Organizers (dis)Organized Organizing
What is happening to the world we live in, and the societies we are part of, that accountability now seems to be a dirty word, frowned upon and rarely practiced when it matters most? Am I simply too old fashioned for my own good? Or is this truly a sign of the times, where self-centeredness and selfishness have become the trends du jour? There was a time when responsibility felt ingrained. We understood what it meant to be accountable, not only for our own actions but also for the ripple effect those actions created. We could not casually shrug and say what is to be done, dismissing consequences as inevitable. We took steps to correct mistakes. We accepted that being held accountable was not persecution but expectation. That expectation now appears to be fading.
Recently, in our paradise isle, several event organizers have demonstrated a remarkable ability to wash their hands of responsibility while enthusiastically participating in the well-rehearsed blame game. A musical artist was scheduled to perform, only to stage a disappearing act without meaningful explanation. The official organizers responded with a flurry of excuses, each more layered than the last, inadvertently casting event partners and facilitators in an unfair light. Those partners had merely ensured a seamless visit for the talent. Meanwhile, ticket holders were informed that refunds were in the process. One can only hope that process reaches its conclusion.
Similar patterns have emerged in local pageants that too often dissolve into fiascos. Dubious franchise holders prey on the hopes of vulnerable young contestants, collecting application fees and payments for gowns, only for events to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The funds vanish as swiftly as the promises. Questionable designers benefit. Sponsors are approached. Venues are booked. Then everything is abruptly called off. Refunds rarely materialize. When events do proceed, they become platforms for organizers to bask in borrowed glory, repeatedly inserting themselves into the spotlight, distributing token plaques while dragging along assorted companions. The focus shifts from winners to those orchestrating the spectacle.
Winners are then left to navigate international competitions largely on their own, while organizers continue to position themselves front and centre. It is deeply embarrassing. Having creative directed numerous international events, I have always maintained that facilitators belong behind the scenes. The work speaks for itself. There is no need to dominate the stage, commandeer meet and greets, or hover conspicuously over celebratory dinners. In global settings, professionalism demands discretion. Highlighting oneself when the moment calls for celebrating others feels unnecessary and, frankly, tacky. A gentle reminder is in order. Lower the volume on self-promotion and direct the light toward those who have earned it. Sporting events offer little reassurance. Ethics appear fluid, and half-truths often suffice to claim that an event took place. At a recent internationally franchised competition held in Sri Lanka, an entire segment was cancelled less than eighteen hours before participants were due to enter the waters off Colombo. The reason cited internationally was valid. The presence of carnivorous predators posed a serious safety risk. Yet local organizers had long been aware of the issue and had been warned repeatedly. Instead of convening experts to propose solutions, they hoped for the best. When the inevitable occurred, accountability was conspicuously absent. Refunds for the cancelled ocean swim were not forthcoming. Shrugs and dismissals replaced responsibility.
Another incident that drew attention involved a London born Lankan who was refused service at a southern eatery. The proprietor, captured on film, appeared to prefer an empty establishment over serving anyone who was not white. He even laughed through the exchange. When public backlash followed, rather than accept responsibility for blatant racism, blame was redirected toward the young man who exposed the discrimination. In a nation of brown people, such prejudice is both baffling and unacceptable. Tourism authorities must treat these matters with urgency. Promoting a beautiful island means little if dignity and equality are compromised. It must be said that organizers, proprietors, and promoters cannot control every circumstance. Weather disruptions and global tragedies can force unavoidable cancellations. History offers many such examples. However, negligence, lack of due diligence, or a refusal to develop contingency plans do not qualify as unforeseeable events. Ignorance is not a defence. Hoping that problems will resolve themselves is not strategy.
We invest time, money, and emotion into the plans we make. We rearrange schedules, commit resources, and place trust in those promising experiences and opportunities. The least we should expect in return is respect. Concerns should be acknowledged. Grievances should be heard. Solutions should be pursued with sincerity. Perhaps I am asking too much. Yet I remain hopeful. Accountability should not be radical. It should be routine. It should be the quiet standard by which we conduct ourselves in business and in life. Hope, after all, springs eternal. One can only trust that integrity and responsibility will once again become qualities we celebrate rather than evade.
