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Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #90 on: January 27, 2015, 05:04:00 PM »
We have so many national stadiums, grounds, velodrome, pavilions, tracks, Oval, cycling centre, aquatic centre and tennis centre... etc etc in T&T and our national teams and league cant use them...

Just now they will throw carnival pool parties in the aquatic centre.

We really have a backward thinking government.

They cant even afford to cut the grass or fix the light in many stadiums but they building more.

Real Donkey Logic.

 ;D

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Offline MEP

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #91 on: January 28, 2015, 08:38:13 AM »
it's not about being a backward thinking gov't..it is pure theft you cannot steal from the treasury if all you have to do is maintenance

Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #92 on: February 21, 2015, 02:53:45 AM »
Sportt concedes - Main defence against 18 ex-workers crashes.
By Derek Achong (Guardian).


The Sport Company of T&T (Sportt) has to fork out over $5 million to compensate 18 former employees who were unfairly fired amid allegations of financial mismanagement within the company.

The State-owned special purpose company has been locked in legal battles in the Industrial Court with the former employees, many of whom were fired prior to a restructuring exercise which commenced in early 2011.

Sportt has now been forced to concede defeat in almost all of the lawsuits after its main defence—that its actions were justified —failed to succeed when it opted to contest the case in a trial before three Industrial Court Judges in 2012.

In addition to being required to compensate the former employees for their monthly salaries for the remainder of their contracts, Sportt was also ordered to pay some of them their contractual gratuities calculated at 20 per cent of their gross salary during the period of employment. In some of the cases it was also forced to pay exemplary damages for the possible implications to the workers’ future employment prospects because they were fired amid serious allegations of poor management within the company.

The most recent lawsuit was determined by the court last Monday, with Sportt’s former executive facilities manager Sherlan Cabralis receiving $434,899 in damages.

In her claim, Cabralis had alleged she was fired in June 2009 with almost a year left on her contact, after she was informed by the company’s board that it was investigating her involvement in the renovations at its headquarters at Henry Street, Port-of-Spain.

Most of the former employees before the court were part of the 107 who were fired three days after the restructuring exercise was announced during a special staff meeting at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain, on January 7, 2011.

Senior manager Charles Branche was among the batch who were terminated following of the meeting. Last July, the court awarded him $1,083,024—the highest compensation package thus far.

$90,000 for 3 hours work

One of the most intriguing cases involved Sue Ellen Rajnauth-Williams, who was hired as an administrative assistant in June 2010 but was told her services were no longer required after a mere three hours on the job. She has since been awarded $90,000.

In all of the lawsuits, filed by three major trade unions representing the workers, the unions claimed that the company was “harsh and oppressive” in firing them without giving them detailed reasons or a fair opportunity to be heard. The unions also claimed that Sportt’s entire management of the exercise was contrary to good industrial relations practice.

The company was represented by attorney Larry Williams while Anthony Bullock appeared for the Banking Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU), which represented the majority of the employees.

There are still a handful of cases still before the court and a yet to be settled or determined. However, legal sources said the they will most likely end in a similar fashion to those already determined.

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Offline Deeks

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #93 on: February 21, 2015, 07:04:47 AM »
No comment!

Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #94 on: June 17, 2015, 02:04:49 AM »
Judge stops complex
By JADA LOUTOO (Newsday)


A HIGH COURT judge has quashed the decision of the Minister of Town and Country Planning to grant permission to the Sport Company of TT (SPORTT) to construct a sporting complex at the Orange Grove Savannah in Tacarigua.

In a 70-page ruling yesterday, Justice Ricky Rahim found that the minister breached his duty under Sections 6 and 7 of the Town and Country Planning Act to take steps to amend the national development plan as it related to the Orange Grove Savannah. The judge also found that the decision of the minister to grant permission to TT (SPORTT) to develop the lands was in breach of natural justice and was void and of no effect. “It is manifestly clear that there was no consultation with those affected,” the judge said in his ruling in favour of a group of Tacarigua residents, including two sporting clubs, which have used the savannah for decades.

“If anything these claimants are the ones to be most affected by the construction more than perhaps any other as they have had continuous and undisturbed use of the grounds over many years,” Justice Rahim said. It was an emotional end to the three-year fight by the residents. Public relations officer of the Save Our Orange Grove Savannah lobby group, Dr Carol James admitted to Newsday it was an emotional battle. As she was embraced by the scores of residents - some of whom wept after the ruling was delivered in the Hall of Justice in Port-of-Spain - James said the fight for the ‘green space’ was done for the families who for generations come together at the savannah.

“It is our space and we want to keep our space for our children,” she said.

The residents filed legal action after they were informed of the decision to construct the Eddie Hart Regional Sporting Complex, a multipurpose sporting complex, which would have featured a 25 metre swimming pool, cricket ground, football field, pavilion and 400 metre running track.

They complained that there was no full disclosure as to the scope of the project and that the SPORTT application, dated August 26, 2013, to the Town and Country Planning Division had been granted on September 25, 2013.

Their attorney, Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein submitted at the trial before Justice Rahim that the residents and the Ulric ‘Buggy’ Haynes Coaching School and the Dinsley Cricket Club, would be adversely affected if the planned sporting complex was constructed as they would no longer have access to the green space.

Hosein accused the executive of not adhering to the statutory provisions of the Town and Country Act which mandates that a National Physical Development Plan be submitted to Parliament, along with surveys, every five years.

He said the plan was important to ensure there was consistency and continuity as it related to how land was developed.”You cannot run a country without a development plan,” he argued, adding that, “The State has not satisfied its duty imposed by Parliament.”

In ruling in the residents’ favour, Justice Rahim found that there was a breach of duty on the part of the minister to update the national plan.

The judge ordered that minister reconsider the SPORTT’s application in a ‘procedurally fair manner and specifically after genuine consultation’ with the residents and other affected members of the public.

In his ruling, the judge said that the minister was aware of the public objection to the proposed construction but deprived the residents of the opportunity granted to them by statute to object or make representation as it related to the effect that the sporting complex would have on their daily activities.

“There was a duty on the minister to act fairly when considering the application for planning permission. Consultation is not only about objections but also about representations to arrive at the best possible plan which would benefit the various interests in the community and at the same time give effect to the government’s intention,” the judge said.

He also pointed out the former minister of sport, who, when approached by cricket clubs’ executive, declared that the sporting complex “can’t be stopped, it wouldn’t be stopped and is going full steam ahead’ was indicative of the approach taken to the construction of the sporting complex without sufficient regard for the right of those who make the community their home and whose lives revolve around the savannah to be heard. Justice Rahim said residents had to discover matters relating to the project largely through their own efforts; literally had to plead for genuine consultation and had to resort to the national media in an effort to be heard.

“But alas their pleas have all fallen on deaf ears,” he said.

The judge, in ordering the minister to pay the residents’ costs of bringing the action, suggested that not only should recreational areas be provided but also consider that “green spaces deserve some measure of protection.”

“Developed nations appear to have gone the way of eco-friendly references in acknowledgment that the phrase green space does not only define a place for human recreation but also goes beyond to acknowledge the reservation or conservation of a community, rural, natural or historic character and the conservation of land for recreational ecological environmental or aesthetic interest.

As we continue to develop as a nation in the 21st century the time may have arrived when those who govern may wish not only to ensure that sufficient recreational areas are provided but also consider that green spaces deserve some measure of protection,” Justice Rahim said in his ruling.

Also appearing for the residents were attorneys Rishi Dass and Marina Narinesingh while Russell Martineau, SC, Gerald Ramdeen and Kendra Mark represented the minister.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #95 on: July 13, 2015, 06:26:44 AM »
New SPORTT board calls for forensic audit
T&T Newsday Reports.


NEWLY appointed chairman of the Sports Company of TT (SPORTT) Dudnath Ramkesoon and his board of directors have initiated a forensic audit into the operations of the entity.

The new board, which assumed office in April, have agreed to put out to tender an invitation for qualified accounting firms to conduct the audit.

In a statement, Ramkesoon said, “Having reviewed the operations of the Company for the past three months I am of the fervent view that this action is needed especially since there was an absence of a Board of Directors for an eight month period.”

SPORTT was established in 2004 as the key implementation arm of the Ministry of Sport. Its core activities include construction and facility maintenance, oversight and support for the National Governing Bodies (NGBs), support for elite athletes, the design and support for comprehensive policies for the promotion, sustainable growth and development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago.

The forthcoming forensic audit is expected to examine all of the company’s operations.

The company’s operation came into sharp focus last year after several financial irregularities were found in its Life Sport programme, which was immediately scrapped and which led to the resignation of then sport minister Anil Roberts.

The “Report of the Central Audit Committee on the Comprehensive Audit of the Payment System” into the controversial programme was laid in the Lower House by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar who expressed shock and dismay at what was unearthed by the audit team.

The conclusion of the report stated: “From the review it is clear that the Life Sport programme has a number of irregularities judging from the widespread absenteeism, absence of proper procurement practices, overpayment for goods and services and possible criminal activities ranging from fraud (where money has been invoiced and paid but goods and services not supplied) to theft and possible breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act.

In addition, statements from members of the Police Service with whom the auditors interacted during the audit of the programme suggest that there may be criminal elements in positions of supervision and coordination within the programme. Given the substantial breaches identified, it is recommended that this matter be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the relevant law enforcement agencies.”

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Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #96 on: October 07, 2015, 06:50:09 AM »
Sports minister tours new facilities
T&T Newsday Reports


SPORT AND Youth Affairs Minister Darryl Smith last week toured three of the national sporting facilities with Permanent Secretary Gillian Macintyre as well as staff from the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT).

Minister Smith and the contingent spent just over five hours doing a comprehensive walk-through of the facilities currently under construction.

These were the National Aquatic Centre and the Cycling Velodrome in Couva, as well as the Tennis Centre in Tacarigua.

During the tour, Minister Smith identified his priorities regarding the facilities.

One of the minister’s immediate concerns will be the development of comprehensive plans and policies for the proper maintenance, management and upkeep of the three facilities. The Minister noted that in the past, several facilities and buildings were commissioned, but soon after they needed substantial refurbishment due to inadequate preventative maintenance management.

Another area of concern emerging from the tour was the need for a proper usage policy for national and elite level athletes. The facilities were built for the nation’s athletes to have a viable option to train at home for international competition. The Minister felt that it was important that all the necessary athletic amenities were also readily available to allow local athletes a full cadre of support services that would complement their competitive exploits.

Among those support services identified by the Minister, while in discussion with Sports Company personnel included, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, reflexology, message therapy, performance testing, sports medicine and injury prevention.

Minister Smith also saw a need for capacity building for the National Sporting Organisations, with an emphasis on increased levels of participation in their respective sports. He emphasised the need for baseline data (participation, demographics, frequency, access, etc.) across all sports, which should lead to better decision-making about investments of state funds and the continued sustainable development of each discipline.

He added with the completion of the facilities, the sporting bodies must play their part in achieving greater participation, accreditation, volunteerism and spectatorship for their sport.

The minister also noted that maximisation of the revenue potential of the new facilities was key to their sustainable operation.

Accordingly, he commissioned a full review of all the rates and user policies across all of the facilities under the purview of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and the Sports Company.

He noted while all of the facilities have a role to play in providing for the needs of athletes at all levels, attention must also be focused on income generation in order to ensure the citizen sees an economic return on the millions invested, and that the facilities can achieve self-sustainability.

Another priority for the minister was that all of the facilities are outfitted with modern, eco-friendly equipment and systems. The facilities’ operational procedures and policies must also prioritise energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint.

The three projects (Aquatic Centre, Velodrome and Tennis Centre) were conceptualised in 2007 and were officially commenced in 2009 when international project management consulting firm Pix International Holdings was commissioned by SPORTT to develop the terms and reference, scope of work and tendering and evaluation processes.

The contract was tendered in 2009 and following a full evaluation of all the bids, the Shanghai Construction Group was identified as the preferred contractor and was awarded the contract in 2011.

The facilities are still in the final stages of construction and are expected to be fully operational early next year.

They will be managed by the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago, the implementation agency of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.

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Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #97 on: November 27, 2015, 06:21:18 AM »
SPoRTT names Phillips as head.
T&T Guardian Reports.


Former national cyclist and current cycling promoter Michael Phillips, has been appointed chairman of the Sports Company of T&T (SporTT).

Phillips replaces Dudnath Ramkessoon, who held the position for the past seven months. Phillips has years of management experience as the managing director of Phillips Promotions and owner of bike store Mike’s Bikes.

Through Phillips Promotions, Phillips has been one of the top cycling promoters in the country, hosting popular events such as the Beacon Cycling on the Avenue and the Michael Phillips Republic Day Cycling Classic. Phillips has also served as president of the T&T Cycling Federation.

Phillips, who is currently out of the country, is looking forward to his new assignment. In a release last night, he stated, “I am honoured to be asked to serve as the chairman of SporTT.

I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the Honourable Minister of Sport, Darryl Smith, as we are both motivated sporting enthusiasts. I will do my best to have sport in T&T benefit from a structured and innovative approach to management. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”


NEW BOARD: Abbegale Nandlal, front row from left, Sport Minister Darryl Smith, Michael Phillips (chairman), Dionne Ligoure, back row, Jason Lewis Julien, Imran Jan, Richard Mc Farlane, Vyash Nandlal (no relation to Abbegale) and Anthony Subero at the meet and greet with the media of the new SPORTT board at the Sportt headquarters on Henry Street , Port of Spain, yesterday. Missing is Marcus Solomon. —Photo: MARK POUCHET

« Last Edit: December 06, 2015, 05:59:12 AM by Flex »
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Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #98 on: October 07, 2016, 06:47:12 AM »
Daniel hits back in $34M LifeSport scandal
By STEPHON NICHOLAS (NEWSDAY).


Adolphus Daniel, president of eBeam Interact Limited, has made it clear that he will not be returning a cent of the $34 million his company received from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) for implementation of literacy, numeracy and integrated technology components for the defunct LifeSport programme.

LifeSport, a brainchild of former Minister of Sport Anil Roberts was found to be fraught with corruption and was shut down by then Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar following an audit conducted by the Ministry of Finance in July 2014.

The programme was supposed to target at-risk youths teaching them various trade skills, sports and an educational aspect headed by Daniel’s eBeam Interact limited.

Although his programme was never implemented, Daniel, in a two and a half hour long session with the media at the Hyatt Regency yesterday, laid blame squarely on the Sport Company which he said failed to provide tools essential for the programme to be conducted.

A fiery Daniel threatened an avalanche of lawsuits against radio, television and print journalists and media companies for defaming him and claiming he collected $34 million for no work done.

The former St Mary’s College teacher and head of Daniel Educational Institute said that for the duration of his involvement in LifeSport, his main interest was ensuring the nation got value for its money. He added that when he noticed SPORTT was not meeting eBeam Interact’s requests to get the programme on stream, he wrote to SPORTT ’s then Chairman Sebastien Paddington on April 28, 2014, warning that he was contemplating suing to get his educational programme off the ground.

In that letter, Daniel accused SPORTT and/or its agents of continuing “to obstruct eBeam from beginning teaching at LifeSport venues by failing to have the required prerequisites in place”, and, “breaking its promises and failing to cooperate with eBeam.” Daniel added in the letter, “It has become ironical that the party which has already been paid in full is the one that is pursuing the other party which made the payment.” Stunningly, Daniel said he was not paid a single for his services, operating completely as a volunteer and out of his love for the country.

He later clarified to Newsday that he was speaking in his personal capacity and not as president of eBeam Interact Limited.

Questioned about his relationship with Roberts, Daniel denied having any interaction with the ex-Minister who resigned amid reports of rampant corruption and wastage in LifeSport under his tenure following the audit. Daniel, however, admitted being friends with Anil’s father Al Roberts was worked with eBeam, handling legal matters.

Daniel said he also visited Al’s home a few times but never spoke to Anil, even while running a $34 million programme started by the ex-Sports Minister.

In his presentation yesterday, which included a five-minute animation teaching step-by-step how to solve quadratic equations, Daniel said more than $34 million was spent in developing the programme which he said has completely gone to waste. He added that he entered into a five-year deal with an international partner to assist in the programme and is still incurring the cost of that contract which runs until 2018. Questioned later about the identity of the international firm, Daniel refused to reveal the company’s name. He also was not willing to produce a copy of the contract, stating it was a “private and confidential document between two parties.” Defending his character vehemently, Daniel boasted, “I don’t think I should be defending myself.

My work in education spans the Caribbean and across the world.” He was joined by traffic engineer Dr Ray Furlonge who showered Daniel with praise for his style of teaching which helped him succeed despite struggling academically as a teen. Also there to support Daniel was Cedric Cole who worked for eBeam providing technical expertise for the implementation of their programme in LifeSport. He lamented though that although some centres reached some level of preparedness, most did not as they lacked basic amenities such as water and electricity.

Asked whether the Sport Company can access the animation learning videos conceptualised for LifeSport which were not used, he emphatically said no, further explaining that its intellectual property was owned by eBeam and not their former client.

Daniel scoffed at the thought that $34 million was a significant figure for the development aspect of his initiative, declaring that it was grossly inadequate and less than what was spent by eBeam.

“$34 million is a jingle in a piggy bank. That is no money. $34 million is noise,” he declared. He provided documents showing tracking numbers of items (equipment) shipped for the LifeSport programme which were stored at a warehouse in Diego Martin. He wondered aloud what happened to these items since its arrival over three years ago. He said he welcomed a Forensic audit into the LifeSport with “the people that deprived the country of LifeSport to face the consequences for it.” Daniel stressed that the initiatives which he wanted to introduce would have eradicated a number of irregularities in the programme.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Tallman

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #99 on: October 07, 2016, 10:47:46 AM »
WATCH: Daniel says he's not a thief

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/_ADw2fb8KR4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/_ADw2fb8KR4</a>
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #100 on: October 07, 2016, 11:21:01 AM »
Organizer "bandit wars"

Offline Deeks

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #101 on: October 07, 2016, 06:20:57 PM »
I have heard good things about a Daniel. There are a few people, both at home and abroad, who have benefited from his "lessons". It is a shame he is caught up in this mess. Should he give back the money or keep it because of govt ineptitude?

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #102 on: November 03, 2016, 11:46:47 AM »
JSC knocks SporTT
By Gail Alexander (Guardian)


Forget outstanding legal action against dismissed Sport Company of T&T (SporTT) employees and pay them.

That was advice given yesterday to the management by Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus and Independent Senator David Small. Both were among members of a Joint Select Committee (JSC) who questioned SporTT officials at Parliament. Questions were posed on the recommendations of the 2014 Auditor General’s report regarding the Special purpose company of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

The issue of 2011 dismissals at SporTT was raised by JSC member and Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds, who said The Edge consultancy firm was contracted for $1.06 million to review human resource issues at SporTT. Some 32 members of staff, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) were dismissed. The matter went to court and while SporTT offered no defence, lawyers’ fee amounted $137,000, Hinds noted.

JSC member PNM Senator Foster Cummings noted several staffers took legal action for compensation with total settlements of about $2.5 million. He noted one former employee who worked less than one day received $90,000 for unfair dismissal.

SporTT legal officer Naveen Maraj explained the court had ruled the employees’ retrenchment was harsh and oppressive and the $90,000 settlement was on that basis.

Maraj said there were two outstanding cases and SporTT is in negotiations with unions on these matters which involve sums of $119,000 and approximately $845,000. But Maraj said there are legal issues and the matters that will be sent to the Recognition Board and an Industrial Relations consultant will be brought in to assist SporTT.

Baptiste-Primus said the 2011 dismissal “frolic” cost taxpayers almost $3 million to date. She advised SporTT to consider its direction in challenging the two matters and obtaining an IR consultant for this. She said they should give the workers their just due and abandon that direction.

“I strongly advise SporTT, don’t pursue that direction and prevent employees from getting what is theirs,” she added.

JSC’s Small said rather than pay an IR consultant and going to the Industrial Court on further challenges, SporTT should call in the former employees, settle the matter and avoid paying more.

“Such situations affect the company’s reputation,” Small pointed out.

SporTT chairman Michael Phillips—appointed in December 2015—who described the JSC experience as his “baptism of fire,” said T&T has more sport seating capacity per-capital than anywhere else globally. He said the facilities are $3 billion worth of assets.

Phillips said T&T could either “dynamite” some facilities or use them. He said T&T didn’t have annual events like “Superbowl”, which justified construction of all these facilties, and now has to create content for it. He said sports competed with Carnival for funding and space.

Acting Sport Ministry permanent secretary Ian Ramdhani who said he’d had opportunity to examine some questionable issues during the LifeSport programme’s tenure, said many corrective measures have been instituted. He said manipulation by junior staff has been fixed and they no longer have authority to sign matters, which was done at the time. He said proper records are also being maintained.

JSC members were critical of some responses which they deemed, “weak, watery, unpersuasive, unconvincing and troubling.” JSC member Dr Tim Gopeesingh told Phillips at one point, he was “beating around the bush.”

Chairman of the JSC Wade Mark started the meeting by asking Phillips how many of the 14 recommendations outlined in the Auditor’s General Report to SporTT that has been acted upon.

Mark, who was visibly not satisfied with the chairman’s response, moved on to other aspects of the report. The grilling lasted for over two hours.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #103 on: November 03, 2016, 11:50:29 AM »
SPORTT chided for lack of action on audit
By Camille Hunte (Express).


Two years after an audit into the operations of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) identified a number of failings within the organisation, the recommendations made in the auditor general’s report have yet to be implemented in any meaningful way.

This was the view expressed by the Minister of Public Utilities Fitzgerald Hinds as he posed questions to SPORTT officials at the 12th meeting of the public accounts (Enterprises) committee yesterday.

Hinds further chided the officials for their “flimsy” responses to questions posed by the committee, saying they offered little comfort to citizens.

Referring to the Lifesport fiasco, Hinds said the recommendations of the report were to be used as guidelines to ensure that the mistakes of the past were not repeated.

He took issue with the responses to questions about how many of the recommendations were actually implemented or in the process of being implemented.

“I find the answers to the questions in relation to what has been done in respect of the auditor general’s recommendations in these horrendous circumstances, I find the answers unpersuasive, unexciting, without comfort to the citizens of this country,” he said.

He said it appeared that SPORTT was still in the same position as two years ago.

Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, also a member of the committee, said she was astonished that SPORTT could not solidly identify any of the recommendations that were implemented. She said the company appeared to be operating as a law unto itself.

Hinds also questioned whether sporting facilities were being developed and upgraded efficiently and economically.

And, while he congratulated T&T athletes who participated in the recently-concluded Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, he said the general results were not commensurate with the level of expenditure put forward by the State.

SPORTT chairman Michael Phillips agreed, saying the public would have expected greater results from the Olympic athletes, given the level of investment made.

Phillips added that SPORTT is facing challenges with its yearly allocation, which he said is just a fraction of what the government spends on Carnival.

He lamented that sporting facilities across the country, which amount to over $3 billion in assets, have somewhat become liabilities as they were not generating any substantial revenue.

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Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #104 on: May 06, 2017, 01:33:10 AM »
Dinas in line for top SporTT post chairman post
By Vinode Mamchan (Guardian)


Former West Indies player and president of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), Dinanath Ramnarine, has been named the new chairman of the Sport Company of T&T (SPORTT), an implementation arm of the Ministry of Sports.

Guardian Media Sports was reliably informed that the outspoken Ramnarine received the news yesterday from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs which is responsible for SPORTT.

When contacted Ramnarine refused to comment on the issue.

On Monday former cyclist Michael Phillips resigned from the post saying it was for personal reasons.

On Tuesday, Minister of Sport Darryl Smith and SporTT Chief Executive Officer Adam Montserin confirmed Phillips’ departure from the organisation and said his resignation was based on personal reasons.

At the time of his resignation Phillips was organising the official opening of the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, which is set for May 13 with a Twenty20 (T20) match featuring A Brian Lara XI against a Scahin Tendulkar team.

However, on the same day of Phillips’ resignation Guardian Media Sports also reported that Tendulkar will not be among the venue opening celebrations.

With eight days to go before the opening the Sports Ministry has moved to get the planning of the event back on track.

Ramnarine was a leg-spin bowler who retired at an early age (28 years). He has a Test bowling average of around 30, taking 45 wickets in his 12 Test matches, which is better when compared to most who would have played the same amount of matches. After his premature retirement, he went on to successfully lead WIPA with tremendous passion and gain the respect of all by winning 15 out of 15 arbitration matters against the WICB.

Among his other major accomplishments was the signing of the first Collective Agreement between WIPA and WICB, starting the Annual Player Awards Function and establishing a development programme known as the “WIPA in the Community” where as much 10,000 kids to date have participated using cricket to teach valuable life skills.

He further established a personal development programme for which 150 first class players benefited. Ramnarine will be forever known as the “players’ champion” and a no-nonsense man, who stands for integrity and good governance in sports.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #105 on: May 08, 2017, 04:52:12 AM »
When will SporTT settle down?
By Alvin Corneal (Guardian).


Here we go again another resignation at the Sport Company when will the business of sport settledown.

The resignation of the Michael Phillips as chairman of the sport company one week ago was surprising to those who were close to the sporting fraternity, seeing that he was only in office 17 months. Some were elated over his appointment especially as they knew the guy as a former national cycling champion and a promoter of international cycling events in the country.

Few were critical of his ability to handle a project of that magnitude and fewer understood the function of a chairman of such a powerful sports position where the need for all aspects of sports Management and Leadership which were the two prerequisites necessary to improve the quality of sport in every village in the country, processes of bringing the awareness of finding methods of reaching each community with projects which would get our young people involved from a very young age. Not only to participate for fun, but to be nurtured into understanding the value of sport in a similar manner to education.

It would be unfair to be critical of the chairman whose job has never been held for very long by the previously chosen ones. Any form of analytical observation from those who were expecting much more by way of developing a more realistic path to the awareness of sport all-round.

What is even more surprising is the fact that less than one week after the resignation was handed in, a new Chairman has been targeted to fill the vacant position.

Clearly, the process of discussing the reasons for his resignation, the structure which my have been put into place, and maybe Mr. Phillips reasons’ for his resignation, should all have been addressed before deciding upon the criteria to be used in order to guide an improved destiny of the individual who will be adequate enough to handle the duties of such a complex responsibility.

This is not a criticism of Dinanath Ramnarine, the new chairman designate.

Ramnarine has been challenging the business sports management through his association with the controversial West Indies players association and the fact that he had vacated his place in the West Indies team as a top class wrist spinner in order to fight for the best opportunities which players should receive says a lot about his leadership.

He had a short stint of engagement in the advisory committee to amend the constitution of the T&T Football Association some time ago.

Like most other sports associations in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, efforts to bring improvement for the sportsmen and sportswomen, there was always a preference to turn discussions into arguments and the regular practice of personalizing each issue brought little success.

Even at the local Cricket level, Ramnarine has joined a group of other administrative enthusiasts to battle for leadership in the T&T Cricket Board, a matter which has found itself into the country’s court, where the matter is still being judged.

So we must assume that there could be the start of a new battle in our local cricket, where arguments among members of the board and others like Ramnarine are aspiring to take over office. Two questions must be asked...Where does this pending appointment leaves Mr. Ramnarine and the T&TCB? and what kind of relationship will they have going forward?

While I respect the decisions of those who make appointments for the sports company, I believe that the confrontation process which existed between those in the T&TCB and those who wish to vote them out, consideration must be given.

Another essential factor which should have been exposed long ago was the rules and regulations, term and references, which would govern the management of the country’s sport, its funding, its marketing, its coach education programme, its approach to financial solutions which are often problematic among the national associations, and mysterious when it comes to the investment into community sport, maintenance of stadia and community plating fields.

I wish the new chairman designate all the best in his new encounter and I sincerely hope that the continuation of the distorted battle regarding Cricket will not be a topic for settlement in any unorthodox manner such as personality clashes, vindictiveness, and most of all seeking the advice of all the registered clubs to assist with same.

We must view the future of sport very carefully, as there is much work to be done.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #106 on: May 08, 2017, 09:19:01 AM »
who have eyes to see will see, right now is trump an follow suit, the treasury is ah ho an de prime minister is ah pimp name slickback...

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #107 on: May 12, 2017, 01:47:57 AM »
Ramnarine confirmed as SporTT new chairman
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).


Dinanath Ramnarine is the new Chairman of the Board of the Sport Company of T&T.

He was confirmed via a release by the Ministry of Finance yesterday, effectively replacing Michael Phillips who resigned under a cloud last week, citing personal reasons.

Guardian Media Sports reported last Friday that Ramnarine was tipped to replace Phillips who resigned on May 1.

Ramnarine, an ex T&T and West Indies spin bowler who later assumed the position of president of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) after his playing days, was rumoured to take over the top spot from Phillips, which followed the resignations of three other people from the SporTT board, namely Abbegale Nandalal, Marcus Soloman and Anthony Subero—all of whom left for personal reasons.

Ramnarine, an outspoken lobbyist for the ills of local and regional cricket, will now join Richard McFarlane, Jason Julien, Imran Jan, Dion Ligoure and Vyash Nandlal of the original appointments in November 2015.

Upon receiving his instruments of appointment, Ramnarine said: “I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to serve my country once again in the field of sport.

“In this regard, I look forward to working closely with the Honourable Minister of Sport & Youth Affairs, Board of Directors, the hard working staff of The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago as well as the key stakeholders in the various sporting organisations to make a meaningful contribution”.

His first engagement as chairman will be to attend the opening event of the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba from 7 pm which will feature an exhibition T20 match comprising a BrianLara XI against an International XI.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #108 on: May 12, 2017, 12:09:47 PM »
Daniel hits back in $34M LifeSport scandal
By STEPHON NICHOLAS (NEWSDAY).


Adolphus Daniel, president of eBeam Interact Limited, has made it clear that he will not be returning a cent of the $34 million his company received from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) for implementation of literacy, numeracy and integrated technology components for the defunct LifeSport programme.

LifeSport, a brainchild of former Minister of Sport Anil Roberts was found to be fraught with corruption and was shut down by then Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar following an audit conducted by the Ministry of Finance in July 2014.

The programme was supposed to target at-risk youths teaching them various trade skills, sports and an educational aspect headed by Daniel’s eBeam Interact limited.

Although his programme was never implemented, Daniel, in a two and a half hour long session with the media at the Hyatt Regency yesterday, laid blame squarely on the Sport Company which he said failed to provide tools essential for the programme to be conducted.

A fiery Daniel threatened an avalanche of lawsuits against radio, television and print journalists and media companies for defaming him and claiming he collected $34 million for no work done.

The former St Mary’s College teacher and head of Daniel Educational Institute said that for the duration of his involvement in LifeSport, his main interest was ensuring the nation got value for its money. He added that when he noticed SPORTT was not meeting eBeam Interact’s requests to get the programme on stream, he wrote to SPORTT ’s then Chairman Sebastien Paddington on April 28, 2014, warning that he was contemplating suing to get his educational programme off the ground.

In that letter, Daniel accused SPORTT and/or its agents of continuing “to obstruct eBeam from beginning teaching at LifeSport venues by failing to have the required prerequisites in place”, and, “breaking its promises and failing to cooperate with eBeam.” Daniel added in the letter, “It has become ironical that the party which has already been paid in full is the one that is pursuing the other party which made the payment.” Stunningly, Daniel said he was not paid a single for his services, operating completely as a volunteer and out of his love for the country.

He later clarified to Newsday that he was speaking in his personal capacity and not as president of eBeam Interact Limited.

Questioned about his relationship with Roberts, Daniel denied having any interaction with the ex-Minister who resigned amid reports of rampant corruption and wastage in LifeSport under his tenure following the audit. Daniel, however, admitted being friends with Anil’s father Al Roberts was worked with eBeam, handling legal matters.

Daniel said he also visited Al’s home a few times but never spoke to Anil, even while running a $34 million programme started by the ex-Sports Minister.

In his presentation yesterday, which included a five-minute animation teaching step-by-step how to solve quadratic equations, Daniel said more than $34 million was spent in developing the programme which he said has completely gone to waste. He added that he entered into a five-year deal with an international partner to assist in the programme and is still incurring the cost of that contract which runs until 2018. Questioned later about the identity of the international firm, Daniel refused to reveal the company’s name. He also was not willing to produce a copy of the contract, stating it was a “private and confidential document between two parties.” Defending his character vehemently, Daniel boasted, “I don’t think I should be defending myself.

My work in education spans the Caribbean and across the world.” He was joined by traffic engineer Dr Ray Furlonge who showered Daniel with praise for his style of teaching which helped him succeed despite struggling academically as a teen. Also there to support Daniel was Cedric Cole who worked for eBeam providing technical expertise for the implementation of their programme in LifeSport. He lamented though that although some centres reached some level of preparedness, most did not as they lacked basic amenities such as water and electricity.

Asked whether the Sport Company can access the animation learning videos conceptualised for LifeSport which were not used, he emphatically said no, further explaining that its intellectual property was owned by eBeam and not their former client.

Daniel scoffed at the thought that $34 million was a significant figure for the development aspect of his initiative, declaring that it was grossly inadequate and less than what was spent by eBeam.

“$34 million is a jingle in a piggy bank. That is no money. $34 million is noise,” he declared. He provided documents showing tracking numbers of items (equipment) shipped for the LifeSport programme which were stored at a warehouse in Diego Martin. He wondered aloud what happened to these items since its arrival over three years ago. He said he welcomed a Forensic audit into the LifeSport with “the people that deprived the country of LifeSport to face the consequences for it.” Daniel stressed that the initiatives which he wanted to introduce would have eradicated a number of irregularities in the programme.


and so and so
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CokfNZe5ccs

followed by

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhdgR0yFpVQ

and finally

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkas7MpxxdU

when all else fails

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bil764A1XxQ&index=13&list=RDFkas7MpxxdU
« Last Edit: May 12, 2017, 12:43:08 PM by maxg »

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #109 on: July 20, 2017, 01:37:24 AM »
SporTT sends 8 managers on leave
By Walter Alibey & Rosemarie Sant
T&T Guardian.


Eight senior managers of the Sports Company of T&T (SporTT) were yesterday sent on 45 days administrative leave pending the completion of a forensic audit investigation of the operations of the entity.

SporTT, which is led by recently appointed chairman Dinanath Ramnarine, also revoked the appointment of board director Jason Julien.

Guardian Media Sports was informed by a source close to the development that CEO Adam Montserin, head of Facilities Anthony Blake, head of Procurement Darrel Stewart, head of Internal Audit Joanne Kowlessar, head of Legal Navin Maharaj, Senior Manager in the Project Department Travis Smith, a senior manager and a senior project administrator were all sent on immediate administrative leave with pay. Three managers, when contacted yesterday, said they could not explain the reason for the suspensions.

However, a release from the SporTT said the board, acting on the advice of the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, would be undertaking a forensic investigation into the operations of the company. It said to facilitate this, eight employees were asked to proceed on administrative leave effective July 19 while the appointment of one board member was revoked.

Ramnarine could not be reached for comment yesterday.

But in giving an account of what transpired yesterday, one manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said: “We went to work as on any other day and were asked to attend a meeting. No reason was given, but we were just asked to go on leave until a forensic investigation was done.”

The manager said it was possible the the non-payment of maintenance fees to the Shanghai Construction Group in April may have been one of the reasons for the probe.

Guardian Media Sports learnt that the Shanghai group receives a whopping $1.4 million monthly for maintenance work on the facilities they constructed, namely the National Cycling and Aquatic Centres in Couva and the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua. However, they have not been paid for the past few months due to lack of funding. Its last payment was $2.5 million in December last year

According to the manager, board members were “pressured to make the payment recently although monies have been scarce, as the company had received no funding from the Ministry of Finance, which had been public knowledge.” Apart from no funding being available, the company found that there were fundamental issues concerning the actual maintenance work being done on the facilities. Now, it “seems everyone who was involved with the the Shanghai Group was sent on leave,” the manager explained.

Money, legal issues plague body

Guardian Media Sports was also informed by a reliable source that at the start of July, the board, which comprises Imran Jan, Dionne Ligoure, Richard Mc Farlane, Vyash Nandlal, Phillip Whiteman, the step-father of cycling ace Njisane Phillip, and which is led by Ramnarine, also took a decision to take control of the day-to-day management of the company.

The source said: “What the board has done is bestowed upon itself executive powers which it doesn’t have and which is contrary to the Companies Act of 1995, the state enterprises performance and monitoring manual and good and proper corporate governance practices.”

Well-placed sources added that since Ramnarine took up office in May, SporTT has been facing many challenges, including a severe funding deficit between TT$35-TT$40 million, and they have been forced to put “mechanisms in place to deal with this.”

But how did the company get to that point?

According to our source, “there are major issues at the company. We inherited a number of problems, including financial and several legal matters. We recognised there is a need to manage the business in a better way.”

Sources at the company also said it has been plagued by a lack of transparency in the way business was done, “including in the procurement process, and within the past few weeks a finance committee had been reviewing any payments being made, making sure that payments were justified and that there was proper documentation for all payments, something which had been lacking.”

Sports Minister Daryl Smith was out of the country and could not be contacted yesterday and calls to Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi’s mobile went unanswered.

SporTT was established in 2004 as a limited liability, special-interest company geared towards the management, administration and programming of sport, as well as the construction and operational maintenance of sporting facilities throughout T&T.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #110 on: September 23, 2017, 01:49:39 AM »
Wiliams acting CEO as SPoRTT extends probe
By Rosemarie Sant (Guardian)


Two months after a forensic investigation was launched into the Sports Company of T&T (SporTT) it is incomplete and investigators have asked for more time.

On July 19, SporTT announced that the investigation into the operations of the company had been initiated on the advice of the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. Head of Facilities Anthony Blake, CEO Adam Montserin, head of Procurement Darrel Stewart, head of Internal Audit Joanne Kowlessar, head of Legal Navin Maharaj, senior manager in the Project Department Travis Smith, a senior manager and a senior project administrator were asked to go on administrative leave for 45 days with pay.

The audit is linked to a million dollar contract awarded to a Chinese company for maintenance of the facilities. Several documents were seized from the SporTT compound and several employees have been interviewed bythe investigators.

Yesterday, SporTT chairman Dinanath Ramnarine confirmed that the period of the audit had been extended to September 30 and the employees sent on leave remain off the job.

Ramnarine said Jason Williams, who resigned as chief financial officer in June, had been re-hired in August and the board agreed to appoint him to act as CEO,

He said Williams “is well-respected, has seniority and institutional knowledge and had served SporTT well having brought the organisation up to date with requirements for audited financial regulations.”

Mark Depoosingh, whom Williams had recommended to act as CFO when he left, has resigned but Ramnarine said there is no link between Depoosingh’s resignation and Williams’ return.

Meantime, the land just behind the National Aquatic Centre which once housed makeshift accommodation for a maintenance team has been cleared for construction of a hotel by the TTFA.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #111 on: September 23, 2017, 08:28:28 AM »
Meantime, the land just behind the National Aquatic Centre which once housed makeshift accommodation for a maintenance team has been cleared for construction of a hotel by the TTFA.

Boy lightening does really strike twice in Trini. Jack Warner, Center for Excellence, Scarlet Ibis hotel. DJW, Ato Boldon stadium, TTFA hotel. Now is it really TTFA hotel or DJW hotel. IS it his money funding it or the TFFA under him borrow the money to build the hotel. If Contro. group was to win the next TTFA election, then Cntro. in charge of TTFA hotel or DJW hotel?
« Last Edit: September 23, 2017, 01:25:02 PM by Deeks »

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #112 on: October 06, 2017, 04:47:40 AM »
National Sports Commission to replace SPoRTT
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).


A National Sports Commission is expected to come on board in 2018 to replace the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPoRTT), according to a story on a local television report last evening.

Darryl Smith, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, confirmed the news yesterday, after Finance Minister Colm Imbert hinted as such during his 2017-2018 Budget presentation at the House of Representatives on Monday.

Smith was quoted as saying that National Sports Commission will be modelled like similar ventures in Australia and the United Kingdom, and was the original intention before those plans were stalled.

SPoRTT, according to its website, was established in 2004 as a limited liability, special-interest company geared towards the management, administration and programming of sport as well as the construction and operational maintenance of sporting facilities throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Smith also confirmed that the national sports policy will be taken to Cabinet as soon as possible. “We’ve finalised the new draft sports policy and we’ll be taking it to Cabinet,” Smith said. “You’re going to see some changes (including) a policy for incentifying athletes and also looking at the elite athletes.”

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #113 on: October 27, 2017, 04:47:28 AM »
SporTT extends investigation
By Rosemarie Sant (Guardian).


The forensic audit that was started into the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) on July 19th has been extended again and Guardian Media Sports has been told that the eight employees sent on administrative leave at that time were only called to interviews this week by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) which is conducting the audit..

The eight were originally sent on 45 days administrative leave pending the probe. The probe was extended by twelve days to September 30th. However, yesterday senior officials of SporTT confirmed that the probe has now been extended to a further four weeks, to end on October 31.

Asked why the probe was taking so long Guardian Media Sports was told that “there are thousands of pages of documents to go through.”

Well-placed sources told the Guardian Media Sports that the interviews with the eight staff members with PwC were brief, with questions being asked about process used for procurement and tendering and the maintenance contract awarded to a Chinese company.

One of the employees who was out of the country at the time would be interviewed next week.

Although they are being paid while on leave Guardian Media Sports understands that the eight workers sent on leave four months ago are now beginning to question whether they will be allowed to return to their jobs when the audit is completed. There is also concern that the audit which has been extended twice already will be extended again.

Sources close to the workers said that while they were told in their letters back in July that there was “no malice” in the decision, but they are now wondering what was the real intent and whether they will be allowed to return to work at all.

Guardian Media Sports was told that although they were interviewed, the workers are still no clearer on the mandate of the audit team. No one from the Sports Company has been in contact with them and they are concerned about what is going on.

A source told Guardian Media Sports that the Board of SporTT will meet on Monday when the board members will be “brought up to speed on the investigation.”

We are told that Chairman of SporTT Dinanath Ramnarine has been kept in the loop on the investigation. But when contacted by the Guardian he declined comment.

On July 19, SporTT announced that the investigation into the operations of the company had been initiated on the advice of the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs. The audit is linked to a million dollar contract awarded to a Chinese company for maintenance of the facilities.

Head of Facilities Anthony Blake, CEO Adam Montserin, head of Procurement Darrel Stewart, Head of Internal Audit Joanne Kowlessar, Head of Legal Navin Maharaj, Senior Manager in the Project Department Travis Smith, another senior manager and a senior project administrator were asked to go on administrative leave for 45 days with pay.

Shortly after the probe began there were security changes at the stadium and SporTT made alternative arrangements for members of the public who used the facility to exercise, clearing the road leading to the stadium of containers and getting T&TEC to spruce up the lighting on the periphery. Members of the facility’s gym are still allowed access to the compound.

The decision to stop the public from using the facility for exercise purposes prompted protests outside the facility.

But officials said there was need for a review of safety and security measures at the adjoining National Aquatic Centre and Cycling Velodrome all of which are on the same compound.

The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #114 on: November 03, 2017, 05:24:56 AM »
Monsterin expresses shock after SporTT dismissal.
By Rosemarie Sant (Guardian).


Former Chief Executive Officer of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) Adam Montserin admits to being “extremely shocked, concerned and saddened,” by his dismissal from the SporTT.

Speaking to the Guardian Media Sports yesterday after a news release from SporTT that announced that five employees have been dismissed, Montserin said, “I contributed a significant amount to the achievement of the organisation in the seven months I was there, including international competitions that were successfully executed without any problems.”

Other workers who spoke with Guardian Media Sports admitted that they were also trying to “wrap their minds around the dismissals,” and admitted to being shocked.

The Guardian Media Sports was told that emails were sent to the eight workers who were on administrative leave since July, at around 9:30 pm on Tuesday evening, inviting them to a meeting yesterday morning.

At the meeting they were given letters of dismissal.

Four of them Jeewan Kowlessar, Naveen Maraj, Anthony Blake and Montserin were told that the company had lost confidence in them, while the lone woman employee Mellie Price was given no reason for her dismissal.

Three others Darryl Stewart, Raj Ramtahal and Travis Watson were told their contracts would run their course, to December and January, and they would be paid, but their contracts would not be renewed.

According to the release, “The Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago has been advised that the PWC forensic audit is substantially complete and a draft reports had been submitted to the Ministry of the Attorney General. As you are aware, the audit falls under the auspices of the Ministry of the Attorney General.”

It continued, “In relation to the eight employees who were sent on administrative leave, a total of five employees have been dismissed. These employees were dismissed for various reasons but some were dismissed for conduct during the audit as well as certain findings made during the audit.”

The Guardian Media Sports was told that the employees have all sought legal advice and that the company acted against the employees although the forensic audit is not yet completed.

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #115 on: October 08, 2019, 02:30:29 AM »
Camacho: SPoRTT may need to get a Loan.
By Rachael Thompson-King (Guardian).


The Min­istry of Sport and Youth Af­fairs will have a bud­get of an es­ti­mat­ed $392 mil­lion for the fis­cal year 2019-2020, rep­re­sent­ing an al­most $119 mil­lion vari­ance from the bud­get which was re­vised for 2019.

Al­though the 2019 draft es­ti­mates for ex­pen­di­ture iden­ti­fied a bud­get of $396 mil­lion for the Sports Min­istry, the Min­istry ac­tu­al­ly re­ceived $272.4 mil­lion for 2019.

With the biggest sport­ing event, the Olympic Games card­ed for next year, Min­is­ter of Fi­nance Colm Im­bert as­sured that all nec­es­sary sup­port will be pro­vid­ed to na­tion­al ath­letes.

"We will en­sure that the ex­pan­sion of dis­ci­plines is ap­pro­pri­ate­ly sup­port­ed with fa­cil­i­ties and with ap­pro­pri­ate train­ing. We are in no doubt that our progress in the wider range of dis­ci­pline would be show­cased in the 2020 Sum­mer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan," he said in pre­sent­ing the 2019-2020 na­tion­al bud­get in Par­lia­ment yes­ter­day.

How­ev­er, al­though the largest por­tion of the al­lo­ca­tion which has over the years con­sis­tent­ly gone to na­tion­al teams un­der the sub-head, cur­rent trans­fers and sub­si­dies, amount­ing to $186,651,694, it is a $2 mil­lion de­crease from last year.

Chair­man of the Sport Com­pa­ny of T&T (SporTT) Dou­glas Ca­ma­cho was rel­a­tive­ly un­en­thu­si­as­tic about the al­lo­ca­tion for sports in the an­nu­al bud­get.

"We will be se­ri­ous­ly chal­lenged, it is woe­ful­ly in­ad­e­quate," said Ca­ma­cho. "The Olympics Games is re­cur­rent ex­pen­di­ture and ren­o­va­tions of fa­cil­i­ties like the Jean Pierre Sports Com­plex and Hase­ly Craw­ford Sta­di­um is cap­i­tal ex­pen­di­ture, it is not enough to cov­er ei­ther.

The Min­is­ter of Fi­nance has out­lined an es­ti­mat­ed $90,576.000 for de­vel­op­ment pro­gramme ex­pen­di­ture fund­ed from the in­fra­struc­ture de­vel­op­ment fund. Ac­cord­ing to Ca­ma­cho, "We will be chal­lenged. Our best op­tion may be to take a loan."

On the im­pact on the sport­ing dis­ci­plines un­der the SporTT com­pa­ny, he said, "It's nev­er enough to meet the de­mands of NGOs, most got noth­ing last year. This will cer­tain­ly af­fect their op­er­a­tions as it was in­ad­e­quate in the fis­cal year 18/19."

With 2020 be­ing an Olympic year, Ca­ma­cho is wary and thinks the best course of ac­tion will be to bor­row.

"Un­for­tu­nate­ly, sports is not viewed as sports­peo­ple view it. In sum­ma­ry, it's not enough but we will have to do with what we have," said a solemn Ca­ma­cho.

In the Min­is­ter's ad­dress, he made ref­er­ence to T&T's par­tic­i­pa­tion at the Au­gust 18th Pan Amer­i­can Games in Li­ma, Pe­ru, the IAAF World Re­lays and the Par­a­lympics which took place in Sep­tem­ber, com­mend­ing all ath­letes who re­ceived medals and al­so recog­nis­ing the ath­letes who com­pet­ed at the re­cent­ly con­clud­ed World Ath­let­ics Cham­pi­onships in Do­ha, Qatar.

Min­is­ter Im­bert went on to ex­press his keen­ness on T&T's fu­ture en­deav­ours in host­ing in­ter­na­tion­al events say­ing: "We look for­ward to host­ing the up­com­ing 2021 Com­mon­wealth Youth Games and the 2022 Pan Amer­i­can Aquat­ic Cham­pi­onships which will utilise most of our sport­ing in­fra­struc­ture and pro­vide an av­enue to show­case the tal­ent of our young cit­i­zens."

RELATED NEWS

Six million-dollar sport sweetener
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (Newsday).


Corporate T&T incentive to invest…

THE increased tax allowance from $3m to $6m for corporate sponsorship of national sporting activities should inspire medium and larger organisations to give consideration for greater financial contributions toward the development of our local sportsmen and women.

So says president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC), Brian Lewis, following the National Budget presentation by Finance Minister, Colm Imbert, yesterday.

“I propose to increase the tax allowance to from $3m to $6m for the corporate sponsorship of nationals in the local fashion industry; audio, visual and video productions for the purpose of local education and entertainment...as well as for companies which sponsor sporting activities or events or sportsmen or art and culture. This measure will take effect from January 1, 2020,” the minister revealed.

In response, Lewis believes this boost may encourage larger companies to increase their investment in sport and have a more meaningful impact on their taxable profit.

“The initial reaction to the budget is that there is reason to be positive,” stated Lewis. “Especially as we’re heading into an Olympic year and with the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2021, the increase provides an opportunity for bigger corporate entities in T&T to have some renewed conversations with sporting organisations. In terms of the smaller companies, it will be interesting to see how they embrace it.”

The TTOC boss admitted he is pleased with the athlete-reward and incentive policies thus far and now awaits a draft estimate from the Ministry of Sport and local sporting institutions, on what specific allocations have already been made ahead of the Olympic year. He, however, remains quietly confident that once the allocations have been made, the relevant entities responsible for delivering on those matters, will do so in a timely manner.

During Imbert’s presentation, he acknowledged the stalwart contributions of all national athletes who recently represented TT at the Pan American Games, Pan American Championships and the recently concluded IAAF World Championships, in Doha,Qatar. He openly recognised that our performances have extended over a larger number of disciplines such as cycling, aquatics, athletics, sailing and boxing. However, due to the extension of our elite involvement in newer sporting disciplines, Imbert believes the refurbishment of national sporting facilities is pivotal to breeding success and addressing social issues social issues such as high crime levels, drug abuse, youth offences, educational underachievement and lack of social inclusion.

“We are combating these issues at community levels,” Imbert said. “Laventille community swimming pool is meeting the demand for aquatic sport in a major underprivileged community. Other swimming pools are being upgraded at Cocoyea, Couva and Sangre Grande. The Diego Martin Sporting Complex, a multi-purpose, multi-sport facility, is already being used by the surrounding communities, clubs and associations. The Dwight Yorke Stadium (Tobago) is now a well-equipped facility meeting international standards. Other stadia, like Mahaica Oval, are being rehabilitated and would be ready to meet the needs of all athletes and the general public for recreational and competitive sport purposes.”

Imbert added that Skinner Park in San Fernando is being redeveloped to the tune of $200m. This major upgrade is being done so that the southern facility would have the capacity to host large sporting and cultural events with more sophisticated facilities for athletes and modern conveniences for the public.

“Recreational activities such as football, cricket, basketball and netball are being upgraded in Grand Riviere, Aranguez, Paramin, Park Street, Pascall and Todds Road, Bourg Mulatresse, North Eartern Recreational Ground and Marac.

“Regional sporting arenas in Maloney, Mayaro, Central and South are also being improved. Residential and non-residential youth facilities are being refurbished at California, Malick, Woodbrook, Chatam, Persto Praesto (Freeport), Sevilla and Caroni sport facilities are also being refurbished,” Imbert continued. Following this revelation, Lewis was pleased with these welcomed upgrades and was optimistic that they would provide a platform of growth for local sportsmen and women.

“We welcome these enhancements and currently look forward to hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2021, the Pan American Aquatic Championships in 2022. These facilities will provide an avenue to showcase the talent of our young citizens,” Lewis concluded.

« Last Edit: October 08, 2019, 02:41:52 AM by Flex »
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Offline Deeks

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #116 on: October 08, 2019, 04:03:47 AM »
Corporate sponsorship ?

Offline Flex

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #117 on: January 29, 2020, 07:26:56 AM »
SPoRTT writes off Life Sport $millions.
By Ryan Bachoo (Guardian).


The Sports Com­pa­ny of T&T has writ­ten off the $9.4m owed to it by the now de­funct Life Sport pro­gramme. This was re­vealed in a re­port in­to the or­gan­i­sa­tion’s fi­nan­cial per­for­mance by in­de­pen­dent au­di­tors Moore pub­lished in the press on Tues­day. The Life Sport debt goes back to the last gov­ern­ment, where it was found that the pro­gramme was rid­dled with cor­rup­tion and even­tu­al­ly shut down by for­mer Prime Min­is­ter Kam­la Per­sad-Bisses­sar in Ju­ly 2014.

Speak­ing to Guardian Me­dia Sports yes­ter­day, Chair­man of the Sports Com­pa­ny Dou­glas Ca­ma­cho said, “That would have been a re­ceiv­able that would have been in the books for a num­ber of years and un­der the ac­count­ing rules it is not like­ly that the re­ceiv­ables will be col­lect­ed so we made the de­ci­sion to write it off in this fi­nan­cial state­ment.”

But the re­port went fur­ther in show­ing that the Sports Com­pa­ny had paid out over $13.4m in a court set­tle­ment and ex­pens­es dur­ing 2019. When asked to clar­i­fy this ex­pen­di­ture, Ca­ma­cho told Guardian Me­dia Sports, “There are num­ber of old mat­ters be­fore lit­i­ga­tion, dis­putes over amounts and quan­tum.” He went fur­ther in ex­plain­ing that a large chunk of that fig­ure went to one con­trac­tor who was su­ing the or­ga­ni­za­tion for more than dou­ble than that of which was set­tled.

“The ma­jor part of that was a set­tle­ment for some work done where the con­trac­tor was claim­ing $25m and Sportt Com­pa­ny was say­ing that fig­ure was way too high and we were able to set­tle for a lot less so we were able to get a set­tle­ment and re­solve the mat­ter in a fair way,” Ca­ma­cho fur­ther stat­ed.

While that law­suit may have been set­tled, the re­port shows that the Sports Com­pa­ny owes cred­i­tors mil­lions of dol­lars. Its cur­rent as­sets to­tal $92m while non-cur­rent as­sets amount to $339m. Al­so, its cur­rent li­a­bil­i­ties to­talled $209m while its non-cur­rent li­a­bil­i­ties was shown to be $335m. Cur­rent li­a­bil­i­ties are those that need to be paid off with­in a three-year pe­ri­od while non-cur­rent are not dat­ed.

Ca­ma­cho said the Sports Com­pa­ny is at a dis­ad­van­tage be­cause it doesn’t gen­er­ate in­come. He stat­ed, “The strug­gle is that Sports Com­pa­ny, as a le­gal en­ti­ty, does not have the right to col­lect rev­enue on its own be­half. All of the funds that the Sports Com­pa­ny re­ceives are, in fact, grants from the gov­ern­ment of T&T so that al­though we may have Hase­ly Craw­ford Sta­di­um un­der our re­mit, when we rent it out for a con­cert and we col­lect rev­enue we don’t re­tain the mon­ey. We don’t have the right to re­tain. It all goes to the con­sol­i­dat­ed fund.”

Ca­ma­cho said his or­gan­i­sa­tion may have re­quest­ed the funds and are not yet in re­ceipt of it which would ex­plain the fig­ures.

RELATED NEWS

SPoRTT records $114m deficit, writes off $9m LifeSport balance.
By Jelani Beckles (Newsday).


STATE company SPoRTT recorded a $114 million deficit for 2019, $36 million more than 2018. Included in that total, published on Wednesday, was $60.7 million for infrastructure development, $40.5 million for equipment and storage rental, $11 million for salaries and staff benefits and $9 million to write off the LifeSport balance.

This effectively puts an end the $400 million LifeSport scandal, nearly five and half years after former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar ended the programme because of fraud, theft, and allegations that the programme, which was supposed to empower at-risk youths away from crime through sport, was linked to people involved in criminal activity.

In his report, chairman Douglas Camacho said, "SPoRTT has experienced a difficult and challenging period, but since being appointed chairman on July 4, 2018, the board has continued to focus on rebuilding discipline and good corporate governance to redefine how we operate and do business. We have met with each of the National Governing Bodies under our purview, ensuring that there is a clear understanding on requirements to be met so that requests for funding can be processed. Our present target for achievement has been made very clear – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games."

In a brief interview with Newsday, Camacho added, "It (Life Sport debt) has been around a long time and the write off is because the probability of collecting on the debt is remote at best...that is written off, that is no longer a debt, that is gone."

SPoRTT received most of its money through a $127.9 million government grant, $11 million less than the subvention in 2018. Its other income was $375,362, for a total income of $128.2 million. Its total expenditure was $164.3 million and its deficit for the year was $36 million. The accumulated deficit brought forward from 2018 was $77.7 million, bringing its total deficit to $113.8 million.

Camacho said despite the debt the Government has been making a priority in assisting athletes as the games approach.

"Is two dimensions to look at there. One is the preparation and the process of qualification. The Government of T&T had indicated since 2018 the focus of this Government would be to assist national athletes and teams aspiring to get to the Olympic Games as a priority and to be honest, as a matter of fact, they have honoured that commitment for the last year and a half."

Funds don't come to SPoRTT, he noted. Instead, when a party, for example, Machel Monday, rents the Hasely Crawford Stadium, that money goes to the State's Consolidated Fund. "From that perspective, there is very little directly that we could do to advent that debt."

Camacho suggested a couple of options to help reduce the debt, including capital injections to help eliminate the debt.




Douglas Camacho - Chairman of SPoRTT

« Last Edit: January 30, 2020, 06:31:22 AM by Flex »
The real measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.

Online maxg

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #118 on: January 30, 2020, 12:54:36 PM »
Guessing the laws and courts is really for small man. Let a small man try to withdraw money from his own account nah, he have to jump thru hoops.. tonneh
no more words !


" But the re­port went fur­ther in show­ing that the Sports Com­pa­ny had paid out over $13.4m in a court set­tle­ment and ex­pens­es dur­ing 2019. When asked to clar­i­fy this ex­pen­di­ture, Ca­ma­cho told Guardian Me­dia Sports, “There are num­ber of old mat­ters be­fore lit­i­ga­tion, dis­putes over amounts and quan­tum.” He went fur­ther in ex­plain­ing that a large chunk of that fig­ure went to one con­trac­tor who was su­ing the or­ga­ni­za­tion for more than dou­ble than that of which was set­tled."



"This effectively puts an end the $400 million LifeSport scandal, nearly five and half years after former prime minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar ended the programme because of fraud, theft, and allegations that the programme, which was supposed to empower at-risk youths away from crime through sport, was linked to people involved in criminal activity."


Offline Tiresais

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Re: SPoRTT Thread.
« Reply #119 on: March 12, 2021, 12:40:14 PM »

 

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