STAY PUT and don’t let your political opponents run you away from serving in the world’s most popular sport of football just because you hold a Vabinet post!
That’s the message from Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts to Barbados’ Minister of Education Ronald Jones, who is also the long-serving president of the Barbados Football Association (BFA).
“It is absolutely ridiculous. All over the world, FIFA executives have been prime ministers, Cabinet members, congress members and so on,” Roberts told the Saturday Sun following the launch of the Digicel Caribbean Cup at the Hyatt Hotel here yesterday.
Roberts, who was also the Trinidad and Tobago national swimming coach when George Bovell III gained a bronze medal at the Olympic Games, used his experience with FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, who is now Minister of Works and Transport as an example.
“If I can perform ten per cent as well as he does and he has two portfolios and I have one, then I would be a very good Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs,” Roberts contended.
“If we have great people like this, we have to utilise them and utilise their contacts. The reason Trinidad and Tobago football is going to take off, the reason we are hosting a World Cup (FIFA Women’s Under-17) is because of Jack Warner.
“That gives the country such visibility globally, increases tourism, increases the market opportunities and let investors know what we have and showcases our talent. Our “doubles” vendors make money, the corn soup people, everybody benefit,” he said.
Former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur has been among some Opposition parliamentarians who questioned why Jones, the long-serving BFA head, did not relinquish the BFA top post after he was appointed to the Cabinet.
“I think he should stay. I think that anybody in opposition, who is stating that in Trinidad or Barbados should rethink it. It depends on the person. If they are doing the job, then they are good. If they are not doing the job, well fire them,” declared Roberts.
Recently Warner, who is also president of CONCACAF and the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) was cleared of any conflict of interest after taking up a ministerial portfolio.
The outspoken Roberts, who had a Barbadian connection as coach of Olympic Games swimming finalist, Leah Martindale, also extended get well wishes to ailing Barbados’ Prime Minister David Thompson.
“On behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, we wish him all the best. He is in our prayers. We had Cabinet earlier today (yesterday) and we said a prayer for him. He’s been doing a great job and I’m sure that all of Barbados would want him to stay healthy and come back strong,” Roberts said.
