United National Congress candidate for San Fernando West Sean Sobers will kick off his community football event today at Naparima College Grounds in San Fernando. Sobers, however, assured that proper protocols in keeping with the Ministry of Health guidelines will be enforced.
This follows opposing views by Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram and Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith on sporting events for youth. Griffith disagreed with Parasram's advice that such events could negatively impact the Government's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Griffith said he has not received any policy from any government official to stop young people from taking part in sports.
After being boxed in at home for so long, Griffith said young people were likely to become frustrated and "hence their energies can very well be diverted in non-productive, if not criminal avenues."
During a walkabout in the Bel Air area, Sobers said the first-ever San Fernando West Street Jam will kick off today. Once successful at the August 10 polls, Sobers intends to host the event annually. He said the concept came from the community, particularly the Train Line area, and it is aimed at bringing communities within the constituency together.
"So it is football being played against several different communities with one winner being crowned after several games being played. Tomorrow's event will be the San Fernando West Allstars which is a team made up from several youths throughout the community going up against the T&T Cricket Team (in a football competition) captained by Dwayne Bravo who will be playing on the side. It is going to be a very fun event. We are inviting everyone to come down and have a time."
He assured that COVID-19 guidelines and protocols will be enforced.
"We are having measures in place to treat with the Ministry of Health's protocols and guidelines, so it will be a very safe event."