Ma Pau poser: How Pro League application led to Police probe in Sport Ministry


The Ma Pau Morvant Sports Club, almost certainly, will not participate in the 2015/16 Pro League competition, after an about-turn by the Ministry of Sport left the organisation without its registration fee.

And it is possible that the Ma Pau outfit, which participated in the Pro League between 2008 and 2011, may not have another shot at entrance in the local top flight until 2018.

Photo: Central FC star Ataulla Guerra (centre) takes the 2014/15 Pro League trophy from Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC star Ataulla Guerra (centre) takes the 2014/15 Pro League trophy from Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

There is nothing unusual about a local football club attempting and failing to secure admittance into the Pro League. It happens almost every season.

But it is not every year that a Pro League application leads to a passive aggressive media battle between the Sport Minister and a football coach, suggestions of a pliant Permanent Secretary, a police investigation for fraud and a frustrated community.

The most appealing aspect of Ma Pau’s proposed return to the Pro League is a promised TT$8.5 million refurbishment of a sport ground in Morvant, which the club will share with fellow top flight neighbours, Caledonia AIA, and the community.

And outgoing Laventille East/Morvant MP Donna Cox had hoped her last act as the area’s Parliamentary representative would have been to announce the massive infrastructural work on the sporting ground in the humble community.

Cox said that, over the last five years, she had filed questions in Parliament and written the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Planning for help to fix the uneven ground, which is unbearably dusty one minute and flooded the next.

Photo: Outgoing Laventille East/Morvant MP Donna Cox.
Photo: Outgoing Laventille East/Morvant MP Donna Cox.

“It just needed refurbishing and some work done,” Cox told Wired868. “A lot of people use it because they don’t have a proper alternative but there is a lot of flooding and it is uneven and so on…

“We talk about crime but, if we are really serious about crime, this is one of the areas that is at risk. But no work has been done in Laventille East/Morvant by the Ministry of Sport. No netball or basketball court, nothing.

“Malick Senior Comprehensive has to go outside its community to train because there is no proper ground here for them… And I also made a plug for it to be the home ground for Caledonia AIA.”

Cox claimed she got nowhere with her pleas for State resources to fix the community ground.

Last month, former Central FC coach Terry Fenwick approached the MP with a promise to completely renovate the ground and she jumped at the offer. There was one caveat.

Ma Pau wanted the Ministry of Sport to support its bid to return to the Pro League.

Photo: Ex-Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (left) whistles from the bench during his  team's Pro League contest with Point Fortin Civic. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Ex-Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (left) whistles from the bench during his team’s Pro League contest with Point Fortin Civic.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

“If the Ministry of Sport is not doing what it is supposed to do and a private company wants to come in and assist, then of course I support it,” said Cox. “I feel they should be allowed to get the job done. Why is it being stopped?

“Why didn’t the Ministry decide to partner with them and get it done?”

The catch was that Ma Pau wanted the Ministry of Sport to foot the bill for its Pro League return, which meant a TT$400,000 payment. The Ma Pau application, though, asked the Government for TT$450,000.

But why did Ma Pau, after promising to spend just over TT$3 million on a football ground before the end of year, not simply pay the Pro League’s comparatively paltry registration fee in the first place?

The Pro League gave Ma Pau chairman John Wallis an assurance that, should he choose to return to the competition, he would not have to pay a registration fee for a second time. But Wallis was not aware—or properly advised by his own staff—that this amnesty carried a deadline. And the club missed it two years ago.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago striker Cornell Glen collects his thoughts after striking the bar against Sweden, during the Germany 2006 World Cup. Glen is a former Ma Pau player. (Courtesy www.bbc.co.uk)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago striker Cornell Glen collects his thoughts after striking the bar against Sweden, during the Germany 2006 World Cup.
Glen is a former Ma Pau player.
(Courtesy www.bbc.co.uk)

When Wallis and Fenwick sat down in June to discuss Ma Pau’s return to top flight football, there were, according to the coach, two conditions: the club must have a home ground—Wallis was frustrated by Ma Pau being asked to play home games all over the country during his previous Pro League stint—and he would not pay to regain his club’s Pro League status.

From mid-June, Fenwick went into overdrive, as he met and wooed counsellors and regional corporation representatives with Ma Pau’s vision for the Morvant ground.

Inevitably, Fenwick ended up at the Ministry of Sport and in front of his former employer and current Sport Minister, Brent Sancho.

Almost a decade earlier, Fenwick sacked Sancho at San Juan Jabloteh after he grew frustrated with the World Cup 2006 defender’s supposed fondness for night life. But they worked together twice at Central and, earlier this year, the English coach was at the helm when the “Couva Sharks” lifted the Caribbean Club Championship and Digicel Pro League and Pro Bowl titles.

Sancho was already Sport Minister when Fenwick returned to the Sharks and the UNC Senator claimed he had nothing to do with it. But an email between Fenwick, Sancho and his advisor Kevin Harrison suggested otherwise.

Photo: Sport Minister Brent Sancho (centre) pays a visit to Bourg Mulatresse. (Courtesy SPORTT Company)
Photo: Sport Minister Brent Sancho (centre) pays a visit to Bourg Mulatresse.
(Courtesy SPORTT Company)

At 8.30 am on Monday 23 March 2015, Fenwick asked Harrison, via email, to round his salary off at TT$30,000 per month and confirm his bonus for title success with the Sharks. But Sancho was the person who replied.

“We never agreed to rounding off to 30,” stated Sancho, from his Hotmail address. “It’s 28 and 10%. Please (do) not complicate this as time is of the essence.”

On March 24, Central confirmed that Fenwick would replace Serbian Zoran Vranes as head coach. Harrison claimed then that he made the decision and not Sancho.

Although Central won every available title under Fenwick, the relationship between the trio quickly soured.

At 10.52 am on 25 June 2015, Fenwick wrote a 515-word email to Sancho, Harrison and Central director Daren Mohamdally, in which the former England World Cup player ranted at the club’s supposed mismanagement and warned that the Sharks faced a thrashing from MLS club, LA Galaxy, at the CONCACAF Champions League.

Photo: Central FC players (from left) Elton John, Darren Mitchell, Kaydion Gabriel, Uriah Bentick, Jason Marcano, Leston Paul, Ataulla Guerra and Akeem Benjamin celebrate during their penalty shoot out win over Montego Bay United in the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship semifinal. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC players (from left) Elton John, Darren Mitchell, Kaydion Gabriel, Uriah Bentick, Jason Marcano, Leston Paul, Ataulla Guerra and Akeem Benjamin celebrate during their penalty shoot out win over Montego Bay United in the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship semifinal.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

“Maybe, in my moment of weakness, I expected CFC (Central FC) to recognise the huge opportunity we have been presented to provide T&T football with a much needed ‘positive’ shot in the arm from the visit of LA Galaxy to Trinidad,” stated Fenwick, as he raged about the club’s failure to sort out players’ contracts and pre-season plans. “… It is unethical to have potential employees waiting on Management and the Board to have an epiphany regarding renewal of contracts! Do you have any regard for people’s lives and families noting that they all have responsibilities to their loved ones!

“I find it not only unprofessional but disingenuous to run your club with people/players’ welfare at your disposal and not communicate with them…

“For me and my players, it is demoralising and quite startling how individuals of self proclaimed pillars of society treat with such disregard their own work force.”

Exactly 31 minutes later, Central manager Jamie Along-Charles emailed Fenwick with bad news: “Dear Terry. The Board and Management of Central FC met to discuss your proposed contractual requirement. Unfortunately at this time they will not be able to facilitate your request.

“As such, they wish to sincerely thank you for your services rendered to the club.”

Photo: Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (left) receives a Blue Waters Coach of the Month award from Pro League secretary Julia Baptiste. (Courtesy TT Pro League)
Photo: Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (left) receives a Blue Waters Coach of the Month award from Pro League secretary Julia Baptiste.
(Courtesy TT Pro League)

Regardless, Fenwick took coach Keon Trim along to explain to Sancho and Harrison—in their official capacities at the Ministry of Sport—why the Government should support Ma Pau’s bid to enter the Pro League.

There had been a precedent as, just last year, the Government paid registration fees for Point Fortin Civic. But Sancho, despite his football background, did not support Ma Pau’s bid.

What neither Sancho nor Harrison knew is that Fenwick had already gotten the necessary approval from Ministry of Sport Permanent Secretary Gillian Macintyre, who, as the Ministry’s financial officer, does not need Cabinet or Ministerial oversight within a TT$1 million limit.

“We went to (Sancho) with the complete proposal for Ma Pau and he gave us every possible excuse why he could not do it,” said Fenwick. “I gave them six different ways they could back it because of the level of funding put out by corporate Trinidad.

“Everything they said was a contradiction because we already had an agreement from the PS and we knew that Point Fortin had already received money before us.”

Photo: Point Fortin Civic midfielder Andrei Pacheco (centre) holds off Police FC players Elijah Belgrave (right) and Todd Ryan during a Pro League contest. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Point Fortin Civic midfielder Andrei Pacheco (centre) holds off Police FC players Elijah Belgrave (right) and Todd Ryan during a Pro League contest.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

The Sport Ministry contacted Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene and advised that it chose to support Ma Pau’s bid and foot its supposed $450,000 registration fee.

There was no consensus as to why the Government wrote a cheque for $450,000 and not $400,000 and, arguably, it showed a flaw in the internal process at the Ministry.

Fenwick and a Sport Minister official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed they were verbally told the fee for entry was $450,000 while the Pro League officials could not remember ever saying so.

Clearly, nobody got anything in writing from the Pro League about its registration fee, yet, despite that fact, a cheque was drawn up for Ma Pau. Furthermore, the cheque was made made out to Ma Pau Morvant Sports Club and not the Pro League.

Skeene, a former “Strike Squad” player, thought the incorrect figure was an error and not fraud.

“If I had any problems with Ma Pau’s application, I would not have put forward their application to the (Pro League board),” Skeene told Wired868. “Or I would have at least hinted (about the problem) to the board.”

Photo: Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene (right) is in deep conversation with former Trinidad and Tobago standout Ron La Forest at the inaugural Wired868 Football Festival. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/ Wired868)
Photo: Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene (right) is in deep conversation with former Trinidad and Tobago standout Ron La Forest at the inaugural Wired868 Football Festival.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/ Wired868)

Harrison, despite his role with the Sport Ministry, was present at the Pro League’s board meeting and was stunned to hear that Ma Pau’s application was supported by the Ministry of Sport.

“I went to the Pro League meeting to present info on the delays in their subventions and so on,” Harrison told Wired868. “The Chairman said there was an application to enter the Pro League when they opened up the meeting and presented a cheque (from the Sport Ministry). I said I knew nothing about it at all and neither does the Minister.”

The Pro League clubs did not support Ma Pau’s bid and, ironically, there was grumbling by club representatives that Fenwick had used his influence with Sancho and Harrison to gain an unfair advantage.

In truth, Harrison was fuming and he sped straight back to the Ministry’s PS, Macintyre, for answers. The English football administrator claimed that he and Sancho implemented a system in which Harrison reviewed any cheques issued by the Sport Ministry for over $20,000.

“Once a cheque is issued, I would review the file to ensure all the processes are followed,” said Harrison. “This is something we put in place when we came into the Ministry because of the Life Sport thing to make sure we don’t issue money to the wrong people.”

Photo: Central FC goal scorer Jean-Luc Rochford (front) and his teammates celebrate with the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship trophy. Looking on is then Central FC operations director Kevin Harrison (top left). (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC goal scorer Jean-Luc Rochford (front) and his teammates celebrate with the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship trophy.
Looking on is then Central FC operations director Kevin Harrison (top left).
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Was Fenwick the “wrong people?”

Harrison questioned Macintyre about the Ma Pau cheque and asked her to withdraw it.

“When I went back to the Ministry, I saw the PS and asked if she issued a cheque for $450,000 to Ma Pau and she said yes,” said Harrison. “And I said it was declined and you can get it back. When we then looked at the file, we realised there were a number of discrepancies… So the PS decided to take it to the police.”

One of the suggestions, raised in a subsequent Trinidad Guardian article, was that Fenwick sent photographs that fraudulently misrepresented the state of the Morvant ground by showing a spanking track around it.

The bemused Englishman countered that he had merely shown the ground in its current condition and then used photographs of a foreign track to show what it would like after work was completed.

Macintyre never questioned Fenwick, though. She ordered the coach to return the cheque, which he did, and, although the PS herself signed off on the application, the police began interviewing Sport Ministry officials on the matter.

However, the Pro League never formally rejected Ma Pau’s proposal and Skeene contradicted Harrison’s report to the PS.

“I don’t know where (Harrison) is getting this idea about the finality of the thing,” said Skeene. “The Pro League always continues to assist teams and we continue to try to help Ma Pau to get into the league… It is a continuing process.”

Photo: Central FC official and Advisor to the Sport Minister Kevin Harrison (right) presents a $12,000 cheque to Dion Sosa, the local manager for then ailing player Akeem Adams. Adams died on 30 December 2013 after failing to recover from a heart attack. (Courtesy Allan V. Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC official and Advisor to the Sport Minister Kevin Harrison (right) presents a $12,000 cheque to Dion Sosa, the local manager for then ailing player Akeem Adams.
Adams died on 30 December 2013 after failing to recover from a heart attack.
(Courtesy Allan V. Crane/Wired868)

Had Harrison overstepped his boundaries by instructing the PS to withdraw the cheque for Ma Pau?

And had Macintyre erred by taking instructions from Harrison rather than the Pro League Chairman or CEO?

Wired868 failed to reach Macintyre for comment. Harrison denied he was working against Ma Pau’s bid.

“We said we can’t find a way and he went around (Sancho and I) and submitted an application and he got turned down by the Pro League,” said Harrison. “I certainly had no say in how they voted because I wasn’t a voting member. It had nothing to do with me.”

Was there any ill-feeling between Sancho, Harrison and Fenwick?

“I don’t know (but) I see there is a post on Facebook calling me a liar,” said Harrison, in reference to a comment made by Fenwick’s wife and local attorney, Reyna Kowlessar. “I was told by two independent sources that Terry said he got money from the Ministry of Sport without me or Brent knowing about it. And he was laughing…”

Caledonia AIA coach Jamaal Shabazz said he abstained from the vote when Ma Pau’s application was raised before the Pro League board. Since then, he met with Fenwick and has been rallying other clubs to support Ma Pau.

Photo: Caledonia head coach Jamaal Shabazz (left) and assistant coach Rajesh Latchoo enjoy a good day at the office. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/ Wired868)
Photo: Caledonia head coach Jamaal Shabazz (left) and assistant coach Rajesh Latchoo enjoy a good day at the office.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/ Wired868)

“I had heard rumours that the regional corporation had given the ground in our Morvant community to Ma Pau and I abstained at that point to get more clarity,” Shabazz told Wired868. “Now that I have information to the contrary, I feel it is necessary for Caledonia to support Ma Pau’s entry into the League…

“The Ma Pau franchise would be able to employ at least 35 of our grassroots people and, while politicians continue to promise, the young people have to (be able to) eat.”

Shabazz suggested that Ma Pau might win a second vote from Pro League clubs but claimed the team’s bid was being undermined by “senior officials at the Sport Ministry.”

“Each club owner has their say and their vote and, because we own the league, we can change our minds as we have done and amend rules according to the situations that we face,” said Shabazz. “I’m hearing that there are senior officials in the Ministry who are trying to put stumbling blocks. I have spoken to one or two clubs who said that senior officials have insinuated that Terry Fenwick did not use proper information to secure the Ministry’s help…

Photo: Former Central FC coach Terry Fenwick gestures during his team's final Pro League contest. North East Stars coach Angus Eve is in the foreground. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Former Central FC coach Terry Fenwick gestures during his team’s final Pro League contest.
North East Stars coach Angus Eve is in the foreground.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

“I can understand if you stop a man from doing bad. So if Fenwick trying to do something bad, I can understand (that) they stop it. But he is trying to do something good, so I can’t see why they want to stop him.

“And I am saying this as no friend of Terry Fenwick and it angers me when people think for some reason I shouldn’t stand up for him.

“I am not standing up for him, I am standing up for fair play in football. This is our livelihood and we have to make this industry work.”

Shabazz suggested that the Pro League needs Fenwick at least as much as he needs the Pro League.

“I see Terry Fenwick as a warrior like us and he brings a certain amount of competitiveness and finesse as a coach in the league,” said Shabazz. “He is second only to Stuart Charles (Fevrier) in terms of winning titles in the Pro League and for that he has my respect… Caledonia would vote in favour of Ma Pau, despite the fact that on the field I am a fierce competitor against Terry Fenwick.

Photo: Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (right) tries to get a reaction from his squad in the 2015 Caribbean Cup final. Looking on is W Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (right) tries to get a reaction from his squad in the 2015 Caribbean Cup final.
Looking on is W Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

“We may never be friends but I think he has a place in Trinidad and Tobago’s football. And, as a Muslim, I have a command from Allah to stand up for justice.

“Allah says: ‘Oh ye who believe, stand up firmly for justice, even if it is against yourself.’ Despite my combative vibes with Mr Fenwick, I think in fairness to the work he has done, he should be in the league.”

However, Skeene said the time-consuming furore within the Ministry of Sport over Ma Pau’s application has probably killed the team’s chances of playing in the Pro League this season.

The Pro League is due to kick off with a Digicel Charity Shield fixture on September 11 while the official competition is scheduled to begin on September 25.

“I think there was a remote possibility for Ma Pau to come into the league last month,” said Skeene. “It was very tight. Right now, it would probably be next season.”

The new TTFA constitution, which was approved by its executive committee but must still make its way through the regional associations, calls for a promotion and relegation system between the Pro League and National Super League.

Photo: Malabar FC attacker Che Edwards (second from left) struggles with Edinburgh defender Aswad Alves (centre) while Shaheed John (right) slides in to win the ball during CNG National Super League  Championship Division action at the D'abadie Recreation Grounds.  Looking on is Edinburgh goalkeeper Joel Sansavior. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Malabar FC attacker Che Edwards (second from left) struggles with Edinburgh defender Aswad Alves (centre) while Shaheed John (right) slides in to win the ball during CNG National Super League Championship Division action at the D’abadie Recreation Grounds.
Looking on is Edinburgh goalkeeper Joel Sansavior.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

When that occurs, clubs will have to earn their entrance into the top flight by slogging it out in the Super League, which now has two divisions.

It would mean that Ma Pau and other ambitious clubs must spend at least two years battling their way past over 30 community teams before they can even apply to the Pro League.

“The Pro League board still has to finalise the matter of promotion and relegation,” said Skeene. “We are looking to have a discussion with the TTFA. I would like it to (have promotion) but we have to have discussions… It will place a totally different dimension on things.”

It means that local football fans might have a long wait before they see Fenwick coaching in the top flight again.

Shabazz would miss the combative Englishman, although there may be just as many rivals who would say ‘good riddance.’ Fenwick, outspoken, combative and provocative, has always split opinions in the local game, even though his titles speak for themselves.

Photo: Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (left) and North East Stars coach Angus Eve glare at each other during their 2014 Digicel Pro Bowl quarterfinal clash. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC coach Terry Fenwick (left) and North East Stars coach Angus Eve glare at each other during their 2014 Digicel Pro Bowl quarterfinal clash.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Cox suggested that Morvant/Laventille would be the biggest losers, though.

“I am really disappointed with all the foolishness that is going on,” said Cox. “Anybody who wants to do something to uplift the grounds, I am very grateful for it… If someone is willing to pump money into sport, then shouldn’t (the Ministry of Sport) be happy?

“There must be some underlying confusion going on that we do not know about. I don’t think any right-thinking person will not want that to happen.”

More from Wired868
Gateway director and fast-rising administrator, Shem Alexander, held for “firearm trafficking”

The Jamaica Constabulary Force confirmed today that Trinidad and Tobago national and burgeoning sport official Shem Alexander is in its Read more

Vaneisa: The dos and don’ts of supporting elite athletes

On Tuesday, Rob Stevens, writing for BBC Sport Africa, presented a comprehensive look at the overall performances at the Paris Read more

Woodley, Kesar get debut goals as T&T edge Guyana in friendly

Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Angus Eve got his first win of 2024 last night as Read more

Eve recalls Bateau for T&T friendlies against Guyana on 13 and 15 May

Veteran Belgium-based defender Sheldon Bateau appears set to make his first international appearance since the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, as Read more

New TTFA president will chair technical committee; Sancho tipped for role

New Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron “Bo” Edwards is set to be installed as technical and development Read more

NLCL 24: Made In La Brea, Caledonia AIA enter playoff for ¼ final spot

Made In La Brea and Caledonia AIA will clash in a playoff at the Mahaica Sporting Complex in Point Fortin Read more

Check Also

Gateway director and fast-rising administrator, Shem Alexander, held for “firearm trafficking”

The Jamaica Constabulary Force confirmed today that Trinidad and Tobago national and burgeoning sport official …

285 comments

  1. Good question, not sure but they benefit like all the Pro League teams do and receive 87,000 pm

  2. I did not say that at all. However, are you saying it is fair to compare Ma Pau as a financial entity and Point Fortin Civic?

  3. Who is the corporate sponsor/owner of Point Fortin Civic?

  4. I appreciate objectivity. But what merit do you have in saying that Morvant doesn’t deserve the same treatment as Point if they warrant it. You are right Ma Pau maynot be the same, as they were assisting in funding a new field to Morvant. But a precent is just that, rules cannot change b/c it suits one party and not the other. Maybe if these policies were more transparent, we wouldn’t have these issues in the first place. The PS thought something, the advisor another…

  5. So parts of article we willingly accept and other parts we discount. I never mentioned “hotspot”. I want to be objective but I cannot accept Ma Pau is in the same, or anywhere near the same, financial situation as Point Fortin Civic. That is all

  6. I am referring to the article where it states that point Fortin was assisted and a precent set. I’m not making the information up and I certainly didn’t write it. Further, are you implying Morvant is not a “Hot Spot “area and shouldn’t be assisted. In addition just going on pure common sense if you read the first article my name was mention. I can state I was NEVER a party to any meetings etc with the MOS or this project, ever. So if that isn’t trying to be nasty then I don’t know what is…I agree with you on transparency in seeing these policies. If you visit the MOS website, the forms are there to examine and the criteria. Where is the PS in all this?

  7. to my knowledge, Point Fortin Civic is a community team without any real corporate sponsorship assistance and they are located in a high unemployment rural area. Not really sure anyone would compare Civic coffers with that of Ma Pau. Also, what proof is there Civic received that amount? Anyways, one would still need to see in black and white the objective criteria used to make decisions in the Ministry IMHO..

  8. If it’s not the norm. Can I ask how come it worked for Point Fortin Civic FC as stated in Lasana ‘s article? Amazing 400 Million went missing from the MOS but an ‘Investigation” is being carried out on a cheque that was never cashed or passed through anyone’s account…. PP Government working for you….

  9. Oh ok. I thought this was the norm. Glad to know it’s an anomaly. Thanks!

  10. ……that is a question being asked in the Pro League circle because this a pro venture…..I have no problem with the Ministry assisting clubs in the Pro League but to pay a Club’s registration is odd….

  11. Keith Clement, thank you for answering me! Now, why are taxpayers paying this and not the businesses who own the team?

  12. Ms. Haynes…..the $400.000 and not $450.000 is a one time fee…..Ma Pau did play in the league up to 2011 but suspended their License and since they did play for four years the License fee expired…

  13. Lasana send me your email and I will send you a copy of the Ma Pau release

  14. The release didn’t come to me Chabeth Haynes. Which isn’t unusual I guess since it is a new organisation that might have simply went with the dailies.

  15. Wouldn’t be surprised if it only went to the Guardian.
    But nothing’s wrong with playing fas and calling Ma Pau to ask them to send it to wired868. ?

  16. On another note, the registration fee that these pro league teams pay is an annual fee?

  17. Well maybe Lasana Liburd can get the Ma Pau release and post it for us so that we can all read for ourselves what it says.

  18. Not sure I would give this bogus article/journalist any credit. She’s the same journalist that wrote “cops probe Fenwick” … no cops on our door to date. She has also taken our press release and twisted the entire article again, against Terry. Further, the PFL still hasn’t given MA Pau a decision on being in the League nor was it ever suspended from the League

  19. The state has the same legal rights as any corporation Lasana. Whether it chooses to exercise those rights are another matter.

  20. Another thing Kendall Tull. If any group is paid by the Government on the promise that they deliver something, does the State have the power to sue if they don’t deliver?
    And I’m thinking of a general principle here.

  21. Trust me Lasana. I know what I speak of personally.

  22. A proper constitutional reform commission led by President along with independent and bipartisan stakeholders must occur.. we keep doing everything ion superficial ways Lasana Liburd

  23. But how can any Government make Permanent Secretaries stand up for themselves? Why would they?
    Only a strong Opposition and whistleblower legislation can help there, I think

  24. It does need to be addressed by a serious government interested in
    proper checks and balances.

  25. Sigh. I have tried Kendall Tull. But okay. And I do hope you’re right in your assessment.

  26. You are quite correct Brian. I have seen it myself as well.

  27. That’s a very strong statement Lasana. I have worked with the PS before and she does not fall into that category at all. You should make every effort to speak with her and I know that you will do the right thing if necessary.

  28. And the law regarding public servants speaking to the press inhibits them. We NEED whistleblower protection.
    Too many people are using confidentiality clauses to hide misdeeds and crimes.

  29. I was just speaking to someone about constitutional and public service reform being my hot button issue. We all may believe permanent secretaries are above politics but they are not. I know personally of a few permanent secretaries who stood up to ministers on spending issues and they were summarily reassigned.

  30. I haven’t been able to speak to PS yet. So I want to be fair to her.
    But if she really allowed herself to be dictated to by an advisor no less… She doesn’t deserve her portfolio in my opinion.

  31. Lasana, yuh preaching this morning! I couldn’t agree more…we need people with backbones of steel in all our institutions, people who are willing to stand up and be counted and say NO when it’s necessary.

  32. I think the biggest issue I have in this entire thing is the Permanent Secretary. She is protected by our public service regulations and yet appears to allow herself to be directed by a Minister’s advisor?
    It is precisely public servants with that kind of weak thinking that put the country into the mess it is in now.

  33. Kwesi Prescod did you get the impression that I thought the PS should not have approved it?
    I made a point of suggesting that the PS appeared compromised and pliant. That’s because she has authority based on the public service act. But instead of using it, she appears to be taking orders from an advisor.
    So if you saw anyway that suggested she ought to be subservient, I will change it immediately!

  34. So much I would love to say right now lasana! But it’s in the hands of our lawyers. Clearly, it would appear the PS didn’t know about a lot of ‘policies’ put in place. As for the liar bit, I’d let Concacaf and CS vise speak to that …. great article

  35. I think the biggest issue I have in this entire thing is the Permanent Secretary. She is protected by our public service regulations and yet allows herself to be directed by a Minister’s advisor?
    It is precisely public servants with that kind of weak thinking that put the country into the mess it is in now.

  36. points to note Lasana….I think the PS can approve the expenditure under $500K without the Minister’s countersigning. So if the Ministry’s public service did an assessment, and she signed on that basis, then there is nothing wrong procedurally with the PS proceeding as she did initially.

    Harrisson, as the adviser to the Minister, has no locus stand to instruct a PS as is the claim. The PS is a public servant, an accounting officer under the Exchequer and Audit Act. the adviser is…in law…a nobody. So I find it amazing that the PS is presented as taking instructions from a nobody. It’s funny thatHarrisson refers to a process established since Lifesport, which itself seems to ignore the law Harrison’s lack of relevance.

    Even the Minister cannot overturn this, procedurally based on the quantum discussed, if the Ministry’s public servants did their due diligence.

  37. This would seem simple to the simpleton they want to invest so why not? it goes deeper than that the regional cooperation cannot allow investment from cooperate Trinidad when it comes to a recreation ground, the laws does not allow for it. We see it as not being difficult as they allow grounds to go un-cared for and we know that if we are allowed to do the work it would be up kept. The Ministry and the regional cooperation’s know this but choose not to say this as it would, well, “not sound good” year after year sporting facilities are left unattended no up keep nothing. I suggested to a sports minister once maybe, just maybe, for the league to go forward parliament should assign grounds to the top flight teams and allow them to develop and maintain in a specific way, any failure to meet these requirements will result in them loosing the rights, just something i suggested. Hey where is West Ham going? new stadium. We do not need twenty five thousand seated stadiums for our local game maybe three to four thousand capacity will do just fine maybe things will change soon.

  38. Too much in this and much more that is not, for me to decipher clearly and make any worthwhile comments. I am too tired of the lifestyle of slips and slides, “dances with the wolves”, swims with the sharks, and other suave, bordering on, subpoena-taunting, intrigues. And, for me, that is why it would be the preference that each person should always seek to tell the truth so that one does not have to remember anything. Stronger than this, should be one’s determination to always try and remain faithful especially when no one is looking. I ask, do the stakeholders involved in this trilogy of events and escapades care to live or operate by these “straightening” principles? No accusations, just questions and reminders.

  39. I stay far away from local football ever since November 1989 but I feel I have to say that Shabazz’s comments are right on the ball. It seems to me that people in the Ministry have forgotten that their mandate is to serve the footballing people.
    And I want to say too that we should all insist on an answer to Lasana’s two questions copied hereunder:
    Had Harrison overstepped his boundaries by instructing the PS to withdraw the cheque for Ma Pau?

    And had Macintyre erred by taking instructions from Harrison rather than the Pro League Chairman or CEO?
    And add a third: Should the PS take instructions from anyone but the Minister?
    One has to hope, however, that we as a country are lucky and that the new reforms that have been promised after today will make all the questions not unimportant but less urgent…

    • Well, the PS can spend a certain amount without need for approval from the Minister. So for the PS in this case to apparently concede her legal rights is scary.
      But then that might be how the country got into this position.

  40. Seems like Sancho/Harrison stepping away from Central F.C. never really occurred when they assumed Ministry of Sport positions. Furthermore, is there anyway to get official Central F.C. position on Ma Pau application, or on evidence that Sancho/Harrison continued to send emails corresponding on official club business??

  41. I am so angry after reading this article. The pettiness which keeps us enslaved and shackled is oblivious to most. The small mindedness and Illiteracy transcends into important areas of development from which our youth should be benefiting. There are a few people out there who are managers and could deal with the trappings of office, power and responsibility. Our institutions are failing because there are no clear policies on the rules of engagement. I am yet to understand Mr. Harrison’s verve for trying to derail an on going process which seemed legit. We also seem to take the strength of others and turn it into subjective fodder, with which we easily poison the minds of others. . Shabazz seems to be the only one who sees the benefit of having a strong rival in Mr. Fenwick, and the benefits Fenwick’s presence and team will bring to the league. I am also angry with the league’s President who in my opinion is not pro-active and seems to flow with the tide. The whole league benefits Mr. president, get up from off your hands and speak out.

  42. Wth…we have a mini FIFA here….aka “TIFA”. Four more hours to elections, this madness MUST stop.

  43. Lord…..I’m afraid to read this. Jeez

  44. Wow! It seems that certain officials are determined that they must use their office to exact vengeance upon enemies real and perceived. And the MP is right, the Morvant community and Caledonia AIA in part will be the biggest losers as the recreation ground falls further and further into disarray. Heaven forbid if the PP wins and decides to retain Sancho as Sports Minister: you might quicker see a tumble-weed rolling across that ground before you see any refurbishing at all.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.