The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has offered an “update” on the state of construction at its Home of Football project, just 24 hours before what is likely to be a heated AGM at the Cycling Centre in Couva.
The construction of a technical centre, players’ hotel, entertainment centre and training pitches—and, more specifically, its tendering process—has been a sore topic for months with TTFA president David John-Williams, general secretary Justin Latapy-George unwilling and/or unable to answer questions on it from the football body’s own members, let alone the media.
There was still no answer to the pertinent questions today but the TTFA did offer some details on the construction work, complete with aerial photographs and a video.
The narration for the video was done by Board member Wayne Cunningham rather than TTFA press officer Shaun Fuentes.
The following is the TTFA release:
As a matter of public interest here is an update on the TTFA Home of Football project.
In August 2017 the Government of Trinidad and Tobago approved a long awaited request, when it granted 7.64 hectors of land to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association in order to establish a home for football.
The land is separated into three main parcels, one located in close proximity to the National Cycling Center and two west of the Ato Boldon Stadium. The association quickly mobilized in order to make this distant dream a reality and got approval from FIFA for the ‘go ahead’ in September with the official Sod Turning ceremony being held on September 29.
After countless brain storming and planning sessions the plans for various aspects of the project were approved and sent to Town and Country Planning for final approval on the building projects which finally came in February 2018.
At the time of this update, two new training fields are 90% completed and the foundation has been laid for the Athletes Accommodation facility. The “Income Generation Project” (which include, small goal pitches, the Beach Football pitch as well as the bar and recreational area) 50% completed.
With offices for the TTFA, TT Pro League, TT Super League, SSFL, WoLF and Referees’ Department already relocated or established at the Ato Boldon Stadium, The Home of Football is now a reality.
The following is Keith Look Loy’s Boxing Day 2017 Request for information on the TTFA Home of Football project, which was sent to general secretary Justin Latapy-George and copied to president David John-Williams and his Board of directors:
Dear Sir,
As a new TTFA Board member, I obviously lack intimate knowledge of key areas of TTFA work, programmes and projects. Accordingly, I have decided to seek relevant information in several areas, one of which is the technical centre now under construction in Balmain.
I would appreciate information re: the following:
The contribution of FIFA, TTFA and Government to the project and the overall project budget.
The names of all companies/parties which submitted construction/professional bids in connection with said construction.
The TTFA body or personnel which/who selected the contractor and any sub-contractors now engaged on the project.
The name of the project manager.
The name of the contractor and any sub-contractors engaged in the project.
The quantum, duration and terms of all project contracts.
The current financial and construction status of the project.
Clearly, your response would be appreciated prior to the January 2018 Board meeting.
I thank you in advance for your co-operation.
Editor’s Note: According to Look Loy, the TTFA is yet to provide a satisfactory response to his questions.