It’s been nearly two months since President Raymond Tim Kee has taken the helm of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation and already he has gone back on his word in trying to bridge the gap between the fans and the Federation; by snubbing the Soca Warriors Online (SWO) on its first ever request for an exclusive interview.
In November 2012 Tim Kee was contacted by the SWO as we politely requested an interview for the fans. Subsequently, on December 01st Tim Kee's responded in the affirmative from his iPad.
"No problem, anytime!"
A day later the 19 questions were sent out to him and he quickly replied: "Flex, while I will like to respond to your request, my time is a luxury I find great difficulty in affording at this time, however, as soon as I can, I will. Thanks again bro and keep the flag flying."
Now, I had no problem with his response as I know he had just gotten his new position and needed time to settle in. I also understand that the Caribbean Cup competition was approaching, followed by Christmas, so I had no problem waiting.
A month later on December 23rd, 27th, January 11th and 26th 2013; further reminders were sent to him asking about the interview he had promise us and to date he is yet to even acknowledge my follow up requests.
Again, I stress, I have no problem with Mr. Tim Kee's busy schedule and I understand that he had been meeting with top executives from CONCACAF and FIFA respectively for help, however, an update for the least would have been appreciated.
Promises to work with SWO?
In an October 2012 wired868 report from Lasana Liburd, Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) president Raymond Tim Kee stated that he had spoken with Nigel Myers (a key member of the Soca Warriors Online website) and had promised to work with the SWO to help better the relationship between to fans and federation.
He further stated that, “These supporter groups are constituencies we need because we want to fill the stadia and ignite the passion for football in the country again.”
Wire868 also reported, "Tim Kee promised to be warm and open to the media as well. And football reporters accustomed to glares, pouts and terse responses were treated to smiles, cheese sandwiches and beverages."
Tim Kee went on to boldly affirm, “My first major objective will be to restore the confidence and credibility the Federation has lost in the eyes of most of our supporters, corporate citizens and indeed the Ministry of Sport.”
"A new image is a strategic imperative and will reside on a foundation of respect, transparency, public scrutiny, financial integrity, accountability and due diligence."
About the SWO
The SWO is not in any way affiliated with the TTFF and it stands on its own today for over a decade as we’ve seen presidents, coaches, advisors and players come and go.
I also know personally that the SWO often gets the raw treatment from the TTFF as sometimes the website’s public forum can get a bit crazy with negative sentiments hurled at the governing T&T football body. This however, does not reflect on the integrity of the main website as the forum is just one of many facets of the SWO. The main website is a comprehensive resource filled with information dating back to the beginning of T&T football.
Through some die hard supporting members SWO is also responsible for helping some of the less fortunate kids in Trinidad and Tobago annually during Christmas by donating food and other items via Home for Children. This charitable venture has been in existence for 5 years and is something not even the TTFF does or acknowledges.
The SWO is here for the people, especially when most media outlets in T&T are muzzled. Its ironic how many players and coaches (past and present) have ignored us for the same reasons in the past and when in hot water they quickly contact us for assistance. They do so, because not only are we a popular website that promotes T&T football, but we desire what is right for our football and its fans. So, if exposing those who plague our football with their hidden agendas is a bad thing, then we definitely fit the bill.
I've notice that when things are good with T&T football the TTFF tends to forget the most important ingredient for success, "its fans" and when things are bad they do all in their power to “bridge the gap”. Hopefully when Mr Tim Kee decides to acknowledge us, the SWO and the TTFF can still work together for the betterment of T&T football, as we are not seeking competition but rather cooperation.
The SWO would still love to hear from our new head boss and with Carnival around the corner hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. Now over to you Mr Tim Kee.