FIFA congratulates UNC Chairman Jack
T&T Guardian
Fifa vice-president, Jack Warner was able to do what many had once thought impossible on Sunday: he shattered the racial divide, emerging with a landslide victory in the UNC internal election. Warner, who campaigned on a platform for change and unity, was declared the clear winner against his rival for the post of Chairman, Vasant Bharat, just after 9 pm on Sunday night. His remarkable achievement has not gone unnoticed by the international community. Fifa, one of the world’s most powerful sporting organisations, which has openly fought against racism and discrimination is sending congratulatory sentiments to its Vice President on his latest victory.
The sentiments were expressed in a letter to Warner from Fifa President, Sepp Blatter yesterday morning. In the letter, Blatter stated: “On the occasion of your political victory, I would like to kindly extend my deepest congratulations as well as my best wishes of success. Your election victory is a vibrant testimony of your brilliant political career and represents the desire of people of your beautiful country to strengthen the cultural and educational values within the society of Trinidad and Tobago further.” The Fifa President went on to add, “I am certain that you will take this responsibility and that you will rise to the challenge to continue building a better future for Trinidad and Tobago. It gives me great pleasure to wish you the force all the success for the challenges ahead.”
Warner, who is the longest serving Vice President of Fifa, said he is deeply touched by the letter but insists this victory is not about him but is an accomplishment for the people of T&T. “People believe that sport and politics are intertwined, but it is not for the reason that has been professed. In sport you understand your role as a vehicle for social transformation. I simply adapt that comportment and principle to my politics. Today is not a victory for a man, but it is an accomplishment for a nation. “Yesterday’s results have shown that political pundits are not always right. T&T is changing, we are a conscientious people, we see beyond gender and race. We understand that we must change to progress.” Warner officially took up his duties as Chairman of the UNC at midnight on Sunday.