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Offline Flex

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Richard Fakoory Thread
« on: April 01, 2005, 07:26:48 AM »
Richard Fakoory: Stop the football raiders.
By: Walter Alibey.


Superstar Rangers owner Richard Fakoory is calling for an end to the financial domination of large football clubs in local football. His call comes after his team who have dominated the Under-18 division in Trinidad and Tobago football, was raided by the larger football clubs, namely CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, Joe Public Football Club, W Connection and to a lesser extent the Defence Force. This has happened he said because his team is unable to financially provide for their players due to his inability to secure sponsorship.
Fakoory claims his players always approach him for a transfer once the larger teams approach them. Once these players approach me, there is nothing else that I can do but grant them their wish, because I care about them and often allow them to make their own decision on their future, the Rangers boss said. I cannot keep them so I might as well allow them to go, Fakoory said. He added however that it hurts him when these large clubs speak about developing the players after Rangers have done all the fundamental work in their primary stages. Fakoory said the developments suggest he must return to the top flight in Trinidad and Tobago football the T&T Pro League.
He expressed the view that a one million dollar sponsorship by corporate Trinidad and Tobago  will spark overall development for all clubs, which will include the paying of salaries to players, among other areas. Fakoory singled out San Juan Jabloteh  who he said has got a fairy godfather in regional financial powerhouse CL Financial. He said the club gets some $4 million to run the club each year from their sponsors but he only needs $1 million to run his club. Rangers did get a taste of top flight football during Semi-Professional Football League back in 1997/98 before the introduction of a full professional league in which they failed to meet the criteria to be admitted.
Gerry Brooks to speak at the T&T Pro League's 2004 awards.
By: Joel Villafana.


On Thursday 31st March the T&T Pro League will hold its 2004 annual awards ceremony at the Normandie Hotel in St. Anns from 7 p.m.
Chief Operating Officer of the Ansa Mcal Group of Companies Mr. Gerry Brooks will present the feature address on the night, as the league celebrates the successes of the 2004 season.
Ceo of the T&T Pro League, Dexter Skeene, is expected to give opening welcome remarks and the gala event, which will be hosted by popular entertainer Errol Fabien.
Representatives from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation are also carded to be on the evenings proceedings.
Mr. Skeene told ttproleague.com, "I am looking forward to rewarding the teams on their accomplishments for the last season, and I expect that this will set the stage for what promises to be another successful season in 2005."
The league will present the league trophy to the 2004 Champions North East Stars, as well as present awards for the leading goal scorer, the most valuable player, the fastest goal scored and the coach of the year.
« Last Edit: April 01, 2005, 07:29:28 AM by Flex »
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Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2006, 08:06:00 AM »
Fakoory ready to quit President’s Ground.
By: Walter Alibey (Newsday).
[/size]

Well-Known sports administrator and businessman Richard Fakoory is considering packing up and leaving his Superstar Rangers Football Club if Prime Minister Patrick Manning continues with his plan to build his residence on President’s Ground, St Ann’s.
But Fakoory insisted yesterday that residents were willing to engage in peaceful and organised protest if PM Manning did not meet with them to sort out the matter amicably.
Fakoory said the interested parties only wanted to come to some sort of compromise with the Prime Minister.
He pointed out that the plan for acquiring the playing field for the grounds of the new multi-million dollar Prime Minister’s Residence was very unpopular with the people and organisations who use the President’s Ground.
Parliamentary representative for the district is Minister of Health John Rahael who has so far not made any public statement on the contentious issue.
Fakoory who has also sponsored a national basketball competition said the idea to destroy a recognised playing field betrays a concern for youth development by the authorities and is sending a wrong message to the public at large.
He said that it was ironic that Government has embarked on sport development programme involving the upgrade and construction of sporting facilities to help combat the escalating crime rate in the country but is hellbent on shutting down a historic venue serving thousands.
The Superstar Rangers family through Fakoory has persevered throughout the past years with their youth development programme and was recognised for their efforts in 1992 by the then Member of Parliament Desmond Allum in 1992 who was a member of the People’s National Move-ment Government.
Allum, a prominent attorney-at-law is the president and legal advisor of the Superstar Rangers Club.
The club has been in existence for the past 26 years and together with a number of different sports organisations has used the popular President’s Ground as their base of operations.
Rugby also has a long, historic attachment to the ground with Northerns Rugby Club based there for the past 50 years.
Among the other organisations calling President’s Ground home are La Familia Football Club and the Grassroots Association who together with the others have received little or no assistance in maintaining the facility.
Fakoory recounted the days where important football matches of the Northern Football Association (NFA) as well as national rugby play-off matches took place at the historic St Ann’s football field now a landmark in the area.
"There were times when persons from the different sports organisations would come out with lawnmowers and other trimming equipment to have the field cut, prepared and ready for matches, either football or rugby that said day," Fakoory said.
The Superstar Rangers boss said the organisations have also paid private contractors to have the ground prepared for activities.
"I remember when we approached the Ministry of Agriculture to have the grounds maintained on a regular basis but only received excuses of no gas in their vehicles and lack of equipment," said Fakoory.
The ground is also used by residents for their daily exercise and by other clubs for windball cricket, basketball and netball on the paved area that is also used as a car park.
Fakoory is especially disappointed with the latest develoment as President’s Ground has been the breeding ground for a number of top footballers such as former national captain Clayton Morris during the Strike Squad era, his team-mate Hutson Charles and Errol McFarlane, now coach of Fatima College.
He rejects the Queen’s Park Savannah as a substitute for President’s Ground on two points.
First he said there is no secure storage facility for his club’s equipment and the authorities cannot guarantee the safety and protection of his players having to cross the dangerous road around the Savannah regularly.
"In the savannah there is nowhere to get a drink of water (running taps) during and after matches and no changing facilities available unless vehicles are converted into such," Fakoory said.
T&TFF consultant calls take-over of President’s ground ‘scandalous’
By Jovan Ravello (T&T Guardian).
[/size]

Mike Berry, T&T Football Federation (T&TFF) Consultant for International Affairs, has joined members of the sporting community against the proposed extension of the Prime Minister’s residence to include President’s ground.
Berry, a close associate of the Superstar Rangers Football Club which trains on the ground, expressed shock at the news that the ground will soon no longer be public property.
“My official view is no different to my personal view,” the registered Fifa player representative said. “The proposal to deprive the St Ann’s community and Superstar Rangers FC of their grounds and replace it with a cosmetic extension of the PM's residence is scandalous and so wrong.
“For the past six years or so I have had the pleasure on numerous occasions to watch games on the President’s Ground and to enjoy the special atmosphere generated by the mums, dads, brothers and sisters watching their family members proudly “strutting their stuff” in team colours.”
Berry’s loyalty to the sport locally is unquestionable and through his association with Rangers he has been able to pinpoint the talents of players like Shem McFarlane, Stephon Morris, Corneal Thomas, Keston Jones, Keith Williams and Josimar Belgrave, all products of its youth system, as the next generation of national footballers.
This future he fears could be in jeopardy if a precedent is set.
“The decision to terminate this much loved set up is short-sighted and is a kick in the teeth for everyone who has worked so hard to build up this wonderful club, Superstar Rangers, particularly chairman Richard Fakoory, Errol McFarlane, Senior, and “Gamba” who provide so much enjoyment to the youths of St. Ann’s and further afield,” the Englishman said.
“If any government is really serious about caring for communities and the youth of the nation, then this is an obvious case where they should be acknowledging that a mistake has been made, “ Berry said.
“And Superstar Rangers and indeed everybody else who use this facility should be allowed to continue with their sport in the community where it belongs,” he ended.
Is Manning playing football?
By Ria Taitt (Newsday).


The Opposition will not support the relocation of the Parliament. Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday said Monday that he did not agree with the decision to use the Red House for the Prime Minister’s office or with the decision to take over part of the President’s Grounds — normally used by the public — to facilitate  the expansion of the Prime Minister’s official residence. Speaking with the media, Panday said he could not understand why the PM wanted the grounds. “What does he want to do? Play football, cricket?” Panday asked. He recalled that when he was Prime Minister and he lived at the official residence,  he found it “quite acceptable” for the people to have use of those grounds.
On the Red House eviction, Panday said he believed that one must respect one’s history since “it provides a foundation for the whole society.” “The Red House has a history of being our Parliament, and I believe it should remain the place of the Parliament,” he said, adding that the PM taking it over added nothing to the country’s history. “He is already building a new house. He will probably build one so big that it can serve as his office as well,” Panday quipped. Asked if the Government could move the Parliament without coming for its approval, Panday said it could be done. He explained that according to the Constitution, the President appointed the time and place of the Parliament. He recalled that in 1990 the Parliament was moved temporarily to the Central Bank.
Independent Senator Prof Ramesh Deosaran, who is chairman of the Joint Select Committee, said yesterday that the Parliament appeared to be “hapless, helpless and hopeless” in the shaping of its own destiny and in living up to the political expectation of a proper Parliament. “Why can’t we decide where we should go. I thought there was a well-examined, well-defined separation of powers (between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary). If Parliament can’t decide where it should reside, then Parliament is hapless, helpless and hopeless.” Deosaran said that while there was a need to improve the facilities for parliamentary work, “once again the Government has committed a serious blunder in the process.” He added that in a democracy, the process was just as important as the product of decision-making. “It is discomforting to see the Executive has seemingly arbitrary powers over the bi-cameral Parliament,” he said.
« Last Edit: February 08, 2006, 10:15:02 AM by Flex »
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Offline fishs

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Re: Fakoory ready to quit President’s Ground.
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2006, 08:10:50 AM »
Ah play football and hockey on dat ground, de prime minister want it to extend he garden.
What madness going on in trinidad.
Ah hate politicians with maniacal passion.
Ah want de woman on de bass

Offline vb

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Re: Fakoory ready to quit President’s Ground.
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2006, 08:38:49 AM »
But why does the PM need a new residence??

VB
VITAMIN V...KEEPS THE LADIES HEALTHY...:-)

Offline Brej

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Re: Fakoory ready to quit President’s Ground.
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2006, 09:12:44 AM »
i hava petition going for da
if anyone interested in signing send me a pm

Offline Disgruntled_Trini

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Re: Fakoory ready to quit President’s Ground.
« Reply #5 on: February 06, 2006, 10:34:43 AM »
as far as I understand is not for a new residence but he want to build a garden or some shit so like what it have infront the Presidents grounds.


Ms que un club.

Offline morvant

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Re: Fakoory ready to quit President’s Ground.
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2006, 10:38:10 AM »
i get meh ass wash on that grounds

fire fuh it

bun it down ;D

fed-up get meh meh tail cut in that tamari field
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Is Manning playing football?
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2006, 09:30:36 AM »
Is Manning playing football?
By Ria Taitt (Trinidad Newsday)


The Opposition will not support the relocation of the Parliament. Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday said Monday that he did not agree with the decision to use the Red House for the Prime Minister’s office or with the decision to take over part of the President’s Grounds — normally used by the public — to facilitate  the expansion of the Prime Minister’s official residence. Speaking with the media, Panday said he could not understand why the PM wanted the grounds. “What does he want to do? Play football, cricket?” Panday asked. He recalled that when he was Prime Minister and he lived at the official residence,  he found it “quite acceptable” for the people to have use of those grounds.

On the Red House eviction, Panday said he believed that one must respect one’s history since “it provides a foundation for the whole society.” “The Red House has a history of being our Parliament, and I believe it should remain the place of the Parliament,” he said, adding that the PM taking it over added nothing to the country’s history. “He is already building a new house. He will probably build one so big that it can serve as his office as well,” Panday quipped. Asked if the Government could move the Parliament without coming for its approval, Panday said it could be done. He explained that according to the Constitution, the President appointed the time and place of the Parliament. He recalled that in 1990 the Parliament was moved temporarily to the Central Bank.

Independent Senator Prof Ramesh Deosaran, who is chairman of the Joint Select Committee, said yesterday that the Parliament appeared to be “hapless, helpless and hopeless” in the shaping of its own destiny and in living up to the political expectation of a proper Parliament. “Why can’t we decide where we should go. I thought there was a well-examined, well-defined separation of powers (between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary). If Parliament can’t decide where it should reside, then Parliament is hapless, helpless and hopeless.” Deosaran said that while there was a need to improve the facilities for parliamentary work, “once again the Government has committed a serious blunder in the process.” He added that in a democracy, the process was just as important as the product of decision-making. “It is discomforting to see the Executive has seemingly arbitrary powers over the bi-cameral Parliament,” he said.
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Offline JERSEY TRINI

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Re: Fakoory ready to quit President’s Ground.
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2006, 10:23:26 AM »
What really going on in Trinidad in trute  ??? ???

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Rugby Union tackles President’s Grounds issue
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2006, 10:01:53 AM »
Letter to the Trinidad Newsday

THE EDITOR: The Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union (TTRFU) is deeply concerned at reports in the media that the President’s Grounds, St Ann’s will soon be for the sole use of the Prime Minister.

The sport of Rugby has had the use of President’s Grounds for as long as can be remembered. To the extent that the ground is considered the mythical home of Rugby with a tradition and history that is part of the fabric of the sport. In the early days Rugby and hockey shared use of the ground. In recent times Rugby has shared the ground with Superstar Rangers and the St Ann’s community.

This decision, if the reports are correct, is mind numbing in its lack of regard, respect and consideration for sports, the youths and community.

Viewed against the backdrop of the rumoured loss of the Public courts to tennis. The increasing encroachment of Carnival on the Queen’s Park Savannah to the detriment of sport. It would appear that very soon the City of Prot-of-Spain will have no place for the people to recreate and indulge in sporting activity outside of paying membership fees.

BRIAN LEWIS
Hon Secretary
Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union
Port-of-Spain
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Residents protest use of grounds
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2006, 12:21:42 PM »
Residents protest use of grounds
By Julian Neaves (Trinidad Express)


MORE than 200 residents from St Ann's and Cascade marched around the Queen's Park Savannah early yesterday morning to protest the suggested use of the President's Grounds as part of the Prime Minister's new residence.

Residents are concerned that with construction, they would lose the ground as a recreation, cultural and sporting site.

At the march they carried placards that read: "I beg your pardon, we never promise a rose garden" and "Where will the children play".

Resident and past president of the Trinidad Northern Rugby Club Paul Mowser was among those who marched yesterday.

He said that the club has been using the grounds for more than 30 years and regularly maintains it.

He criticised the plans to build a place to host dignitaries on the Grounds, suggesting that they would be "just as happy to stay in a hotel".

He added that the march would not have accomplished much "unless Mr Manning decided to answer his voters and say what he is thinking".

The protest followed a statement by the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) on Wednesday, that no final decision had been taken on the use of the grounds.

However, consultants have suggested that it be incorporated into the project for the Prime Minister's new residence because of security concerns.

UDeCOTT chairman Calder Hart said that the company was now getting plans from consultants and no tenders had been received or awards granted.

He added that the concept for the official residence would be more than a private residence and the plans included a diplomatic centre along with space for the "multitude of activities" that took place at the residence.

Hart had noted that UDeCOTT would meet with St Ann's residents to discuss their concerns once site options were more clearly defined.

However, Mowser suggested that the grounds should be enhanced with restroom facilities and bleachers for sporting events instead of using it for the Prime Minister's new residence.

"I don't see the need to take away a facility that is so necessary to the people," he said.
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Offline Tallman

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Fakoory calls for Ranger hearts
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2010, 06:38:02 PM »
Fakoory calls for Ranger hearts
ttproleague.com


Coming off what was described as the clubs worst ever season, St Anns Rangers are pleading to its players, play with heart in 2010.

In their quest of recovery, Chairman of the club Richard Fakoory called on players to play their part in helping St Anns Rangers out of last seasons slump.

We will continue doing what we have done over the years and battle on in the League, said Fakoory.

But players must also understand their roles at the club. We need to reach somewhere if we are to attract sponsors. And I think I got it in them this year that they must play for Rangers with Ranger hearts. Its like playing for country first and not just about expecting high salaries.

Fakoory labeled last season ninth position finish and failure to make impacts in the knockouts as his clubs worst ever season since joining the TT Pro League in 2006.

He also stressed that Rangers continues to suffer without substantial sponsorship and deplorable ground conditions at the Presidents Ground.

Its always about finance to the key to success. Just like the saying the one who has the most corn feeds the most chickens. We started off good with our youths and over the years we maintained a lot of youths in our club and we had a good couple years, continued the Rangers chairman.

He added, But last year has been probably our worst year. And its all finance as well as not having the proper grounds available to us. If the players cant train properly, then we cant have the best team.

He also noted that the loss of key players Grenadians Ricky Charles, Shane Rennie, Errol Mc Farlane (USL), Keyon Edwards (Caledonia AIA), Shane Mattis (Ma Pau SC) due to financial restrictions also affected the teams performaces.

Rangers already have the commitment of Elijah Belgrave, Josimar Belgrave, Devon Modeste and Adrian Narine for the 2010 season. While Christon Thomas, Coneal Thomas and Jevon Morris were also offered new contracts are yet to sign.

We have no new players at this point, said Fakoory. Most of our new players will come from our farm (youth) teams. But what I can sayis that if we are to sign anyone outside of the club, then the must have a Ranger heart.

Anthony Streete will continue as Head Coach, Reserve Team coach Dean Pacheco will continue as senior team assistant coach. And Clayton Morris continues as Youth Technical Director.

St Anns Rangers Senior and Reserve pre-season will kick off following the Carnival festivities, however the Youth teams will begin training on Saturday 6 February from 9am at the Presidents Ground, St Anns with open screenings.

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Offline Bally

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Re: Fakoory calls for Ranger hearts
« Reply #12 on: February 02, 2010, 12:27:15 PM »
How do you expect player to perform at a professional level when you pay them 200 for a win and a 100 tt dollars for a loss, this guy is a cancer the worst thing to happen to Rangers.
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Re: Fakoory calls for Ranger hearts
« Reply #13 on: February 02, 2010, 04:35:34 PM »
 :thinking: Interesting
Supportin' de Warriors right tru.

Offline Deeks

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Re: Fakoory calls for Ranger hearts
« Reply #14 on: February 02, 2010, 05:04:35 PM »
I can't comment. I know they have been out for quite a while. Don't know the owner.

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Re: Fakoory calls for Ranger hearts
« Reply #15 on: February 03, 2010, 11:35:15 AM »
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/w-CSNhgQ6OM" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/w-CSNhgQ6OM</a>
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Offline Flex

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Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #16 on: March 27, 2019, 02:56:24 PM »
Rangers and Pro League chairman Richard Fakoory passes away at 71.
ttproleague.media.


Richard Fakoory, a stalwart and servant of football in Trinidad and Tobago has passed away aged 71 on Wednesday morning.

Fakoory, who would have celebrated his 72nd birthday on June 22, had held the positions of interim Trinidad and Tobago Pro League chairman for the past year and chairman of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, formerly St. Anns Rangersthe club he relinquished ownership of after 44 years.

Fakoory had a medical emergency and underwent surgery on Tuesday at West Shore Medical in Cocorite before his passing.

The loss came a shock to Pro League CEO Julia Baptiste after the US Army veteran sent WhatsApp messages to her early Wednesday morning explaining he will return to football duties after a few days.

Baptiste said the passing of Fakoory is a huge loss for football.

Mr. Fakoory was a gentleman, passionate for football, she said. Everyone knows he was well-involved in football and even after new ownership at Rangers, he was still trying to help so that the club can be that professional organization he believed it can be.

He was very passionate about the sport and was generally a very cool person that served many young people.

Richard Piper, a close friend and director at Rangers, said, everything is still a blur.

Its a sad day for football, added Piper, who is also the Trinidad and Tobago national team manager. The world, as a result, has lost a true gem. Words cant begin to describe the loss.

Funeral arrangements and plans to honour Mr. Fakoory will be revealed in the coming days.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Pro League, our deepest sympathies go out the family and friends of Mr. Richard Fakoory. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.

RELATED NEWS

T&T football, basketball mourns as Fakoory passes.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).


The football fraternity was plunged into mourning yesterday following the untimely passing of Richard Fakoory, this country's 'gentle giant in football' at the age of 71.

Fakoory who has dedicated his entire life to the development of the youth through sports, particularly in basketball and football, died at the Westshore Medical Hospital at about 4:45 am yesterday morning, mere minutes after sending a WhatsApp message to his Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the T&T Pro League Julia Baptiste, to remind her of business related to the Youth Pro League.

An autopsy performed yesterday revealed that death was due to a massive pulmonary aneurysm.

Fakoory was the chairman of the T&T Pro League, taking over for Sam Phillips who resigned last year, and was also an executive member of St Ann's Rangers, a club he founded and managed for many years up until a few months ago.

His passing came a day after he had emergency surgery for a blockage in his abdominal, which was successful.

The football and basketball fraternities took all of yesterday to digest the shocking news of his death.

Baptiste, with whom he shared a close friendship as colleagues in the pro league, was lost for words. "It was only about minutes after 4 am that he sent me a Whatsapp message about letters done for the Youth Pro League, and then to hear soon after that he had passed. It's difficult to deal with this loss, but I will always remember him as someone who loved the game of football, someone who loved the youths and was passionate to help" Baptiste said.

She added, "Fakoory was also someone who wasn't afraid to speak his mind when he felt he should. But above all, he was genuinely a nice person, down-to-earth, passionate about helping the young people in the country and a true friend."

Fakoory and Superstar Rangers

Fakoory's entry into the football fray began some 40 years ago with Superstar Rangers which won countless titles in the Northern Football Association (NFA). The St Ann's based club also participated in the Semi-Professional Football League and later the Professional Football League which started back in 1998. However, Fakoory was anything but bothered by the winnings in the country's top-flight or second-tier football leagues, and found happiness in unearthing young talent, nurturing them, providing them with the tools to survive, and ensuring they become decent citizens, although it had cost him a fortune.

President John-Williams sends condolences

President of the TTFA David John-Williams expressed his sympathy to Richards wife Angela and his two children Kyle and Rachel.

He said I am indeed extremely shock upon hearing this sad news. Richard was a stalwart and lifelong servant of football and sport in T&T. It is a tremendous loss for sport in general and I wish to extend deepest condolences to his wife and family.

He noted "The members of the TTFA and the football fraternity are deeply saddened by this news. Richards love for the game and his gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. May God give him eternal rest and his family the strength to bear this great pain."

Basketball ref Cowie reflects

Meanwhile, Kwame Cowie, member of the Association of Basketball Officials of T&T (ABOTT) and referee said, " I recall the days of the original Super Ten Basketball Tournament that had Richard at the helm. In fact, he was the face of the tournament and would demand the highest standard from all participants. Even though I was not a senior member in ABOTT at that time, I was quite familiar with the arrangements that at times involved Richard offering complete referees kits inclusive of jackets."

"He was the only organizer in the sport that offered protection to ABOTT members, such that players would be fined for showing objection to any calls made by us. It was obvious that his objective was all aimed at improving the overall image and standard of the sport, to the extent that players could be fined for wearing dinged white or dirty socks," Cowie explained.

« Last Edit: March 28, 2019, 09:03:52 AM by Flex »
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Offline Deeks

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Re: Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2019, 11:40:05 PM »
RIP. Mr. Fakoory. Condolences to the Fakoory family. Have to say this is a surprise. God Bless.

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Re: Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #18 on: April 02, 2019, 01:14:17 PM »
Fakoory had passion for football, youth development
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)


FORMER TT Pro League chairman Richard Fakoory was remembered for his passion for sport, particularly football and basketball, as well as youth development.

The 71-year-old Fakoory was buried at the Mucurapo cemetery yesterday, after a funeral at St Finbars RC Church,Diego Martin.

Fakoory was the Pro League chairman from March 2018 until his death last Wednesday. He was also the owner of St Anns Rangers for over 40 years, until he sold the club to Terminix Ltd, and also founded the Super Ten Basketball League, along with fellow businessman Dave Ramkissoon, in 1987.

Speaking at the funeral, TT mens football team manager Richard Piper mentioned, Richard Fakoory (was), apart from my business partner with St Anns Rangers Football Club, also a big brother/father figure to me.

He was someone who was my motivation as far as football was concerned, and I hope someday to, at least follow in his footsteps, in some way (or) fashion. Weve lost a true gem as far as a human being is concerned.

Piper, a former FIFA referee, knew Fakoory for 22 years and was persuaded to join the clubs management on his retirement.

A lot of people would have known him in sport, but he was a very devoted family man, said Piper. He did (a lot) for the underprivileged youths in the country, not only in the Port of Spain area but even (in) Tobago. I know he was responsible for moulding a number of players who would have gone through to represent our national team. Richard was truly a gem of an individual.

Delivering the eulogy was Fakoorys son Kyle, who spoke about his fathers love for his family. He also touched on his fathers communication skills.

When one person was talking, the next one was listening, said Kyle. If both of us were talking together, we cant get it done or we cant understand.

Ex-Rangers player and coach Clayton Morris described Fakoory as very passionate about both basketball and football.

The Strike Squad captain and central defender said, My family were very close with him. Hearing the news of his passing, I called my sister and we cried together on the phone. Thats to tell you the kind of family bonding we had.

We did have a little misunderstanding with regards to Rangers and (its sale to) Terminix. We (were) supposed to discuss the issue. We didnt have time and then he met his demise.

I must send condolences to his wife (Angela). My family are all praying for her and we wish her all the best through this journey. Its a tough one, but God knows best. May Richards soul rest in peace.

Morris said, Fakoory was responsible for a lot of youths who came out of Rangers and went on to play for TT. The players in Rangers would respect him, and well always cherish those moments. He gave his life to help those youths in the community.

Also paying tribute to Fakoory yesterday was Pro League CEO Julia Baptiste, who said she would miss Fakoory.

Anthony Streete, former Rangers coach, touched upon his time at the club, when, he said, Fakoory always stressed the need to see youths improve.

Among those at yesterdays service were TT Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams and his predecessor Raymond Tim Kee, past national players Brent Sancho, Angus Eve and Clayton Ince, TT Super League president Keith Look Loy, TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis, and members of the football, basketball and business communities.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Tallman

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Re: Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #19 on: April 04, 2019, 11:51:19 AM »
Fakoory - A Genuine Youth Developer
By Colin Murray (T&T Guardian)


The sudden passing of Richard Elias Fakoory left me stunned in the same manner as that of young Stefan Monteil. Richard was 71 and I never knew him to have any health issues so when he died with his wife at his side, it made me yet again reflect on life. It brought back memories of a conversation between my good friend Stanley Hunter and I in our younger days after I said to him, Stan boy you moving fast I hope you don't suffer from burn out. His immediate response was, Murray, let me tell you something, this life ain't no dress rehearsal so I living and furthermore, I never met anybody who said to me they were here before. I couldn't argue with those words as they were so true.

Fakoory was a true gentleman - very humble and always willing to reach out to whoever was in need of his assistance. I met the gentleman some 31 years ago when he approached me seeking sponsorship, not for football, but basketball as he had just started the Super10 Basketball League (SBL). It was my first encounter with him and he appeared very genuine in wanting to support the youths and get them off the streets and playing basketball.

The Super10 consisted of the 10 best playing basketball teams in the country playing for prize money that exceeded the expectations of the basketball fraternity. Gentleman Richard and his partner Dave Ramkissoon pounded the pavements seeking sponsorship and of course he succeeded in reaching his goals because it was felt that with Richard at the helm with his administrative and operational skills, the league was going to be successful. It certainly was successful as the league operated for many years and the template for its success was copied by the National Basketball Federation (NBF) of T&T.

It was no surprise to me when he got more involved in football again assisting the youths. He always placed the players at the forefront and always wanted what he felt would have been best for them. At the time I was still working at Carib and a couple of the guys from the bottling hall came to my office one day and said they wanted to enter a team in the then TTFF East zone. I thought it was a delusional idea - a bunch of factory workers who bottle beer and work in the various warehouses want to tackle the powerhouses of the East zone like San Juan Jabloteh and the likes? Worse than that, they asked me to coach the team. Not wanting to refuse them as I felt integration with the office staff and the guys from the factory was good for morale within the company, I obliged.

I was pleasantly surprised at the ability of the guys and I felt once I could instil some discipline and organisation into the team, they would do well and suddenly other teams started to take notice of the Carib FC team. They were making a name for themselves in the East Zone. I was quite content to go along with the players I had as we kept the squad confined to those who actually worked at the Brewery.

The reason for this background is simple. One day I got a phone call from Richard and he said he had a player for me. I told him I did not need any players as I have enough here on the team. He literally begged me and would not put down the phone. He said the player would run through a brick wall for me and all he wanted me to do was give him a job. That player was Marvin Andrews. Marvin at the time had represented the T&T youth team but had suffered a series of injuries and was just returning to competitive football.

Here was Richard Fakoory offering me a player that would have made his team - ECM Motown - without a problem but his major concern was not himself or his own team, but for Marvin to get a job and still play football at a competitive level. History would show that with Marvin in the team, we went on to win the East Zone and qualified for the Champion of Champions league and then qualified for the Semi-pro League. At that point, I couldn't continue and Marvin left for a professional contract with Raith Rovers F.C. in Scotland but all this was because of Richard Fakoory.

Every time I encountered Richard he was the same way. I never heard him raise his voice even though some of the people who worked with him in basketball would tell a different story - he was tough. I met him in the grocery with his wife shopping a few weeks ago and he was chatting to me about local football. I could have felt the pain in his voice and he said to me, would you come on board? and I promised him we will talk. Sadly that was my final discussion with him.

Richard Fakoory will always be remembered as a people's person and my deepest condolences to his family and all those who were touched by his genuine kindness. May he rest in peace.
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Offline Tallman

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Re: Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #20 on: April 18, 2019, 04:46:52 PM »
A Range of Impressions about the Man from Rangers Richard Fakoory, a Primer in Quiet Engagement
By Chambi Sey


The landscape of personalities across football in Trinidad and Tobago is peppered with egos that are less guardians of the games best interests and more protectors of their patches of dominion. It is also salted with other temperaments, willing masters to willing serfs and willing serfs to willing masters,  who are ultra cautious of those who do not render them patronage and tribute or relevance and survival. Richard Fakoory, to my assessment, was neither of these defensive, sharp-edged and unfortunate dispositions. He was approachable, collaborative, down to earth, engaging, frank, humble, transparent and non-triangulating. He appreciated that football would outlast him and that his responsibility was to the enduring greater good of the sport locally, rather than to the convenience of his fleeting present. In my estimation, this is one reason why he resisted participating in the arms race of escalating player wages that often lured fine players from his club on to perceived greener pastures, but that also occasionally bounced them back to Rangers as prodigal sons.
 
As it turns out, Richard was being pragmatic, not malicious. Over the years, rejected by fans and elusive of investors and sponsors, the artifice of a properly monetized and commercialized professional league in Trinidad and Tobago has persisted only as a subsidized illusion. In sum, Richards decision-making was tempered ambition that resisted what Wall Street types would regard as market insensitive impulses.

In the face of the recent injections of UEFA ASSIST expertise, we, the collective people of football, just had been receiving a sense of comfort by Fakoorys presence in the room, during the transitional deliberations aimed at reconfiguring the governance model within domestic football in Trinidad and Tobago, at the moment of his passing. As such, his departure presents as untimely, particularly in the instance of inserting a check and balance on the overreaching of others who possess penchants for the excessive exercise of power. If we regard football as the community project Richard envisioned, his passing should encourage us to redouble our efforts to leave no stone unturned in binding to family, village and nation, and to achieving for the good of the game, rather than for the exclusive benefit of self and acolytes.

My first impression of Richard Fakoory was that he was not a person one should or could bullshit, and that was fine by me. My second impression of Richard Fakoory was that he was economical with words, deliberate in his thought, a practitioner of attentive listening, not one to rush to decisions, and a man committed to whatever path decided and commitment agreed. My third impression of Richard Fakoory was that he was a meticulous and proud record keeper of the provenance of the footballers who played at Rangers across the decades.

While I cannot profess to having known Richard for a comparable period, it is testament to his manner that I sense that I knew him for much longer than the brief years I did. He made communicating easy. He shared insight-filled anecdotes that were occasionally related to football and always pertinent to life. And, the importance of family shone through his being. Unknown to him, within my household, Richard was affectionately the cousin and I anticipated that one day the cousins would meet and engage their legacy of diaspora. Lamentably, that will not happen.

In addressing attendees at the Minnesota State Fair, some days before assuming the presidency in the wake of William McKinleys assassination in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt, then Vice-President of the United States, popularized a saying that he, perhaps conveniently, attributed to African oral tradition: speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. The adage is sometimes amended to state: walk gently, speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far. Although soft-spoken and perceptibly gentle, Richard Fakoory did not need a big stick to affect outcomes; and, his temperament ought not lucidly to have been confused with weakness. He went far and, as some will testify privately, frequently beyond.

To his credit, he recognized that a vacuum in Trinidad and Tobagos social order needed to be filled in order to preserve hope and possibility for those distantly situated from the chalices of plenty and he set about leveraging sport as a constructive tool of opportunity and community and national engagement. In the context of the evolution of football in Trinidad and Tobago, it is certain that he acknowledged that footballers needed to live rather than merely to subsist. However, although the persistent challenge of making that happen has never been exclusively his alone, in some ways he was rendered a silent standard-bearer of achieving that insulating responsibility, long before a visit by Anthony Bourdain kindled public expressions of private truths.

The T&T Pro League brass are said to be seeking to identify ways in which to honor Richard Fakoory. Agreeing with him or not, one less than elaborate way to do so would be to honor Richard by recalling his voice in future discussions and by injecting his perspective into issues mooted for discussion. Richard Fakoorys legacy merits at least that.

In my goings and comings, I meet many people who are interesting in their own right, yet who leave no discernible, compelling or distinctive, impression. Richard was not in that category. Following the ceremony marking the pairing of MIC Institute of Technology and Rangers, I had the privilege of touring MIC-ITs physical plant with Richard and what transferred was the projection of his humility in an otherwise arrogant society and his precise appreciation of the tenor and condition of Trinidad and Tobago.

When the phone sounded and the caller informed of Richards passing, instantly it reminded me of the indispensability of dotting and crossing my is and ts today, without any presumption of certainty in deferring lifes puzzles until tomorrow or next week. It is my hope that players such as Che Benny, Micah Lansiquot and Kathon St. Hillaire will embrace that mandate and can press on to extract all the benefits of the football gifts and potential they possess. Mr. Fakoory would want it so.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Tallman

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Re: Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #21 on: September 24, 2019, 09:00:13 AM »
Richard Fakoory has been posthumously awarded the Humming Bird Medal (Gold) for Community Service/Sport.
The Conquering Lion of Judah shall break every chain.

Offline Deeks

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Re: Richard Fakoory Thread
« Reply #22 on: September 24, 2019, 09:03:40 AM »
Congratulations!  Should we say better late than never.

 

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