Dexter Skeene, chief executive officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League (TTPL), is looking forward to continue working with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), which is now led by newly elected president David John-Williams, in improving the standard of local football with the focus on helping T&T qualify for World Cups on a regular basis.
“In fact, with the implementation of the new constitution, the Pro League as a member of the board would have the opportunity to make a direct contribution to the decision-making process. The interaction with the other associations would allow for efficient coordination of scheduling of different programmes.”
John-Williams, managing director of the family-owned John Williams construction company and owner of five-time Caribbean champions W Connection Football Club, got the nod of 25 votes, six more than the incumbent Raymond Tim Kee (19), who was seeking a second term, in the second round of voting at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Sunday.
John-Williams, who also held the post of vice-chairman of the Pro League, had also led the first round with 18 votes, ahead of Tim Kee (13) and Trinidad and Tobago Referees Association vice-president Clynt Taylor (8.). Ex-referee Ramesh Ramdhan and the Veteran Football Federation president Selby Browne were both eliminated after the first round with just three votes. Taylor received just one vote in the second round.
Skeene said, “On behalf of the TT Pro League, the Board of Directors wishes to congratulate Mr. David John-Williams on being elected as the president of the TTFA. The board wishes him every success in his term in office and looking forward to continue working with the TTFA to improve the standard of football and to help Trinidad and Tobago to qualify for a World Cup on a regular basis.
“The Board is aware of David’s commitment to the TT Pro League, W Connection and football in general over the years and we know that he would take that same enthusiasm and diligence into the TTFA’s office and his presidential position.”
On Sunday the TTFA elected its new president under its new constitution, which was formulated after 18 months of work by an Independent Reform Commission (IRC).
Key among the constitution changes implemented, is the tenure in which a president will serve. A president will now be allowed just two four-year terms, effectively ending the past era which saw former boss Oliver Camps reign for 19 years.
The new constitution also meant that major clubs have a better say with the “one club, one vote” system over the previous power of the six zonal associations. But although ten (10) Pro League clubs and eight representatives from the Super League each having a vote, the new system only accounts for 18 of the 47 voting delegates.
Pro League clubs North East Stars and Point Fortin Civic failed to show during Sunday’s election process while there were no representations for the Coaches and Players Associations which are non-operational.
The three elected vice-presidents are former Secondary Schools Football League president Ewing Davis, Phoenix Park Gas Processors vice-president Joanne Salazar and Tobago businessman Allan Warner, all members of John-Williams’ slate.
The TTFA Board of Directors also elected on Sunday are Samuel Saunders (Central FA), Sherwin Dyer (Eastern Counties Football Union), Karanjabari Williams (Northern FA), Richard Quan Chan (Southern FA), Anthony Moore (Tobago FA), Joseph Taylor (T&T Football Referees Association), Dexter Skeene (TT Pro League) and Sharon O’Brien (Women’s League Football).
“The League wishes to thank all those who contributed in the past,” added Skeene. “We wish to thank Mr. Raymond Tim Kee for implementing a democratic process for free and fair elections.”