smoking and other drugs.

They have to make a choice for themselves.

I’ve let them know I am a father and if I was still smoking and got caught and I can’t take my child away to places like Disneyworld.

I’m sure we can have a debate and say alcohol is just as bad as marijuana or alcohol has ruined as many lives as marijuana, but alcohol isn’t illegal.

The fact remains you can travel the world if you get drunk.

Parents are role models; sportsmen are role models and politicians are role models.

It all comes down to what kind of example we want to set for our youth.