Warner: Let's work together for the youth.
By: Mark Pouchet (Express).[/size]
Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (T&TFF) special adviser Jack Warner has called on the Ministry of Sport and the Government to work together for the betterment of the country's youth.
The FIFA vice-president made the appeal during his address at the T&TFF's end-of-season awards ceremony and lunch at the ballroom of Hilton Trinidad yesterday.
In detailing his latest initiative to help Trinidad and Tobago's youth, the CFU and CONCACAF president recounted his visit to Dorata Street, Laventille on Saturday when he distributed more than $50,000 worth of football equipment to that community.
"But I cannot do it all by myself," Warner emphasised, before concluding: "My political opponents must understand that to help solve the problem with the youth in the country, they don't need to live with me, they don't need to sleep with me, they don't need to sit down and eat with me, but, God knows, we must work together."
The start of Warner's address was less conciliatory than his conclusion. The UNC Chaguanas West MP described citizens of T&T as "an enigma...puzzle" that was full of contrast.
The controversial and outspoken football official stated that we live in a country where the more money you spend on national security, "the less secure we are".
Warner tied the metaphor to football by saying: "Everybody wants to know how much money you make from football, but not how much money you spend on it."
He added that there was a request for an audit, that would soon be performed by international auditing company KPMG, but that it would be to no avail as critics would claim that the books were cooked.
Warner also stated that the legacy of football for 2008 was the occasion of the T&TFF having to take the Minister of Sport to court and not the upcoming T&TFF Centennial Dinner, which is expected to feature former FIFA president Joao Havelange and football great Pele, as well as current FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
The feature address yesterday was delivered by Father Clyde Harvey, who related the benefits of football to the development of character and life skills.
He also implored the T&TFF to undertake self-reflection if the organisation is to survive.
"After Jack (Warner), what?" he asked rhetorically. "...Can the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation use this period of plenty in shaping itself for whatever comes after Jack? That is a question they must answer."
Harvey demanded that they remember Ghandi's words, "Be the change you want to see", to initiate change now that may only take effect after their lifetime.
On the main reason for yesterday's gathering, Trinidad and Tobago and Sunderland FC striker Kenwyne Jones, who suffered a knee injury in last week Sunday's friendly international against England, was named the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation Male Player of the Year.
The 23-year-old, who was named Player of the Year at his club Sunderland for his exploits in the 2007-2008 English Premier League, netted seven goals and provided ten assists last season.
The general improvement in his game led to the former St Anthony's College player, who injured his knee in a collision with England goalkeeper David James, getting the nod for the T&TFF award.
He was also the Football Federation's nominee for the 2007 First Citizens Sportsman of the Year Award
Jones was not at the Hilton yesterday as he had to return to Sunderland to undergo further evaluation
on his knee by the club's medical team.
 And the T&TFF's female Player of the Year is Avanell Isaac of Joe Public Football Club.
The 17-year-old Isaac was a member of the Trinidad and Tobago women's Olympic team and was the T&T Women's League MVP for the 2007 season.