There is much to discuss in the world of cricket. West Indies are away from home to take on Sri Lanka in another ODI series from tomorrow. Having beaten Afghanistan and narrowly losing to India, this series will test the resolve of Kieron Pollard's men. They must do it without Evin Lewis and Shimron Hetmyer but I am sure other batsmen will relish the opportunity and step up; so for me, that is not of concern. I expect the Windies to win a close series.
Bowling off last night in Australia is the ICC Women's T20 World Cup with 10 countries competing. We play our first game tonight against Thailand which should be a winning start. However, the host country is the defending champion and a strong favourite to win the tournament for the fifth time.
Locally, what a shambolic display by the Red Force against the Barbados Pride. 77 all-out? Something has to be wrong. I like the look of young Bajan fast bowler Keon Harding, but 77? Pathetic. I see the selectors have acted swiftly with 5 changes. I suppose a bit of disaster relief is always welcomed.
But what caught my eye last Sunday morning was a letter to Guardian Newspaper's Editor by Michael Awai - Football Administrator. Honestly, with the daily and seemingly perpetual doom and gloom on crime one reads, it brought me humour. Mr Awai, are you serious? The first thing you needed to establish in your letter is that you were, and judging from your letter, still are a supporter of former TTFA President David John-Williams and his slate which included Selby Browne. This would have given the readers a clear understanding with context to your opinions.
Indeed, one thing you are correct - it is almost 90 days since the new TTFA administration under William Wallace took charge; and yes at a meeting they laid out their campaign and mentioned they would be going to sponsors which included Nike. Other than Nike, you haven't mentioned any other sponsors or campaign promises that have “disappear(ed) into thin air”. Allow me to explain something, Mr Awai. Companies finalise budgets by October for the upcoming year so unless Wallace and his team had actually gone to companies before the election, and finalised deals with them with the looming uncertainty of success, they would still have had to start the process from scratch after the election.
Christmas was also on the horizon but first Wallace may have wanted to have a look at TTFA's books, budgets, etc. This process takes time especially with the mess I expect they would have found.
Have you heard about the 'Home of Football' and what this new TTFA has discovered? You say, “it made no sense to shut it down” and the remaining problems that existed could have been sorted out but you don't know the severity of the problems, so how could you comment?
I also note your suggestion to utilise the facility for pre and post carnival fetes but you must surely be referring to 2021 because 95% of fete promoters have already booked their venues for the 2020 carnival season long before December 2019.
I also note that you have advised Wallace to talk to John-Williams on assisting with sourcing friendlies. I am sure as President, Wallace, with the assistance of Coach Terry Fenwick, can introduce themselves to the world and get some friendlies. Perhaps he can go back to Anguilla? It would be a great start for Fenwick and the team.
In addition to John-Williams, you also want Wallace to sit with Selby Browne and develop a marketing plan to benefit the TV and the media. Mr. Awai, wasn't Browne a part of the past regime? Where was their marketing plan? How much money was brought in from television and radio? Like John-Williams, Browne was rejected by the clubs; wouldn't they feel as if this new administration has let them down by reverting to the old administration?
I understand they are meeting with the T&T Pro and Super League clubs so that we can have a cadre of local players that would be good enough as future national players. I expect this TTFA will be finding innovative ways to bring our football back to an acceptable level. They have already appointed coaches to most of our national teams. How are they funding it? I expect in due course we will get this information as there has been a well-publicised plea in the public domain for transparency within the TTFA, so I hope this new administration will hear this cry.
People are not hurting now as a result of the state of football. They have been hurting for the last four years. However, I love your idea to ask every T&T national home and abroad for $100 towards a fund to assist the TTFA. If you launch the fund, I will join you and donate my $100 and we can be the custodians of the fund and ask Bishop Claude Berkley and Archbishop Charles Gordon to be part of the administration. Good idea?
It is a pity that ex-technical director Kendall Walkes has taken out a garnishee order on the TTFA. They appeared to be trying to agree with him (and many others) and seemed to be dealing in good faith but needed more time. Perhaps Walkes couldn't wait any longer. TTFA is quickly learning that sometimes in life you pay for the sins of others.
All T&T asks and deserves from William Wallace and the TTFA is communication, integrity, honesty and transparency.
To the football-loving public, almost 90 days have gone for the new TTFA. How do you feel?
Editor's note
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the writer and do not reflect the views of any organisation of which he is a stakeholder.