Dear Editor,
I wish to address a small concern expressed by letter writer R Trim (SN 19/12/18), who, despite the caption, seems hell-bent on maligning my ability and skill in the journalistic field. His contentions were many but Mr Trim has not been bothered to outline his experience and knowledge in this area in which he so boldly criticises the qualified personnel. One would have expected that Mr Trim, after making such caustic remarks, would have at least a modicum of knowledge of the criteria for the selection process; otherwise, it is fair to assume that he is speaking in the breach and his views ought not to be taken seriously.
Mr Trim boldly denounced the choice of Best Boxer (Keevin Allicock) saying that his pick would have been middleweight, Desmond Amsterdam. His sole contention is that Amsterdam fought three times and won all, inclusive of one stoppage. This gentleman ought to be briefed by the experts that the establishment of such a prestigious prize is premised on far more than just the number of bouts fought by the boxer; there are other key variables like exhibition of skill, defensive techniques and skillful aggression, to name a few. Should he be interested in a broader perspective, he could approach me at any time for an educated brief on this topic.
Personally, I belief that this letter was uncalled for and gave me the impression that the sole purpose for his diatribe was to get me off his chest. He referred to me as a former national welterweight champion turned announcer and then went on to say that I “stole the show and seemed on a mission to mix up everything.” He accused me of performing “a sour job as the ring announcer and forced many ‘suck teeths’ when (I) continuously announced wrong rounds, wrong names, wrong winners, wrong corners and even wrong countries.”
Please Mr Trim, I did not ‘turn announcer’. I am a UG graduate with a Diploma and a Degree in Public Communications and I view your diatribe as malicious and uncalled for. Admittedly, on one occasion, because of a mix-up at the head table, I inadvertently made an error in the announcement and immediately apologised and corrected. For this, I am accused of “assaulting the ears of spectators.” Mr Trim then suggested that I hang up the mike. Forgive me if I take this as a personal attack but as old people say “Goat dung just need a lil breeze fo start to roll.” Roll on Mr Trim. I might just take your advice and step aside to facilitate the smooth developmental flow of the sport you have worked tirelessly to build!
Yours faithfully,
Michael Benjamin
Former Continental Welterweight
Champion
Former National Welterweight
Champion
Former National Lightweight
Champion
Former Carifta Games Gold medallist
