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Sports => Cricket Anyone => Topic started by: socafighter on July 12, 2014, 09:52:22 PM

Title: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: socafighter on July 12, 2014, 09:52:22 PM
T&T brand name removed
Captain Bravo slams decision


By BY Garth Wattley
Story Created: Jul 12, 2014 at 8:25 PM ECT
Express

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) found itself in a brand name controversy yesterday after Dwayne Bravo, captain of the Red Steel slammed the decision to remove the Trinidad and Tobago brand from the name.

The LCPL is a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket competition which began last year with the six competing teams carrying the names of the countries in which they are based.  Teams however are made up of players from various Caribbean territories and further overseas.
The second season of the League started here on Friday.

But it was only yesterday at the National Cricket Stadium here, when he went out to spin the toss for his team’s first match against the Barbados Tridents—captained by his T&T colleague Kieron Pollard—that Bravo was officially told of the name change.
He was not pleased.

“I got some news this morning and I was very disappointed to hear that Trinidad and Tobago has been removed from the Red Steel team,” he announced to the media in a post-match news conference following his side’s seven-wicket victory. Bravo went a lot further.
“I think whoever made that decision, it’s uncalled for. Ninety per cent of the team are from Trinidad and Tobago. We are using the national colours. All the other islands are proud to use their country’s name, whether it is the Barbados Tridents, the Jamaica Tallawahs, why not Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel?

In the team that played yesterday, six of the 11 were T&T nationals.
An emotional Bravo added: “I play a lot, heart and soul for Trinidad and Tobago. I’ve done a lot for my country and will continue to do so. The people in the front are the ones who are gonna suffer the most to know that our country (name) has been removed and at the end of the day, we are representing Trinidad and Tobago and that brand is very important for me, and I’m going to continue to use Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel team.”

Bravo also said his “players are very disappointed...Everyone is disappointed.”
Asked whether he knew who had made the decision, Bravo said he did not.
However,  the LPCL confirmed to the Sunday Express by e-mail that the request for the removal of the Trinidad and Tobago name from the Red Steel franchise had come from the Minister of Sport, Anil Roberts; a fact Roberts also confirmed yesterday.
Bravo yesterday however, was firm in his feelings.
“Maybe I might get in trouble for it, but so be it. I believe it’s the right way... Every time I am leading this team, I’m going to use Trinidad and Tobago and ensure that my country gets full mileage from this big international tournament...
“Whoever made the decision, call them a bunch of jokers. There are other things they should be taking on and studying.”

Bravo was also confident that when the Red Steel get to Trinidad for three “home” games, that the public would get behind the side.
“We know our fans are going to come out and support us no matter what the situation is... I mean, when you look at the IPL, you have Chennai Super Kings, you have Mumbai Indians. Not all the players are from Mumbai; not all the players from Chennai; NBA, Miami Heat, not everybody from Miami, so what is the big deal?

“At the end of the day, people need to understand it’s sport. Move on.” •

Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Ramgoat on July 13, 2014, 12:43:45 AM
Bravo is a f**king hypocrite . He really does not   gives  a damn  about the franchise name .
 He is a f**king mercenary and  is pretending  like her cares .
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: NUFF on July 13, 2014, 09:40:39 AM
Removing the country name is the right thing to do.  This is not the T&T national team.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Quags on July 13, 2014, 12:20:48 PM
Bravo is a f**king hypocrite . He really does not   gives  a damn  about the franchise name .
 He is a f**king mercenary and  is pretending  like her cares .
Why because he works ? Should he stay in TnT and get a government job instead ?.
Every sports person in the world completes in tournaments for money if available except NCAA students.
So why only cricketers are called mercenaries.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Quags on July 13, 2014, 03:50:56 PM
Maybe Duane wrong here the owners of the CPL having no rights to the Trinidad And Tobago name brand.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: D.H.W on July 13, 2014, 03:58:23 PM
Then they should remove the country names on the other teams too.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Quags on July 13, 2014, 07:01:00 PM
If they want too ,they could.
The government maybe don't want a water downed version of the red force parading as the National team.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: weary1969 on July 13, 2014, 09:26:21 PM
POS Red Steel could live wit that.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: 100% Barataria on July 14, 2014, 05:58:23 AM
POS Red Steel could live wit that.

That was the original proposal if I am not mistaken, POS Red Steel, Kingston Tallewahs, Bridgetown Tridents etc  Would make more sense from a franchise perspective anyway
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Quags on July 14, 2014, 08:16:46 AM
But if they name it Port of Spain ,then why give it red steel a rip of the NT .
Some thing like ,
Pos Rebels
Pos Pirate's
Pos Oilmen.
Pos ...
They had the chance to be original and blew it.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Deeks on July 14, 2014, 08:17:34 AM
Please say Port-of-Spain Red Steel. POS can denote something dealing with latreen!
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Deeks on July 14, 2014, 08:20:47 AM
But if they name it Port of Spain ,then why give it red steel a rip of the NT .
Some thing like ,
Pos Rebels
Pos Pirate's
Pos Oilmen.
Pos ...
They had the chance to be original and blew it.

Could use Renegades, Invaders, Desperados, All Stars, Silver Stars.  It have plenty Corbeaux in Port of Spain.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Quags on July 14, 2014, 09:05:42 AM
Instead of the Red Steel it should have been Black Gold.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: 100% Barataria on July 14, 2014, 10:16:51 AM
Yeah, I like Black Gold, but like u saidm they blew it
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Quags on July 14, 2014, 10:34:11 AM
Yeah am liking black gold also .Black shirt with gold oil rig on it,with gold trim.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: socafighter on July 14, 2014, 11:00:41 AM

My suggestion would be, since we blew it Red Flatulence Gas ...

Well ...er ....we gats lots of Gas ..don't we  ????

 :rotfl:
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Conquering Lion on July 14, 2014, 02:09:31 PM
Deeks!
But if they name it Port of Spain ,then why give it red steel a rip of the NT .
Some thing like ,
Pos Rebels
Pos Pirate's
Pos Oilmen.
Pos ...
They had the chance to be original and blew it.

Could use Renegades, Invaders, Desperados, All Stars, Silver Stars.  It have plenty Corbeaux in Port of Spain.
Deeks! You might be on to something. I think Corbeaux Town could work! :)
Title: NAME SWITCH GETS THUMBS UP Red Steel franchise not exclusive to T&T players
Post by: socafighter on July 15, 2014, 07:53:03 AM
NAME SWITCH GETS THUMBS UP
Red Steel franchise not exclusive to T&T players


By \\\\\ Roger Seepersad
Story Created: Jul 14, 2014 at 9:00 PM ECT
Express


While the Red Steel skipper Dwayne Bravo voiced his disapproval of the decision to remove the Trinidad and Tobago brand from the name of the Caribbean Premier League Red Steel franchise, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) executive member Baldath Mahabir and TTCB CEO Suruj Ragoonath both agreed with the move.

The Limacol Caribbean Premier League is a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket competition which began last year with the six competing teams carrying the names of the countries in which they are based. 
The teams are however made up of players from various Caribbean territories and further overseas. The second season of the League started in Grenada last Friday and Bravo, captain of the Red Steel, slammed the decision to remove the Trinidad and Tobago brand from the name.

“I think whoever made that decision, it’s uncalled for. Ninety per cent of the team are from Trinidad and Tobago. We are using the national colours. All the other islands are proud to use their country name, whether it is the Barbados Tridents, the Jamaica Tallawahs, why not Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel?”

The LCPL confirmed to the Express by e-mail that the request for the removal of the Trinidad and Tobago name from the Red Steel franchise had come from the Minister of Sport Anil Roberts, who confirmed this, stating: “Trinidad and Tobago is exclusive for national teams of T&T.’’

“This CPL franchise (the Red Steel) is not a national team and does not consist of wholly and solely of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, therefore they have no permission whatsoever to utilise the brand of Trinidad and Tobago which must be jealously guarded for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,” stressed Roberts.

Meanwhile, Ragoonath supported the move to remove T&T from the name of the franchise and said it was something the TTCB also requested. “We had requested that this be done earlier,” he told the Express yesterday.

“We feel that the franchise do not really represent the national team so to speak, and Trinidad and Tobago is a sovereign country and the franchise is not owned by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board but it is owned by a private entity so it is more appropriate given the fact that it is not really representing Trinidad and Tobago, but the franchise holder, that Trinidad and Tobago should not be on their name.”
“Maybe if it was the Port of Spain Red Steel that might be more appropriate. I think it is a good idea that it is not named after the country and I think this should obtain throughout the region and not only in Trinidad and Tobago,” Ragoonath added.

Mahabir also suggested that the franchises be named after the cities where they are based rather than the country. “In reality it is a franchise team and not a Trinidad and Tobago team. One might want to look at naming it after something Trinidadian or Tobagonian, some kind of derivative of the name or rather the city in which the franchise is based, like the Indian Premier League,” said Mahabir.

“Something like the Port of Spain Red Steel which would be similar to what is used in the IPL like Chennai or Bangalore or Mumbai rather that to use the name of a country,” he added.


Title: Re: NAME SWITCH GETS THUMBS UP Red Steel franchise not exclusive to T&T players
Post by: socafighter on July 15, 2014, 09:01:20 AM
Statement by T&T Sport Minister Mon, Jul 14, '14


Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Sport has released a written statement from Anil Roberts, the Minister of Sport, regarding the discontinuation of the name "Trinidad and Tobago" by the CPLT20 franchise originally known as "Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel".

With respect to the use of Trinidad and Tobago as part of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise team Red Steel's title, the Honourable Anil Roberts, Minister of Sport releases the following statement.
 
The name Trinidad and Tobago is reserved exclusively for citizens and nationals of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Trinidad and Tobago brand, as it relates to national, regional and international sporting competition, is for the exclusive use of National Governing Bodies (NGBs) which are duly constituted and recognised by the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago as the representatives of their respective sports. The 49 NGBs, funded by the Ministry of Sport and the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago, select national athletes and national teams based on the fundamental criteria that all athletes are citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore, with specific regard to cricket, the brand Trinidad and Tobago can only be attached to national teams duly selected by the Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board.
 
The CPL, as a private organisation engaging in a for-profit enterprise, builds team franchises that may consist of nationals from countries across the globe, based in a particular country. The CPL does not meet the criteria stated above and therefore cannot include the use our beloved country's to distinguish their Red Steel franchise.


Nowhere in the world are sport franchises given country names. The IPL, the NBA, the EPL, the NFL and all other franchises carry the name of city or region e.g. Mumbai Indians, Boston Celtics, Manchester United, New Orleans Saints. If this were not so, we could possibly see James Rodriguez or Cristiano Ronaldo or Andrea Pirlo or Yaya Toure suiting up for Argentina in tomorrow's World Cup finals! So the position is clear, and will continue to be clear for centuries to come, that the brand Trinidad and Tobago is owned by a sovereign nation and can only be attached to teams that are 100% comprised and representative of citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
 
During several meetings held with leaders of the CPL, they accepted their error in using name Trinidad and Tobago during the 2013 tournament. The CEO clearly understood the argument made by the Minister and removed the name Trinidad and Tobago from all branding and signage representing the locally-based franchise in the 2014 CPL.
 
Minister Roberts wishes the owners of this private league the greatest financial success for the duration of the 2014 edition of the exciting T20 tournament. He however reiterates that there can be no negotiation, discussion nor compromise on the use of the sovereign name of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Premiere League.


Title: Re: NAME SWITCH GETS THUMBS UP Red Steel franchise not exclusive to T&T players
Post by: Deeks on July 15, 2014, 11:25:50 AM
If this were not so, we could possibly see James Rodriguez or Cristiano Ronaldo or Andrea Pirlo or Yaya Toure suiting up for Argentina in tomorrow's World Cup finals! So the position

That is a bit farfetch. And there are teams that do carry country names. Argentinos Juniors, Austria Wien, Espanyol de Barcelona, TSV Germania Windeck, Alemannia Aachen.
Title: Re: NAME SWITCH GETS THUMBS UP Red Steel franchise not exclusive to T&T players
Post by: D.H.W on July 15, 2014, 04:27:16 PM
Cricket is dead.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Quags on July 15, 2014, 09:01:36 PM
I still like TnT Black Gold.
Title: Speak up CPL Minister Roberts: Bravo outburst ‘unfortunate’
Post by: socafighter on July 15, 2014, 09:29:08 PM
Speak up CPL
Minister Roberts: Bravo outburst ‘unfortunate’


By \\\\\ Roger Seepersad
Story Created: Jul 15, 2014 at 8:57 PM ECT
Express


Minister of Sport Anil Roberts is calling on the Limacol Caribbean Premier League to make a “clear and definitive statement” on the issue surrounding the removal of Trinidad and Tobago from the name of the Red Steel franchise.
In a letter to the Red Steel manager Colin Borde, which was copied to CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe and T&T Cricket Board president Azim Bassarath, Roberts said he expects Bravo to recant “his unfortunate outburst” and also expects the CPL to make a statement “outlining very clearly the cordial and respectful meetings and discussions that were held before the eventual outcome.”

Roberts’ letter comes on the heels of comments made by Bravo who voiced his disappointment over the name change saying “Whoever made the decision, call them a bunch of jokers. There are other things they should be taking on and studying.”
Although Bravo said he did not know who made decision, he said: “I think whoever made that decision, it’s uncalled for. Ninety per cent of the team are from Trinidad and Tobago. We are using the national colours. All the other islands are proud   to use their country name, whether it is the Barbados Tridents, the Jamaica Tallawahs, why not Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel?”
Yesterday, Borde, who is in Guyana with the Red Steel preparing for their game against the Guyana Amazon Warriors tomorrow, confirmed that he received the letter and that it was discussed with Bravo and the team.

However he insisted that “the CPL will comment on those matters regarding Trinidad and Tobago and the name and so on, we are focusing on the team issues and cricket matters here. The CPL will make the requisite comments on that.”
In his letter, Roberts reiterated his position saying “Any national team in this country that has the distinct privilege of calling itself Trinidad and Tobago comprises the country’s absolute best in that sport.”

“How can a team be called Trinidad and Tobago in the absence of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin, Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul and others? If we are not offering our best, how is it even possible to even suggest that this franchise team is worthy of donning the name of our sovereign nation. Why would we put that out there as a representation to world of who we are?”

Roberts also pointed out that the change of name followed a series of eight meetings with members of the CPL executive, including one with the CEO, two months ago.
“This was not a decision. It is simply that the protocols surrounding the use of our beloved country’s name would not allow this private team to be branded Trinidad and Tobago. There will be no negotiation, neither any compromise. Trinidad and Tobago’s name, cannot and will not be used in this privately run venture that has absolutely no involvement with the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, the only recognised cricket sporting body in the world with the right to use our country’s name,” the letter stated.
“The Red Steel Franchise team is not made up wholly and solely of Trinidad and Tobago nationals. It is not selected, endorsed prepared or sanctioned by the sport’s recognised local body the TTCB. Furthermore, the Red Steel team does not represent the best this country has to offer. It is not a Trinidad and Tobago team,” the letter concluded.
Borde said the players were not distracted by the issue surrounding the team name and is focused on their task.

“We have gotten one game out of the way and we are coming up against a formidable team and both parties know each other well. We are as focused as ever. We are here to play cricket as professionals,” the Red Steel manager insisted.

Title: Re: Speak up CPL Minister Roberts: Bravo outburst ‘unfortunate’
Post by: socafighter on July 16, 2014, 08:20:21 AM

Anil Roberts: CPL agreed to drop T&T last year
Published: Guardian
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Vinode Mamchan
 

Organisers of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament agreed to remove T&T from the Red Steel team since last year, according to a letter from sports minister Anil Roberts which was sent to Damien O’Donogue, chief executive officer of the League, last week. Roberts’ letter, which was copied to Red Steel manager Colin Borde and president of the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) Azim Bassarath, indicated that the minister held eight cordial meetings with CPL officials who agreed since last year to remove T&T from the franchise name.
 
Over the weekend, an irate Red Steel captain Dwayne Bravo revealed in Grenada that he was informed of the decision to remove T&T from the team’s name on the eve of the opening match against Barbados Tridents. He said CPL officials handed him a release which stated that Roberts had requested that T&T be withdrawn from the franchise. Bravo said he would continue to use the T&T brand and was prepared to deal with it if he got into trouble. In his letter, Roberts said the onus was on CPL to inform Bravo of the development. “It was expected that you would have informed Mr Bravo at his signing with the team of the mandated alteration to the team’s name and advise him of all the necessary protocols involved in the use of the name of a sovereign nation.”
 
Roberts slammed Bravo calling his outburst at the toss completely disrepectful and improper. “As an employee in a privately run tournament, it is improper and completely disrespectful for him to publicly challenge the rules and regulations regarding the use of a country’s name and also publicly attempt to belittle the valid concerns and legal responsibilities of an elected representative of that nation’s Government. “I also would expect the CPL to make a very clear and definitive public statement on the issue, outlining very clearly the cordial and respectful meetings and discussions that were held before the eventual outcome.
 
“Based on what I have read in the press, it seems that Mr Bravo only was informed that the name T&T could not be used just before the start of the Red Steel’s first match. Please inform your charge that this development followed a series of eight meetings with members of the CPL executive, including one with the CEO, two months ago. This was not a decision. It is simply that the protocols surrounding the use of our beloved country’s name would not allow this private team to be branded T&T. There will be no negotiation, neither any compromise. T&T’s name, cannot and will not be used in this privately run venture that has absolutely no involvement with the T&T Cricket Board, the only recognised cricket sporting body in the world with the right to use our country’s name. These were principles the CPL executive recognised and understood last year when it was agreed by all that the T&T name would be dropped from the Red Steel team. Mr Bravo’s outburst suggests that either he is publically going against the mandates of his employer or the CPL is backtracking on its earlier agreement to respect the regulations surrounding the use of the name T&T.”
 
Roberts went on to explain that Bravo’s statement on the weekend made his point even stronger. “His references to the use of city names in other franchises across the world add strength to my previous argument that no country uses their name for franchise teams, not even states. Only cities allow their names to be used.

A key issue here is the sovereignty of each nation. City names have an entirely different set of protocols regarding their use and by their very nature, cities have transient populations so it is difficult to make a claim of being a citizen of a city but in terms of a country, the regulations and official citizen recognitions are very clear. “As a matter of fact, even within the United States, there are certain states that require you to be resident in that state for at least six months and demonstrate proof of that residency before you can represent that state in a sporting competition. Hence the reason all of the franchise teams are named after cities.”


Title: Re: Speak up CPL Minister Roberts: Bravo outburst ‘unfortunate’
Post by: Deeks on July 16, 2014, 10:36:43 AM
I can understand the logic behind removing TT. But unless it infringing on some kind of copyright issue(in my opinion), I don't see why TT can't be used. But I will hold back judgement as things go along. Using the City name is not a bad idea. But then Sando and Tobago may have issues with that too.
Title: CPL: Red Steel not based in T&T...Damien O’Donohoe...CPL Chief Executive Officer
Post by: socafighter on July 17, 2014, 07:24:07 AM

CPL: Red Steel not based in T&T
Published: Guardian
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Vinode Mamchan
 
 
(http://s12.postimg.org/n4fesjjbh/damien.jpg)
Damien O’Donohoe...CPL Chief Executive Officer.

In light of the Minister of Sport, Anil Roberts requesting that officials of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) remove T&T from the Red Steel name, Damien O'Donohoe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CPL has responded by saying that the Red Steel franchise is not based in T&T.
 
Roberts wrote to O'Donohoe on Tuesday and asked him to make a public statement on whether or not the CPL had agreed to drop T&T from the name. Roberts said that a while now CPL had agreed but yet the name was still being bandied around.
 
O'Donohoe responded by stating: “CPL can confirm that it has agreed to omit the words ‘T&T’ from the Red Steel team name based on a request from the Minister of Sport due to his view that the use of the country name ‘infringes’ on the protocols surrounding the use of the name and the sovereignty of the nation.
 
"CPL would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Red Steel team is not a franchise that is based in T&T. It is a team selected from the fantastic talent pool across the country. The team is not restricted to play its home games in T&T, and ultimately, any decision on where the team is based is dependent on the commitment and support that CPL has already enjoyed with other Governments and owners.
 
"The fans in T&T are second to none. They were fantastic supporters of CPL during its first year, and we look forward to bringing more games to T&T, no matter where the franchise is based."
 
Information reaching the T&T Guardian was that the three matches scheduled for later this month in Trinidad will remain at the Queen's Park Oval, Port-of-Spain.
 
A source close to the situation said that there is no truth to the fact that the matches were going to be moved to St Kitts, where the finals weekend will be played.

Title: Re: CPL: Red Steel not based in T&T...Damien O’Donohoe...CPL Chief Executive Officer
Post by: socafighter on July 17, 2014, 08:17:50 AM


I am hoping the T&T public don't support them...so they leave... :cursing: :cursing:
Title: Re: CPL: Red Steel not based in T&T...Damien O’Donohoe...CPL Chief Executive Officer
Post by: ProudTrinbagonian on July 17, 2014, 08:34:42 AM
Why this sh*t only happens to Trinidad and Tobago?
Most of the damn teams have our players and there isn't any recognition?

 :frustrated:

Always using and abusing us.  :bs:
Title: Re: CPL: Red Steel not based in T&T...Damien O’Donohoe...CPL Chief Executive Officer
Post by: Deeks on July 17, 2014, 09:13:34 AM


I am hoping the T&T public don't support them...so they leave... :cursing: :cursing:


What is the uproar about. From day one everybody, at least the bigwigs knew what the situation was. They agreed to designating foreigners to play in every country. And also had players from each "island'(Guyana is not an island  ;D) play for another island. Pollard for B'dos. So what is the big friggin deal. Then move the team from TT. Asked the franchise holder to drop TT. Play in another "island". Why JA, Guy, Barbados not complaining.
Title: Re: Speak up CPL Minister Roberts: Bravo outburst ‘unfortunate’
Post by: Deeks on July 17, 2014, 01:01:59 PM
See what happens when gov't put money in sports.
Title: Fans musT not suffer Ex-TTCB boss Murray on Red Steel issue:
Post by: socafighter on July 18, 2014, 08:25:57 AM
Fans musT not suffer
Ex-TTCB boss Murray on Red Steel issue:


By \\\\\ Mark Pouchet
Story Created: Jul 17, 2014 at 9:22 PM ECT
Express

Former Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president Deryck Murray said while he understands the arguments from Minister of Sports Anil Roberts and CEO of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (LCPL) Damien O’Donohoe on the naming controversy surrounding the Red Steel, he hoped both parties could work to a resolution that would not deprive local cricket fans of viewing CPL action live.

Doubts about the future of the team emerged after Red Steel captain Dwayne Bravo publicly criticised the decision to drop the Trinidad and Tobago name from the franchise, a response which prompted Minister of Sport Anil Roberts--on whose request the nbame was dropped--to call for the LCPL to make a statement on the matter.

On Wednesday, O’Donohoe said in a media release  that theLCPL agreed with Roberts to remove the  Trinidad and Tobago  label from the Red Steel name. But he also stated  that the Red Steel are not restricted to playing their home games in this country and that any decision on where the team is based is dependent on the commitment and support the CPL has already enjoyed with other governments and owners.

“It is difficult to answer straightforward to say if this is a  bad thing or not but the two parties  would need to meet for the issue to be resolved amicably.  I could undersand both sides of the argument but at the end of the day, if  there is a product that  could be an attractive proposition, it would not be good  for the Trinidad and Tobago public to be deprived of sharing in that entertainment value that it (the CPL)  brings. So I hope there is a way  for the issue to be resolved  to the mutual benefit of sports lovers, “ Murray said yesterday.
O’Donohoe’s response hinted that the possibility exist that the Red Steel one day could not be based in  T&T.

“The fans in Trinidad and Tobago are second to none. They were fantastic supporters of CPL during its first year, and we look forward to bringing more games to Trinidad and Tobago, no matter where the franchise is based,” the CPL statement ended.
Yesterday, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board executive member Baldath Mahabir said what the LCPL, a private entity, decided to do  in terms of basing the team in another country is totally up to them.

“We, the TTCB,  are not involved in the Red Steel team. We have  nothing,  zero involvement  in what is a private entity  it,” Mahabir said, “ So whoever owns the CPL can do what they see fit in terms of moving the teams around to any other country.  I guess the CPL would have to factor in the impact on the T&T cricket fans but that decision is totally theirs.” Mahabir said.


Title: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: socafighter on July 18, 2014, 09:18:30 PM
Roberts: CPL violated the law
...by using T&T’s name without permission


Story Created: Jul 18, 2014 at 8:56 PM ECT
Express
 
 The intellectual property of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago was utilised without permission when the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) organisers attached the country’s name to the Red Steel franchise without the permission of the government.
This was the assertion made by Minister of Sport Anil Roberts at press conference at the Ministry of Sport headquarters, in Port of Spain, yesterday.

In his statement, Roberts said: “In September last year, I instructed the representatives of CPL that they violated the law by using Trinidad and Tobago’s name without permission. “The intellectual property of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago was utilised without permission, which would have had to be granted by the cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago, the duly elected representatives of the people and one of their duties is to protect the intellectual property of Trinidad and Tobago,” Roberts added.

Roberts also made it clear that, “The Minister of Sport had no decision to be made. The T&T name cannot be used by this format of franchise (cricket). “The Trinidad and Tobago name for a sporting team must be is exclusively and must be jealously guarded for citizens of the Republic Only. No foreigners can play on a T&T national team. The T&T team in cricket can only be selected, endorsed and sanctioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.
“And in representing Trinidad and Tobago, the best of the best must be picked. With all due respect or Mr Dwayne Bravo, he is a great player but he does not constitute a Trinidad and Tobago team because he plays on it,” the minister added.

Roberts also noted that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have no authority to give someone the right to use of the Trinidad and Tobago sovereign name. “Does the WICB have the authority to give someone the use of T&T sovereign name? Not at all. Just like I, the representative of Trinidad and Tobago in sport could not suggest to them that they include Sunil Narine in the Test squad. I could only beg and write and plead and they ignored me. That is their right.

“They have absolutely no rights to the brand of a sovereign nation called Trinidad and Tobago,” Roberts insisted. He also noted that the statement made by CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe in a media release from the CPL has taken on a different tone from the cordial discussions between the two parties. Roberts said: “The statement from Mr O’Donohoe has taken a different turn...it seems to be one that has taken a threatening nature to say that the Red Steel franchise will be removed and that it is not based in T&T.”

The CPL statement said: “The CPL would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Red Steel team is not a franchise that is based in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a team selected from the fantastic talent pool across the country.
“The team is not restricted to play its home games in Trinidad and Tobago, and ultimately, any decision on where the team is based is dependent on the commitment and support that CPL has already enjoyed with other Governments and owners.” “The fans in Trinidad and Tobago are second to none. They were fantastic supporters of CPL during its first year, and we look forward to bringing more games to Trinidad and Tobago, no matter where the franchise is based,” the CPL statement ended.

Roberts said: “Now he (O’Donohoe) says because the name was removed, this is no longer a Trinidad and Tobago based franchise, it could be based anywhere. “He is saying, had the paradox remained, that T&T remained on the Red Steel, that next year or whenever he decided, he could have moved the T&T franchise to Curacao and they would have been based in Curacao.
“I think the CPL is very confused,” Roberts added. Asked to clarify their statement further, the CPL said they have no further comments to make at this time.

Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: socafighter on July 19, 2014, 08:28:11 AM
Roberts maintains stance on Red Steel
By KWESI BERKLEY Saturday, July 19 2014
Newsday

Minster of Sports Anil Roberts yesterday addressed the name of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Red Steel franchise in a press conference at the Ministry of Sports Office in Port-of-Spain.

He started by saying that the name of Trinidad and Tobago is reserved wholly and exclusively for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago and that no decision was made by the cabinet or by him.

“The Red Steel franchise cannot be named Trinidad and Tobago, it is not exclusive to the citizens of Trindad and Tobago.” he explained. “There are citizens from all over the world who can play for the Red Steel,” he explained.

Roberts went on to state that only the national sporting teams and sporting governing bodies can utilise the name “Trinidad and Tobago.” He explained that only teams selected by the national cricket board which include citizens of Trinidad and Tobago can claim the name Trinidad and Tobago. He also stressed that the rules and regulations were not created by him and cannot be changed by him.

He mentioned that he instructed the managers of the CPL that they had violated the law in utilising the name “Trinidad and Tobago” without permission which would have had to be granted by the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

“They understood the position clearly in September last year and it was confirmed two and a half months ago in a meeting with the Ministry with CEO Mr (Damien) O’Donohoe, unfortunately the CPL communication was terrible and someone forgot to tell the captain of the Red Steel, Dwayne Bravo, that his team was Red Steel,” he added. He went on to say that the statement from O’Donohoe seemed to be one of a threatening nature to say that the Red Steel franchise will be removed and it’s not based in Trinidad and Tobago and therefore the fans will suffer.

He reiterated “the Minister of Sport has no decision to be made, the Trinidad and Tobago name cannot be used by this format or franchise. The Trinidad and Tobago name for sporting teams is exclusively and jealously guarded for citizens of the Republic only. No foreigners can play on a Trinidad and Tobago national team. “The Trinidad and Tobago team in cricket can only be selected, endorsed and sanctioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board.”

He continued, “when representing Trinidad and Tobago the best of the best must be picked. With all due respect to Mr Bravo he is a great national, however he does not constitute a Trinidad and Tobago team because he plays on it.”

Roberts ended by saying he supports all the teams, “personally I think Tallawahs (Jamaica) is the best team based on paper but I support all the teams, it’s exciting cricket but it’s franchise cricket and it’s not national team cricket. If it were, then I will look forward to Mr Bravo or Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul and others playing in the Indian Superstars, the Australian Kangaroos franchise which will come out shortly (or) the New Zealand Kiwis or the USA Stripes.”


Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: D.H.W on July 19, 2014, 05:25:32 PM
Stueps
Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: Deeks on July 20, 2014, 11:31:29 AM
roll ah spliff, Anil!!!!
Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: Michael-j on July 20, 2014, 12:31:07 PM
I'm watching today's game and it seems like the commentators are making an extra effort to call the team the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel....especially Ian Bishop.  Good thing Anil is already bald...he might be pulling his hair out all now  :frustrated:
Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: D.H.W on July 20, 2014, 12:34:21 PM
I'm watching today's game and it seems like the commentators are making an extra effort to call the team the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel....especially Ian Bishop.  Good thing Anil is already bald...he might be pulling his hair out all now  :frustrated:

I thought I was the only one to notice that. As far as I am concerned they are from Trinidad and Tobago. Who vex because red force t20 team dead dais them. That is the real reason
Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: D.H.W on July 20, 2014, 12:47:27 PM
Taylor and Obrien batting rel sensible.
Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: Michael-j on July 20, 2014, 01:02:11 PM
Taylor and Obrien batting rel sensible.

Yeah...they're earning their paycheques today.

Ian Bishop is making it blatantly clear what he thinks about Anil's utterances...he's putting extra emphasis on saying Trinidad & Tobago :D

Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: D.H.W on July 20, 2014, 01:03:44 PM
Hahaha rel laughing boy. That is a big FU to Anil
Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: vb on July 20, 2014, 03:52:27 PM
The players have the TT flag on their helmet.

Like he forget dat.  :)
Title: Re: Roberts: CPL violated the law ...by using T&T’s name without permission
Post by: zuluwarrior on July 21, 2014, 05:32:04 AM
Is there a woman in the middle of this controversy ? Anil can you tell us  the real reason ?
Title: CPL semantics ...name switch, blame game
Post by: socafighter on July 21, 2014, 08:49:50 AM
CPL semantics
...name switch, blame game


By Fazeer Mohammed
Story Created: Jul 20, 2014 at 11:35 PM ECT
Express

What a tangled web this second season of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League is becoming.
Anil Roberts is quite obviously on the ball when he asserts that “Trinidad and Tobago” is the name of a sovereign nation, so if the government of that country, after protracted discussions with officials of the LCPL, determines that the name is not to be used to identify a franchise – whatever its structure and composition – based in the country, then that is their right.

But is the Sports Minister fervently beating this drum and therefore presenting himself as defender of national identity and honour so as to divert attention from both the scandal surrounding the LifeSport programme and a one-year-old video clip that has come into the public domain featuring a man saying something about taking two pull, prompting the elite-level swimming coach to declare that neither voodoo nor the People’s National Movement will distract him from his mission? Or is he just being churlish and mean-spirited, given that the governments where the other five franchises are based have not voiced any similar concern?
Last year, even as the fans were filling the grounds and much of the cricket-loving Caribbean public had bought into the hype, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board was expressing its objection to the name of the country being attached to the Red Steel, noting that the national cricket team of this country already had its own brand, “The Red Force,” which was important to protect as the legitimate national cricket brand given the success enjoyed with a hat-trick of Caribbean T20 titles and global exposure through frequent appearances in the Indian Champions League.

Yet the question was raised immediately: what have the TTCB done to market their brand, even now? Is “Red Force” merchandise available at sporting and other outlets across the country? Or was the objection to the Trinidad and Tobago name just about spite, based on the belief, expressed by quite a few fans and media observers during the inaugural competition, that the LCPL franchise format was all about mashing up T&T’s dominance of regional T20 cricket? Then we have the LCPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe issuing a statement last week in which he is quoted as saying: “The CPL would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Red Steel team is not a franchise that is based in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a team selected from the fantastic talent pool across the country.”

This is inaccurate on two counts. Firstly, every news release issued by the Caribbean Premier League, from last year to now, states at the bottom: “Caribbean Premier League is a ‘FRANCHISE-BASED’ T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere.”
Secondly, the first three in the batting order for yesterday’s match, Kennar Lewis, Kevin O’Brien and Ross Taylor were not drawn from the “fantastic talent pool across the country,” unless we’ve annexed Jamaica, Ireland and New Zealand and forgot to tell anyone about it.
That’s the accuracy part. Now for the inference element of the release. “The team is not restricted to play its home games in Trinidad and Tobago, and ultimately, any decision on where the team is based is dependent on the commitment and support that the CPL has already enjoyed with other Governments and owners...The fans in Trinidad and Tobago are second to none. They were fantastic supporters of CPL during its first year, and we look forward to bringing more games to Trinidad and Tobago, no matter where the franchise is based.”

So, given that the present Government of Trinidad and Tobago does not appear willing to play ball, does this mean the Red Steel could be based elsewhere from next season? Curiously, throughout yesterday’s match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, where the team that plays in red, white and black thrashed the hosts Antigua Hawksbills by nine wickets with almost three overs to spare, the television commentators made consistent reference to the “Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.”

My understanding is that there has been no change to the government’s stance on the matter, so what’s going on here? Then there’s the issue that appears to have seriously impacted on spectator attendance so far in the 2014 tournament-- the timing of the matches, which is geared to cater to a more international television audience.

We’ll be experiencing the situation first-hand this week with the side based here (I really don’t know how to refer to them now) taking on the Guyana Amazon Warriors at 8 p.m. on Thursday, the Jamaica Tallawahs at 12 noon on Saturday and the St Lucia Zouks at 4 p.m. on Sunday. TV rights money versus “live” atmosphere. Just another issue for debate at LCPL 2014.

Title: Thumbs up for Anil, WICB
Post by: socafighter on July 21, 2014, 08:56:23 AM

Thumbs up for Anil, WICB
Published: Guardian
Monday, July 21, 2014
Anand Rampersad
 

The Minister of Sport, Anil Roberts and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) must be applauded for their respective decisions taken concerning national and regional identity as it relates to cricket. Although the issues are different, the decision taken by the WICB reinforces the position taken by Minister Roberts. Minister Roberts has rightly asked the officials of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to remove the name Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) from the Red Steel. There are several reasons why his actions are justified.
 
Firstly, the name ‘Trinidad and Tobago’ should be reserved solely to represent the citizens (whether native or naturalised) of Trinidad and Tobago. Likewise only sporting teams consisting of citizens of T&T should be allowed to use the name Trinidad and Tobago.
 
Trinidad and Tobago is not just a name but represents a country’s identity through its history, economics, politics and culture. As such the country’s identity must be protected and defended by its citizenry whether they reside in or outside the country.
 
Patriotic pride should be attached to the name. If the national anthem had to be played, whose anthem would be played? And this argument applies not only to Trinidad and Tobago but to every other country in the CPL and the rest of the world.
 
Secondly, CPL is a franchise competition. It is owned and operated by a private company using a business model of profit maximisation. Each of the six (6) franchises are privately owned. The franchises comprise of players drawn from a regional and international pool. The government nor the respective local national cricket body does not have any authority in the operation of these franchises. Therefore, it is only logical that these franchises should only bear the non-country names (Red Steel, Amazon Warriors, Trident, Hawksbill, Zouk and Tallawahs) they have chosen.
 
The difference between the CPL and the Stanford 20/20 is that the latter allowed for individual countries to compete against each other. Each country and their respective cricket board was responsible for their national team. The free movement of regional or international players was not allowed. Therefore, there was no need to question the usage of Trinidad and Tobago as all the players were bona fide citizens of the country.
 
Thirdly, the response of the CEO of the CPL Damien O’Donohoe reinforces the above points and the position of Minister Roberts. According to O’Donohoe, “CPL would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that the Red Steel team is not a franchise that is based in T&T….The team is not restricted to play its home games in T&T.”
 
This comment indicates that the Red Steel franchise whether it is carrying the name T&T or not is not guaranteed to be playing out of T&T.
 
Franchise sports, in this case cricket, is a new phenomenon in the Caribbean. It represents a professional league comprising of teams representing respective cities. In the Caribbean it seems unclear at this moment as to what necessarily constitute a franchise in terms of its location based on the CPL CEO’s comment about the Red Steel.
 
The current league is now equivalent to all the other leagues in Test playing countries such as the IPL (India) and Big Bash (Australia). Previously, a country represented the West Indies in the annual Champions League playing against franchises from the other Test playing countries.
 
As the concept is new to the region, it will take some time to adjust. Even some of the radio commentators are committing the error of calling the games by country for instance Jamaica vs Antigua.
 
The organisers can help overcome this situation by encouraging the development of a franchise support base as is done in other professional sports through the sale of franchise merchandize such as jerseys, caps, flags, foam fingers etc. This will go a long way toward separating country from franchise identity and a win-win situation.
 
The importance of separating national identity from franchise identity has been reinforced by the WICB decision to reject the recommendation of free movement of players by the director of cricket Richard Pybus. Pybus claim is that such a move will improve the standard of play at the regional level. However, the argument put forward by the WICB is that such a move would result in the national identities of the countries being lost. Regional cricket has a rich history of keenly contested inter-island rivalry and this history and tradition must be allowed to continue.
 
It is important to remember that supporting any event or idea does not mean that you have to agree to everything. Principles must always be respected! Sports has and will continue to be a strong source of passionate national identity. All the best to our national athletes who will be flying the national flag at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Title: Re: Thumbs up for Anil, WICB
Post by: Deeks on July 21, 2014, 10:03:23 AM
full of it!
Title: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: socafighter on July 22, 2014, 06:02:55 PM
Caribbean Premier League 2014
Red Steel franchise name issue resolved

ESPNcricinfo staff
July 22, 2014


The issue regarding the name of the Caribbean Premier League franchise Red Steel has been resolved and the team will once again be called "Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel", the CPL has said.

The CPL had earlier agreed to omit the words "Trinidad & Tobago" from the name, based on a request from the Minister of Sport Anil Roberts. According to Roberts, the use of the country name infringed "on the protocols surrounding the use of the name and the sovereignty of the nation".


Title: Re: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: socafighter on July 22, 2014, 06:03:15 PM


Yawn...sigh....
Title: Re: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: 100% Barataria on July 22, 2014, 07:32:09 PM
Jokers yes, absolutely nothing to do, talk about a waste of tax payers money
Title: Re: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: D.H.W on July 22, 2014, 07:47:11 PM
Name should not of been changed in the first place
Title: Re: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: socafighter on July 23, 2014, 06:32:47 AM
RED STEEL SPIN
Griffith, Anil clash as T&T name returned to CPL cricket team


By port of spain \\\\\ Roger Seepersad
Story Created: Jul 22, 2014 at 10:48 PM ECT
Express

The Trinidad and Tobago name has rejoined the Red Steel, with thanks to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Minister of National Security Gary Griffith said yesterday the Prime Minister and the Gov­ernment had to be thanked for returning the Trinidad and Tobago name to the Red Steel franchise.
Roberts argued only Cab­inet could make a decision like this while Griffith insisted Cabinet had no decision to make on the Red Steel name issue.
The CPL announcement seemed to lead to tension yesterday between Griffith and Sport Minister Anil Roberts over who should decide if the T&T name should return to the Red Steel franchise.

CPL thanked Persad-Bissessar and the Government for helping to resolve the issue.
The T&T name was dropped from the Red Steel franchise after discussions between the CPL and Roberts recently.
The issue became public when Red Steel skipper Dwayne Bravo voiced his concerns about the change after his team’s first match against the Barbados Tridents in Gre­nada earlier this month.

There was a turnaround yesterday, via two CPL news releases.

The first one announced the CPL “was pleased that the matter regarding the naming of the Red Steel franchise has been resolved and that the team will once again proudly bear the name of Tri­nidad and Tobago Red Steel”.

The release also stated the CPL “would particularly like to thank (National Security) Minister Gary Griffith for his timely intervention in this matter and for his support in bringing it to a positive conclusion”.
Contacted by the Express yesterday, Griffith said there would be an “amendment” to the CPL statement.


Asked if he had anything to do with the name change, Griffith said: “That is the Prime Minister and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.”

That second statement quo­ted

CPL chief executive Damien O’Don­ohoe, who extended “sincerest thanks to the honourable Prime Min­ister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and her Government for their ongoing support for CPL and, in particular, her help in restoring the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel name to the franchise”.

He continued: “We are absolute­ly thrilled that the Red Steel will once again proudly bear the name of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, and with three home games this week, we are in no doubt that this news will give captain Dwayne Bravo and his team an extra boost in their efforts to take home the title of CPL Champions 2014.”

But asked about the turn of events yesterday, Roberts, at a news conference at his ministry in Port of  , said: “A press release was sent out by CPL (yesterday) stating that the Red Steel will retain T&T’s name, with the help from the Minister of National Security.
Let me state that for this period here, I am the Minister of Sport for the Republic of Trinidad and Toba­go and I had no decision to make. The facts are there—the Red Steel cannot be called Trinidad and Toba­go. It is not a national team. The position has not changed.”

Roberts added: “I have just seen something from the CPL...I can tell you, the only person or persons who can overturn history, who can overturn the convention of national teams and national sport...the only group of people who can do that at any one point in time is the Cabinet of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, led by the honourable Prime Minister, who at this time is the hon­ourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and include the Attorney General and the other Cabinet ministers.

They are the only persons who can overturn or change the prece­dence with the utilisation of the name Trinidad and Tobago.”
Roberts said: “You can ask Gary Griffith what he said, who he spoke to, on whose authority, because Cabinet has not met since last week Thursday, and in Cabinet last week Thursday, there was no discussion and no decision to overturn anything.”
 
 
PM: Issues to be vented at Cabinet
 
Question to PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar by text: Your Minister of Sport attacked your Minister of National Security at a press conference today. Are you aware? Are you going to deal with it?
Response: “Not aware thus far but should there be a disagreement amongst ministers same would be discussed at Cabinet on Thursday which is the appropriate forum
for ventilating same.”
Title: Re: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: socafighter on July 23, 2014, 06:40:03 AM
Roberts ‘wrote on his own’
Griffith: Cabinet not involved in decision...


Story Created: Jul 22, 2014 at 10:46 PM ECT
Express

 Minister of National Security Gary Griffith yesterday insisted Cabinet has no decision to make.
“Cabinet could not overturn what they did not decide in the first place,” he said.
“Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel—that was always the name. The only way that could have changed is if the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had taken a decision to stop it. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago never stopped it.

“Minister Roberts wrote to CPL on his own. That was not a Cabinet decision when he wrote to the CPL. He wrote as Anil Roberts and not on behalf of the Government,” Griffith told the Express yesterday.
Asked if the CPL needed the permission of Cabinet to use the T&T name as part of the name of the Red Steel franchise, Griffith said: “The CPL would have only needed that (permission) if the Government had a protest because that name was used since last year and it was not an issue.

“Only if there is a concern by the Government then the Government, based on a Cabinet decision, would have written to CPL voicing their concern, and that was never done.”

Title: Re: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: socafighter on July 23, 2014, 06:47:29 AM
Minister Roberts refutes Red Steel name change
By ZARA BRIDGEMOHAN-GRANT Wednesday, July 23 2014
Newsday


THE CONTROVERSY continues over the name Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Sports Minister Anil Roberts yesterday squashed hopes that the Red Steel, the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchise cricket team would be allowed to add Trinidad and Tobago to its name.

In a press conference at the Ministry of Sports’ office at Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday, Roberts was asked to respond to reports that Minister of National Security Gary Griffith had resolved the matter.

Roberts said, “the Red Steel cannot be called Trinidad and Tobago. It is not a national team and the word Trinidad and Tobago in the name is only for citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago only.

“The Red Steel is a franchise team consisting of players from Barbados, New Zealand, Ireland and across the globe. The position has not changed. The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board is the only authorised organisation who can utilise the words Trinidad and Tobago.

“Everybody could support which franchise team they would like. Trinidad and Tobago, the name, is not for sale. It cannot be used by any business man who feel that they want to use it.”

Roberts declared that “the only person or persons who can overturn, not a decision, I don’t like to say the word decision, overturn history, who can overturn the way, the conventions of national teams and national sports,” was the TT Cabinet led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and including the Attorney General and other Cabinet ministers.

He noted, “So I don’t know what Gary Griffith told anyone, wrote anyone, but I can assure the CPL, the Caribbean Community, that at this point in time, the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago and the Prime Minister have change nothing so I do not know what Gary Griffith has changed, on what basis, on what authority or who told him, who advised him but there has been no reversal, unless, and until on Thursday, the Prime Minister and Cabinet decide in its wisdom to do anything differently, only then will there be any changes.”

Roberts noted, “at this point, the CPL could put what they want, who they want and thank Gary Griffith but there has been no change, the Red Steel is still a franchise.”

Roberts was responding to a media release from Limacol CPL yesterday in which the management said matter regarding the Red Steel franchise has been resolved, that the team will once again be called Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel. The Limacol CPL management thanked Griffith for his intervention in bringing the matter to a “positive conclusion.”

Said Limacol CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe in the release, “on behalf of the entire CPL team, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and her Government for their ongoing support for CPL and in particular her help in restoring the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel name to the franchise.

“We are absolutely thrilled that the Red Steel will once agin proudly bear the name of Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, and, with three home games this week, we are in no doubt that this news will give Captain Dwayne Bravo and his team an extra boost in their efforts to take home the title of CPL Champions 2014.

“We wish them all the best and would like to thank the fans in Trinidad and Tobago for their fantastic support.”

Roberts also said at yesterday’s press conference that he will be backing the Guyana Amazon Warriors in their match against the Red Steel tomorrow at the Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair with its Trinidadian players Sunial Narine, Denesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons.

Controversy erupted on July 12 when Sports Minister Anil Roberts said that the cricket team now playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) could not be called the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

Title: Re: Caribbean Premier League 2014 Red Steel franchise name issue resolved
Post by: socafighter on July 23, 2014, 06:53:46 AM
CPL claims T&T name for Red Steel
Published: Guardian
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Vinode Mamchan
 

(http://s14.postimg.org/d6zm5mcq9/match.jpg)
Kevin O’Brien, left, and Darren Bravo, right, of the T&T Red Steel were on hand as Karen Chapman, winner of Guardian Group LCPL trivia contest received her six tickets from Larry Olton, Guardian Holdings executive.

Confusion reigned yesterday regarding the naming of the Red Steel franchise in the current Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament. While the players were busy getting themselves ready for their fourth round clash against the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Queen’s Park Oval tomorrow, press releases were flying left, right and centre. Minister of Sport, Anil Roberts had called on officials of the CPL to drop the T&T name from the Red Steel two weeks ago, citing that it was a franchise and not representative of a national team. This caused some alarm and although Roberts revealed that CPL had agreed that they erred in the matter and would remove the name, there was still discontent in certain quarters.
 
The minister provided strong arguments for the removal of T&T from the franchise but organisers were relentless and pursued the matter with government officials in T&T. Yesterday, the confusion started at 12.44 pm when Sandra Welch-Farrell & Company, acting on behalf of Digicel, issued a press release stating that T&T was restored to the team’s title. The release read: ”The management of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League is pleased that the matter regarding the naming of the Red Steel franchise has been resolved and that the team will once again proudly bear the name of T&T Red Steel. “We would particularly like to thank Minister Gary Griffith for his timely intervention in this matter and for his support in bringing it to a positive conclusion. We can now concentrate our efforts on ensuring that the remainder of the tournament is a resounding success and that cricket fans across the world enjoy it to the fullest.”
 
At a press conference at his offices on Abercromby Street to clear up matters concerning the controversial Life Sport programme minutes later, Roberts was asked about the realease. He responded: “As at this time, the name remains the Red Steel. I don’t know who Griffith has been speaking to and what right he has on the matter but the only one to make that decision is the cabinet of T&T. At this point in time, no one has told me otherwise and at last week’s cabinet meeting there was no decision on the matter. I don’t know how and why Griffith gets himself involved in this.” Another release was sent out by Digicel at 1.26 pm which quoted Limacol CPL CEO, Damien O’Donohoe, as follows: “On behalf of the entire CPL team, we would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of T&T, Kamla Persad Bissessar, and her Government for their ongoing support for CPL and in particular her help in restoring the T&T Red Steel name to the franchise.”
 
He continued: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Red Steel will once again proudly bear the name of T&T Red Steel, and, with three home games this week, we are in no doubt that this news will give captain Dwayne Bravo and his team an extra boost in their efforts to take home the title of CPL Champions 2014. We wish them all the best and would like to thank the fans in T&T for their fantastic support.” In response to the latest release, Roberts said that he could not make a comment because it did not come officially from the office of the Prime Minister, and as far as he was concerned the name was still Red Steel.


Title: Ramnarine: It should never have reached this point The Red Steel controversy...
Post by: socafighter on July 23, 2014, 10:32:38 PM
Ramnarine: It should never have reached this point
The Red Steel controversy...


Story Created: Jul 23, 2014 at 11:58 PM ECT
Express

(http://s22.postimg.org/58hkvq4gx/trinidadexpress_13.jpg)
‘COMMERCIAL ISSUE’: Former West Indies leg spinner Dinanath Ramnarine.


Former West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) leg spinner Dinanath Ramnarine said the raging issue concerning the use of T&T’s name with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 franchise the Red Steel is purely a commercial one.
Speaking to the media yesterday at the CL Financial Suite at the Queen’s Park Oval during the launch of the The Daren Ganga Cricket Coaching Series titled “The Fundamentals”, Ramnarine said the right to use Trinidad and Tobago’s name should be limited to the country’s national team.

“I think the question that really needs to be asked is whether the Red Steel is in fact the Trinidad and Tobago national team.”
He said if that is the case then the issue of if the team was selected by the national selectors as well as commercial issues such as whether the National Gas Company (NGC), who is the sponsor of the national team, can use their rights with regards to the Red Steel.
Ramnarine said it should have never reached to this point since the issue of the use of Red Steel, which bears close resemblance to Red Force, the name used by T&T national team, should have been dealt with from the inception.

He said the reason why there’s so much fuss is because the parties who signed the agreements have remained silent on the issue to date, adding that the West Indies Cricket Board (WIBC) should clear the air by making public the nature of the agreement and whether they sold the right to use the Trinidad and Tobago national team.
Ramnarine added that if the WIBC did in fact sell the right to the name use then they would have committed the error of selling something they did not own and this could lead to a dangerous precedent being set.
“If a T&T team is selected by the national selectors under the same format and the same terms and conditions then that constitutes a T&T team but if it’s not then it’s a franchise and I think the owners of the league and the WICB need to clearly state if the Red Steel is a T&T national team or a franchise,” Ramnarine said.
He said should it turn out that the team is a national one then it gives NGC the right to have its logo on the team’s uniform, but it seems to be a clear case of the sponsors getting what they want while everyone else is confused.
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: Deeks on July 24, 2014, 08:22:39 AM
 :bs: >:(
Title: Re: T&T brand name removed Captain Bravo slams decision
Post by: socafighter on July 25, 2014, 08:28:21 AM
PM: ‘I’ve dealt with it’
By ANDRE BAGOO Friday, July 25 2014
Newsday

click on pic to zoom in

PRIME Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar yesterday assured the nation that she had “dealt with” Sport Minister Anil Roberts and Minister of National Security Gary Griffith over their public spat on the issue of the use of “TT” in the Red Steel cricket team representing TT in the CPL T20 cricket competition.

Persad-Bissessar stated the issue, “doesn’t really change the price of sugar or flour or oil”, but addressed the issue at the post-Cabinet press briefing.

“I have said before that where there are disagreements between members; ministers of the Cabinet that Cabinet becomes the forum under my leadership to resolve such issues,” Persad-Bissessar told reporters at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair. “I am very happy that the final matches are being played in Trinidad and Tobago and that Red Steel is amongst those that will be performing.

“Those games for Trinidad and Tobago are going to be immense for promotion as a destination. I am very pleased that Trinidad is

the home base for the Red Steel team.”

She continued, “As to a specific matter of the dispute between the two ministers, I have dealt with this matter; we have discussed it today. I have made my views known to both ministers and I want to further indicate I do not approve of public squabbling between ministers. Such matters should be dealt with at the forum of the Cabinet and the sub-committees of the Cabinet. I thank you all very much for your time. I return to my Cabinet meeting.”

The Prime Minister did not address the issue of the Life Sport programme, which has also been a source of public divergence of views of both ministers. She took no questions. Winston Dookeran, the founder of the Congress of the People — to which both ministers are said to be members — said at the same briefing that it was not in the public interest to add to the squabble.

“I don’t think it would be in the public interest for me to add to the squabble and I believe the question should really be properly addressed to the current leader of the Congress of the People,” he said.

Last night, at the National Gas Company (NGC) stakeholder appreciation ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain, PM Persad-Bissessar in delivering the feature address, declared that the cricket team will indeed be called the TT Red Steel.

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