Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
First, the good news. Thank God that Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe didn’t ask her Cabinet colleague, Darryl Smith, to tag along to the Bahamas.
There has been precious little worth celebrating at the Ministry of Sport ever since the super-sized Diego Martin Central MP squeezed through the front door and started allegedly chasing after female staffers as though they were made out of chocolate.
Sport Minister Darryl Smith (right) takes a hands-on approach to communication at the ministry with employee Kate Balthazar.
But, frankly, this is starting to get ridiculous. An investigative report by veteran journalist Sharmain Baboolal revealed that Smith had his Ministry spend TT$91,910.43 to hand out a solitary trophy in an event, the THA Sports Awards, that lasted barely an hour and 15 minutes on Saturday May 20.
Maybe you didn’t get that part. The Ministry of Sport was asked to hand out one trophy at the THA Sports Awards and Smith spent the equivalent of an Olympic athlete’s annual funding disbursement to do so.
So much for austere times, eh, Colm? Although, to be fair, it would take a brave man to try and tighten Smith’s belt.
When asked about the need to fly to Tobago for a nondescript event with more people than the total number of athletes to be honoured that night, Smith told CNC3 that he was only responsible for his personal assistant—the aptly named Cindy Cupid—and they should ask his Permanent Secretary, Natasha Barrow, about the rest, which included his communications officer and sometimes squeeze, Kate Balthazar, and advisor Garvin Warwick.
He didn’t even hesitate, under the most gentle of cross-examinations. Even Peter had to be asked three times before he disavowed Jesus. Smith served up Barrow like she was a side of fries.
Barrow weakly suggested that the three day Tobago excursion included several important meetings. But several staffers who spoke to Wired868 contradicted her account.
The only other notable appointment that weekend in Tobago was an inspection of the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Bacolet and less than half of Smith’s 12 staffers attended while the Minister himself was absent.
And, crucially, the main people for that site visit—including CEO Adam Montserin—came from Trinidad and returned on the same day. Otherwise, God knows what Smith and his dirty dozen were up to.
Smith did offer some consolation to the Trinidad and Tobago public on his Ministry’s use of taxpayers’ money at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort.
“Ent is the government’s hotel?” Smith asked rhetorically. “So the money staying in the system.”
It betrayed a level of economic ignorance that was so brazenly repulsive and insulting and yet, at the same time, full of such absolute childish ignorance that one had to stop and stare, open-mouthed—like looking at a stool the size of a papaw in a public restroom.
Keithos, can we have a courtesy flush at the Ministry of Sport, please?
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
In one of the coldest hits since Benny Blanco (John Leguizamo) iced Carlito Brigante (Al Pacino) in Carlito’s Way, the Read more
First, the good news. New Commonwealth Games gold medalist Michelle-Lee Ahye will not be told—in a fierce, sleazy whisper—how good Read more
If ignorance is really bliss, then the happiest man alive is not Machel Montano anymore. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley—once Read more
If chivalry really is dead, maybe the Police Service should consider bringing in Sport Minister Darryl Smith for questioning. The Read more
Can someone tell TTFA president David John-Williams they were only joking when they said the Soca Warriors should quit football Read more
Natasha Barrow, formerly the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs’ Permanent Secretary and Sport Minister Darryl Smith’s personal travel agent, is Read more
Minister remember it is a crime in T&T to hug people. Keep your hands in your pocket.
No it won’t be.whether it is photo shop or otherwise..I would never forget what they did to the photo with Usain Bolt’s hustler and Dr Keith Rowley.. Damn despicable people around. One does not know what is true or false. .
Ah tell all yuh long time, all yuh not paying taxes all yuh paying tribute!
Which one girl?
Because I sure both of them eh going nowhere!
Lol. Which taxpayer won’t happily fork out knowing that they are helping provide the Sport Minister’s personal assistant golfing lessons at the Magdalena? I rest my case…
Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and render unto Daryl an all expense paid trip to Tobago complete with ‘trimmings’
Mel for a second I thought you were going to render him a Caesar’s salad too.
Lasana he needs many salads and to lay off the carbs!
Daryl moving just like Carmona.
Vernal Damion Cadogan, the major difference being one is easily replaceable!
Congratulations to Sharmain Baboolal for her demonstration of true investigative journalism.
Is like we stick on repeat cause it is the same selfish shit we facing one government after another. Once these self serving assholes get into office they living the life, staying in Magdalena, eating at $300 buffets, playing rounds of golf while the man on the street can’t afford to even go to a movie. And of course our PM couldn’t care less , turning a blind eye to his own being stranded at the port day after day, sleeping on concrete bench in night dew while his partners flying in and out comfortable, comfortable. Time people stop bumping gums and do something…the more we take the more they going to continue giving it to us in the backside without grease.
Why he looking like a thusty man so in this pic
In less than two years this PNM government is unraveling!
So what power do citizens have to ensure it stops, since its the same thing over and over. Galavanize as a unified people and demand accountability. Are we prepared to do so or simply talk on face book, where we are not seen because of fear.
Tobago engagement, Miami wedding.no invite, but we have to pay for it.
Wouldn’t lie nah….we as a people so mentally lackadaisical that it isn’t funny….our impressive ability to quickly forget things increases our tolerance to take bullshit…..give this two weeks, bet you won’t hear a word again….Shamfa phone issue done closed ent….lol….trinbago, sweetest people wee….
You nailed it Kenneth, this behavior is across the board, in all parties, and only those who genuinely care about the nation’s development will protest no matter who is involved….
The two independents. There are more?
yes absolutely. they can dominate at the polls with (relatively) small numbers, and ignore the rest of the populace, and indeed, be rude about the flagrant abuse of public trust.
And the new technologies being made available to political parties now allow them to hone in on people who are likely to be moved by their message.
Which is another way of saying it lets them totally ignore the hard sells like us.
The system is spitting us out entirely. Eh Spencer Crouch? There is less and less room in a democracy now for the independent voices.
I am not surprised one bit. Regardless of the political party in charge of governing Trinidad and Tobago we have thieves flying here and there, galavanting and splurging at the T&T citizens’ expense. How easily we forget the extravagance enjoyed by previous administrations! Seems only when it’s our preferred party we doe mind but let the other party do the same and we scream bloody murder. What’s good for the goose is certainly not good for the gander when it comes to politics in T&T.
I’m noticing people are being very civilised, with justifications disguised as criticism. I remember all the names and shouting that went on when KPB and her band was having a good time….
Savitri Maharaj Let’s not forget Kamla’s $12 MILLION 10 day Trip to India eh? I know the passage is 50 times the cost but $12 MILLION??? http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-05-20/india-trip-cost-12m
Girl, dem do it so we could do it too. Is a good thing they couldn’t fly first class to Tobago.
And that is the justification I’m talking about. I been here too long and observing well
Hi i can deal with a o called 100.000 splurge or a 57000 telephone overage charge….i do not see money entering his pocket…i caya take d Life Sport..Point Fortin Highway…water treatment…CDA…ad nauseam thiefing.
A 60Bn budget, where has it gone?
When the choice is between incompetence and corruption, you know you’re screwed. Lol.
Here’s the thing though… Incompetence usually masks corruption.
Otherwise, I’d say Smith hasn’t come close to the abuse of our coffers that happened under Anil. But I don’t measure a man’s value based on the dregs of society. What would be the point?
And what about if the choice is between corruption and corruption, Lasana?
Hahaha. Then it becomes a personality contest I guess. Or studying which tribe more likely to wet your beak.
And I’m sure many people just won’t admit that.
Savitri Maharaj and Lasana Liburd..how our words come back to haunt us!
http://m.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-09-15/cop-has-betrayed-their-mandate—rowley
It would appear that the newcomers are running close competition with the old guard when it comes to wasteful expenditure of public monies…..this is a deeply ingrained cultural problem, politicians in TT believe the public purse is theirs to squander and until someone is seriously punished for it, this distasteful behavior will continue….
This is normal for all governments. they simply don’t care., its not their monies. they feel its an entitlement. I worked in a Ministry and on three occasions Boards were announced and all three times a ceremony was held either at Hilton and Hyatt. I thought it was a simple exercise, call them into the Board room and give them letters of appointment. No thousands were spent. Consultations were held at Radison, Jack Warner Centre of Excellence etc It appears that the Magdalena Grand hotel and Hyatt are loved by all Governments, since they use them for every and anything. It appears that Dr Rowley knows to cut cost but these neophytes (Shamfa and Smith) are on a joy ride. Hold them accountable They just don’t care, so the nonsense continues. yes you want to give young people a chance, but it seems you have to give them a course in financial management. when the money is not yours. The temptation is high.
But, again, isn’t the PS legally responsible for all spending? Any Minister is only in a temporary position and has his/her own agenda. The PS is a career administrator charged with guiding the Minister during his/her tenure.
The P.S. is the accounting officer, therefore accountable for the spending of the ministry.
Which is why, for e.g. The P.S. would be on the Sportt Board, for e.g.
And yes, we need the P.S.. to stop rubber stamping expenditure and protect.The public purse.
No I don’t think the PS is on the sportt board. Sportt is an independent company that reports to ministry. PS is a civil servant and it would be a conflict of interest.
Thanks, just double checked and you are correct, they are not on the Sportt board.
But in some other ministries, the P.S. have been placed on boards.
Wonder what is the difference.
Hello. Did I not read the PS was on this Sports Tobago Magdalena Jaunt as well, Lasana Liburd?
One of the twelve!!!!
http://sharmainbaboolal.blogspot.com/2017/05/romping-in-tobago-92000-courtesy.html?spref=fb&m=1
This is what happens when we have a bag ah jackasses who think they still dealing with an illiterate population as in the days of my parents (I’m 62); many people who were unable to read or write. The world has changed yet ppl like imps-butt, Smith, Ms Roma et al get offended when we learn of their lavish lifestyles at the cost of taxpayers dollars. To quote Martin Daly, they are all suffering from “position-itis.” OR as the old folks would say, “never-see-come-see.”
He was interviewed by Hema this morning and he gave a different version , justifying everything of course.Said the reports are incorrect .
I just got the gist of it. Was fixing breakfast and the tv was on. He said he takes his personal assistant everywhere , that the THA invited people , not him , that the THA provided drivers because they had to visit some place , that he is not in a relationship with the lady , that there is a lot of lies and sabotage because he is doing such a great job and the youth love him . That’s the bit I heard . He was digressing a lot and Hema was trying to get him to answer certain questions .
All yuh better form a new political party else is UNC/PP in your pwenwen again since voting for PNM just because you are a PNM is quite asinine at the moment.
4 cars for 12 persons? Dey doh know how to squeeze up?
Check d size ah barrel Smith he cyar squeeze up
Banana Republic for some.
Smith alone might have taken 2…
Its really 3 cars for 10 people cause you know its only a certain 2 in one car
At the end of the day anyone in charge of the cookie jar seems to always steel the cookies.
But like they taking the cookies and the jar
Love the article Lasana Liburd. Time to get rid of him. Ridiculous
The Sports Ministry is a slush fund for whichever administration is in power, from the crazy flagpole incident to the monstrous Sports Company and its financial scandals and now this ….
Steups. It’s been time for this dude to go. He been acting the fool for awhile and he has given ppl nuff ammunition to destroy him. He just lucky they gave him this length of rope to play himself with.
Steups. It’s been time for this dude to go. He been acting the fool for awhile and he has give ppl nuff ammunition to destroy him. He just lucky they gave him this length of rope to play himself with.
Exactly, i’m trying to figure out why he lasting so long. I wonder if he have a “pee-pee” tape too as leverage?
The question is on whose advice were the THA invitations issued because it’s not by vaps! They said there were other meetings, ok, let’s see some minutes from those meetings, they are not private or confidential. Until pertinent questions are answered it would seem like a ministerial team went for a fun weekend in Tobago.
I’m seeing calls to shut down the Sport Ministry, hysterical! Isn’t the photo in the Express from 2015? Nice touch, lol, well I suppose they had no other photos available.
Is the Prime Minister going to condone the transferring of funds from the ministry to other state enterprises (CAL, Magdelena Grand), with what appears to be freeloading joy riders in between?
The relevance of that old photo to now is that is one of the harem three on the Tobago Magdalena jaunt
Really would like to support a government in this country… Really, really would like to be inspired… Not be words but by deeds… Smh…
Ihu. As I posted elsewhere, on the night of elections, I said to my friend, this gov’t needs to hit the ground running because this is a critical time for the country and there is no room for failure as the future of the country is literally in their hands.
What disturbs me is that we seem to continually be duped by governance by PR, not performance.
Honestly, I think on a scale of 1-10, the current adminstration might be around a 4 compared to the previous adminstration’s 8…The PP were spending like there was no tomorrow, throwing money around for a cheap photo opportunity… I just don’t think it is wise for the PNM to preach austerity to their citizens while not being cautious about spending themselves. I want them to succeed – which is why they need to be more careful…
Never see come see behaviour in this sweet country of ours. Where the employers (the voters) live worst that employees (our tax payers hard earn money). Same old khaki pants.
What about honouring the arrangement with the Cascadia bill re: the ‘Sports Desk Youth Forum’? You have to invest in the youths.
Big joke right ….. there is no medication in our hospitals
Sports Ministry again huh … seriously, can anyone outline their achievements in the last few years? What is their budgetary allocation and where is the ROI? TT seems incapable of learning from past erors, it’s time to shut this ministry down….
Lasana Liburd not to defend anyone in this case. But the Minister don’t have oversight on expenditures in the ministries eh.?
This place sweet, yes. Carry on folks
good fuh we
Stop ‘squeezing’ them eh. That comment last night was the worse.
Where is the big fat Steups emoji???
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/STOP-3m–RETREAT-289533001.html
Thanks Kheron Khan for pointing out that the present is just as bad as the past ??!!! Lol we need ah new part to vote for ?? !! How you doing though !!
Yo Sally Ann Sankersingh-Ramsingh long time…I am fine how u doing?
Not to bad myself…
Waiting patiently to see the action that will be taken on this
Justify the expenses and the amount of staff
But wait -why all our comments are replies to Spencer? lolol
Sorry, I think I started it! Lol.
Spencer probably tired of the notifications
Marcus Daniel I love the taste of sarcasm mixed with journalism in the morning
You and I have similar taste
Thanks ….
Excellent article, Lasana. To think that I spent so much time walking around during the election campaign, encouraging people to vote for this clown. Well we live and we learn.
So for the next elections is the solution going back to the current opposition? (Not a pnm/unc supporter) just a question…..
Not at all! I am a member of the PNM. Does a parent give a child up for adoption because the child is misbehaving?
Marcia Tinto ok mam .
So what allyuh complaining about?
Leonardo Reyes we hope and pray that something nee present itself, but like everyone else, they will get greedy and want caviar and lobster and best food all of sudden. No longer will they watch their spending, because spending someone else money as if they playing monopoly. These are the last and closing days where “men” have and will become lovers of themselves. Vote Jesus oui.
Russell Anthony Gordon Precisely. In addition to that, in the event that a credible option presents itself I believe that our country is so stuck in being a ‘member’ of one of the two existing parties that they will not even be willing to give them a chance. Unless you have serious financial resources at your disposal without becoming indepthed to a corporate guru a genuinely credible party cannot enter this political realm and we will forever be stuck in this two party roller coaster ride where race and self seeking individuals will continue to reign supreme. ( My two cents…..)
Leonardo Reyes your two cents worth 96,000 ?
Savitri Maharaj Im not complaining at all. I expect this type of behavoiur from both parties! Mrs Marcia Tinto made a point that she was disappointed by helpig in the campaign and my point was that, is the current opposition a better option? In my opinion they arent! For the small percentage of the population who would like to vote on the basis of economic progress on all levels with race aside who do we turn to?
Let’s start a movement Leonardo, no point depending on these two groups and their following to do the right thing.
To be fair, he is a good fellow. Represents the people well so much so, people from other constituencies come to his MP office for help. He just needs to manage the Ministry’s funds better. We elected HIM, not his PS.
a timely reminder? http://astoundable.com/worlds-poorest-president/
“So much for austere times, eh Colm? Although, to be fair, it will be a brave man to try and tighten Smith’s belt.” Woke up every sleeping dog in the neighbourhood with that one…
Smith go Kill We!
that is soooo ridiculous.
….Does not even begin to describe it!
Reading his response, why is he still a Minister in charge of running a ministry?
As for the number of days, I also had a question about that, especially if it was for one event. Now, to read it was to present one trophy..!
And I do agree with him. Perhaps the P.S. can enlighten us about what the official schedule was, and why such a fee was approved, and why all members apparently had to have upgraded rooms.
I repeat, the PM told the nation to tighten our belts, but the memo missed his cabinet. Or is animal farm their policy manual?
Anyway Lasana Liburd, I don’t know why you sounding like sour grapes. The man doing his part to contribute to the dead tourism industry! We should appreciate his great sacrifice.
The sad part of this is, we know there will be people to defend it.
Lol. They will indeed. Cue Clyde Paul in 1, 2, 3…
Nerisha the PS was on the 7 pm news – can’t remember what she said though
I’ll try to find the clip tomorrow
Mel, she said they were there for other meetings too. That was almost entirely untrue.
And I will just throw this in here. The former PM was criticised for being a ‘weak’ leader because she fired a few members. So, the sign of ‘strong’ leadership is not admitting when you made a mistake in your selection? Marlene and Nicole were moved out, why is he hanging on to Shamfa and Daryl? This is the time to hit the ground running, show you have a handle on what is happening, and get the job done with the least suffering for the benefit of as much of the population that you can.
Then again, the PM did basically admit to a 1 year vacation for his team.
I said to a friend of mine on election night, this gov’t needs to understand there is no room for failure! The future of the country is literally at stake.
But I wonder when people are talking about sabotage if they are referring to the gov’t, because if you were trying to be competent, you could not be failing so bad!
Thanks. Will scroll through the news and see if I can find it.
Yes I remember her saying that Lasana – some other meeting that was scheduled for a later date but it was pulled forward to coincide with this one
Mel, I don’t want to give any clues about who I spoke to. But the only thing else they had in Tobago was to see about an OSHA notice at Dwight Yorke Stadium. And the major people involved in that came from Trinidad and returned after.
http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2017-05-23/storm-teacup
Lasana if the man say they had ‘further engagements’ what we go say?
lol
I bet he did have further engagements. He didn’t even attend the thing at the Dwight Yorke Stadium. The question is whether taxpayers should be paying for his “further engagements.”
Right now I ready to stop paying tax altogether yes
I spoke to THA. The Ministry of Sport presented one solitary trophy and more than half of his entourage did no other official business in Tobago but attend that ceremony.
Them went on a joy ride for 3 days at our expense
Exactly
Lasana Liburd, why you so. Just now you might petition to have the name ‘honourable’ removed from the people title. Because we know no minister would deliberately deceive the nation.
So, to prevent further allegations about conduct, we have the pictures from the events, or video footage?
Because if the country paying for it, I want to see what you all doing-on my behalf, too.
Yeah Lasana bring us some tax paid footage please -we deserve that at least
Mel Lissa, did you read the Guardian article I posted? The equivalent of nothing to see here, move on. Lol
I saw it earlier
Typical condescending attitude
Is there any truth that Min. Darryl Smith’s response to this travesty was “The hotel is Government owned so the $$ stays in the system”????
They’re lying on him, right? Right?
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20170523/news/smiths-tobago-splurge
It’s true – I heard him say it myself John
John Gill, you can’t even make this up if you tried.
And if the logic is that it is gov’t owned, with I am sure low occupancy rates given challenges, they couldn’t negotiate a discount self?
Lasana Liburd, straight from the horse’s mouth-he attended the events.
Now, if he was missing from one, he can easily argue he was at another.
Mel allyuh see me at this point….hmmmm!!!
Something about ‘Tobago’ John…mussee the water!
Why all yuh so..Of course he could only present ONE trophy. Look at the photo of him with his ’employee’..He had much in/at hand.
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.
If it is not legitimate, he needs to repay it and call in the Police. It is my (the taxpayers’ $) and please God I demand accountability.
When UNC bring back we money what they give away without question we will star with these here
Kirwin Weston, read on about his arrogance, because what I got from this response is, nothing to see here, move on!
And if this is ‘nothing’, one wonders about what we missing.
Steupse
That now explains why the Minister couldn’t accept the invitation to attend and present the trophy at the biggest Caribbean club football tournament in 2017 in his own back yard.
Sigh.
His explanation of it being a government is worst excuse yet. Arrogance in his tone made it worse.
Another false god. He is a lost soul.
“He didn’t even hesitate, under the most gentle of cross-examinations. Even Peter had to be asked three times before he squealed on Jesus. Smith served up Barrow like she was a side of fries.” =D
The arrogance of Smith can only be compared to that of Shamfa Cudjoe. Can’t figure out the winner here. You took your time and chose well Mr Prime Minister. Full marks for your austerity plan