A NEW era is about to dawn on local soccer – yes, another one! – with the election of Richard Calderon as president of Bermuda Football Association.

Given the fickle nature of Bermuda's clubs, it came as no surprise that Calderon was voted in at this week's AGM.

What was surprising, however, was his landslide victory over incumbent Larry Mussenden – 15 votes to just six.

It was an indication of the overwhelming feeling that it was time for change, despite the fact that Mussenden can be credited for a number of important reforms and initiatives, not least of which was raising the amount of funding which now allows the BFA to operate in a more efficient manner.

How the new man in charge affects change remains to be seen, as so far he's been reluctant to share his thoughts with the public. And that's perfectly reasonable as he wants time to discuss matters with his executive and make whatever appointments are necessary before divulging his plan of action.

But hopefully he can establish a good rapport with the media as that's the only way the public can be made aware of how the game is progressing.

It is known, however, that fixing the sport at the grass roots level will be one of Calderon's priorities and a little less emphasis put on the national team.

But in order to make that plan work he'll need full cooperation from the clubs and, as history has shown, the relationship between the governing body and those who fall under their umbrella hasn't always been workable.

Perhaps Calderon's first initiatve should be to implement a new disciplinary code.

As the new league season kicked off with First Division play last Sunday, there was an indication of the type of problems the president faces.

Of the four games scheduled, only three were played.

Somerset Eagles travelled almost the entire length of the Island only to find that their hosts, X-Roads, hadn't turned up, and even worse didn't even inform the opposition they had no intention of playing.

Only one goal had been erected at Garrison Field in St. George's.

That kind of farce, unfortunately, isn't unusual at the end of the season when some teams have nothing to play for. But on the opening day of a new campaign, it's inexcusable.

Besides forfeiting the points, one would hope that X-Roads will be punished more severely and warned that another no-show will result in the club being booted out of the league.

Calderon, no doubt, has more important matters to deal with at this juncture, but it is the kind of incident which has to be dealt with in a no-nonsense manner in order for football to move forward.

With twin brother Robert on his side – both have extensive knowledge of local football – and with technical director Derek Broadley a long-time friend, Richard certainly has the tools to revolutionalise the way the game is played in Bermuda.

But the question remains, will those who put a tick beside his name at Monday's AGM continue to show the same kind of loyalty?

Their support will be crucial.

* * * *

FREEDOM of speech, isn't it great!

And nobody seems to enjoy this basic principal of democracy more than the fiery, outspoken Laverne Furbert.

Trouble is, she firmly believes that freedom should be enjoyed by only a certain segment of society.

In the last week alone, she's called at least three radio talk shows that we know of and wrote a lengthy letter to the editor, her subject all roughly on the same theme – attacking anything and anyone who doesn't agree with her twisted and sour outlook on life.

Sour?

Maybe in future we should call Ms Furbert, Ms Sherbet.

Tributes have poured in recently after the death of the legendary Warrington (Soup) Zuill, who provided so much in the way of constructive criticism. Pro footballer David Bascome made Soup the subject of his column in The Gazette this week, pointing out how much he had learned from the sports historian.

One wonders if Ms Furbert had ever met Zuill, and if so, did she learn anything at all.

Her last outburst published in this paper on Wednesday took a pot shot at this columnist, emphasising her belief that certain politicians are beyond reproach.

Anybody who pokes fun at them, doubts their ability to run the country or questions their dubious methods of spending taxpayers' money should be dismissed immediately and put on the next plane home (of course, ignoring the fact that those who have the temerity to engage in any such criticism might happen to call this very Island home).

Her latest rant called for The Gazette's Board of Directors to send yours truly on the same journey – although, admittedly, those directors might have reached that same conclusion on more than a few occasions in the last 30 years or more.

But there are so many ironic twists to Furbert's misguided arguments, it's surprising that those whom she defends so vigorously haven't distanced themselves from her remarks.

Wishful thinking.

'Don't let the facts get in the way of a good story' is an old newspaper adage, and Furbert seems to have adopted that as her own mantra.

Her letter was littered with factual errors. And the venom spewed out on the radio, without a trace of humour, can only further divide what is already a fragmented society.

Yet she still has the gall to call for the dismissal of anyone who she feels isn't doing their job as she would like.

Isn't that rich?

Spending much of her week calling into talk shows and writing letters, one wonders whether her employers (Bermuda Industrial Union) are happy with her output.

Perhaps her namesake, BIU chief Chris Furbert, should be asked to comment.

Maybe those who pay their union fees (and her wages) might also have something to say, but then again they have work to do.

If nothing, Laverne, you are entertaining. Keep up the good work!

I look forward to the inevitable reply.

– ADRIAN ROBSON