remember this
News from the 9th of November 2005.
'Warriors' get $15m.
By: Kern De Freitas (Express).
The Trinidad and Tobago "Warriors" will now have little else to worry about other than facing Bahrain in their upcoming home and away World Cup play-offs.
Yesterday, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Roger Boynes announced that the Government, as well as several corporate sponsors, have stepped in with financial contributions, the total sum of which surpasses the $13.1 million requested by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF).
At the Ministry's office on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, Boynes outlined contributions made by several companies, including NGC, Petrotrin, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), BG T&T, BHP Billiton, BPTT, UTC and Carib.
The latter are still locked in negotiations, but the Minister revealed the total input is in the vicinity of $15 million.
"Mr dear friend, Mr Peter O'Connor," Boynes said as he addressed the T&TFF marketing manager at the Ministry's conference room, "we are all here to give you the support and, through you, team Trinidad and Tobago without a shadow of a doubt will make history in our country and take us to the next World Cup in Germany."
Boynes also used the opportunity to respond to comments suggesting Government had not been doing enough to help the national football team, explaining that the total amount being contributed by state-owned entities was in excess of $15 million, including TSTT, NLCB, Petrotrin, and NGC, as well as the $6 million Cabinet approved towards facilities, travel and accommodation, and training of the Warriors.
"The last time I checked, Government had 51 per cent interest in TSTT," Boynes stressed, adding there were also pledges being made by other companies, as well as corporate bodies from the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, who have expressed interest in giving financial support to the team.
The Sport Minister also expressed satisfaction with the corporate response.
"In a sense, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased with corporate Trinidad and Tobago with their effort now, and their continued effort."
Boynes went on to list several initiatives of his Ministry, in conjunction with the newly-formed Sports Company (SPORTT), including $120 million for development of playing fields and a further $20 million for upgrading of playing fields and parks.
He also noted funds given to the T&T Pro League and the National Super League.
Following the media conference, O'Connor summed up the event. "Well what happened here today was the fruition of a campaign to bring corporate Trinidad and Tobago on board with a full understanding of their opportunities, as well as ours. If I grouped that, what we received today is about $15 million, according to the quick sums from Government and the corporate sector."
O'Connor was also pleased with the monetary boost for the team.
"What we had before this was about $8 milllion. We are delighted in what we have seen today, it was a long time coming. If we didn't have a benefactor in Mr (Jack) Warner, we would not have been where we are today.
"But that's water under the bridge now...people were skeptical, you know the team was not a shining team in the beginning, but they showed character beyond what Trinidadians, what we like to be. And I think now people joined us and there's a tremendous opportunity for all of us, football, and everybody else."