RETIRED national captain and international football star Dwight Yorke is now an official tourism ambassador for his homeland Tobago. Yorke who gained star status by playing with mega English football club Manchester United, formally signed an agreement with the THA.
The former Manchester United striker also paid tribute to former Tourism Secretary, now senior consultant Neil Wilson, who was instrumental in getting his professional football career off the ground and who actually accompanied him to England as his “guardian” and agent when he signed with Aston Villa.
Yorke affirmed that Wilson has been a father figure to him through it all. Earlier, Wilson noted Tobago was quite fortunate to have someone of Yorke’s stature to promote the island and act as its “tourism face”.
Wilson recalled that Yorke was at one time rated on the same scale as prolific French striker Eric Cantona. Wilson observed that at international tourism-oriented events like the annual World Travel Market in London many countries utilise the services of their icons, and in this context Yorke’s appointment was most appropriate. Under the terms of the agreement, Yorke’s commitments include motivational sessions at schools throughout Tobago, as well as his attendance at events worldwide. The use of his image and name is also covered under the agreement.