“[…] Why, in the aftermath of each young life lost, does the immediate response so often centre on government coffers as the primary answer? “[…] Successful grassroots initiatives demonstrate that, with the right support and management, community-led programmes can make a real difference…” In the following Letter to the Editor, …
Read More »Dear Editor: Gov’t must support community groups helping boys like Zwade
“[…] The government must do more than offer condolences. It must fund, support, and scale the grassroots programmes already working. “It must empower community leaders like Uncle Keron, coaches like Wayne Sheppard, and academies like Arima Araucans and Trendsetter Hawks who are giving these boys structure, purpose, and belief. “These …
Read More »“A young soul taken far too soon”; TTFA mourns murdered school footballer, Zwade Alleyne
“[…] Zwade Alleyne’s passing follows a senseless act of violence that has left us all grieving, outraged, and searching for answers… We mourn the loss of a young soul taken far too soon…” The following press statement on the death of 17-year-old Arima North Secondary student Zwade Alleyne was submitted …
Read More »Dear Editor: Can T&T hinge its gas future on USA’s political whims and fancies?
“[…] All other requirements being considered equal, the Dragon Gas Field is Trinidad and Tobago’s most feasible option. The obstruction is simply Donald Trump and the […] USA’s policy [which] can change at any time according to its whims and fancies. “So, what should an independent, sovereign country do under these …
Read More »MFO: Ghany Poll used “questionable methodology”; rigor and transparency needed in public opinion research
“[…] Knowing public opinion helps parties in the closing weeks of an election… Well-done opinion polls that are made public give everyone access to the same information. This approach helps our democracy. “[…] The Ghany approach raises two main methodological concerns that merit closer examination: sample size (approximately 125 per …
Read More »Dear Editor: Safeguarding Dept should address obscene, abusive language by coaches
“[…] Under Fifa’s Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Code, the use of profanity or degrading language by coaches can constitute emotional abuse and a breach of safeguarding standards, particularly in youth and grassroots settings. “However, in the context of Trinidad and Tobago, there’s an added layer of complexity. The use …
Read More »Dear Editor: T&T’s housing crisis—“what good is a degree if you’re paying 60% of your salary in rent?”
“[…] I stand here not just for myself, but for every young professional drowning in rent, every couple delaying marriage because they can’t afford a place to live, every parent lying awake wondering if their child will ever own a home. “Trinidad and Tobago is in a housing crisis: 77% …
Read More »Dear Editor: T&T football is dying—and we’re losing more than just games
“[…] You’d be lucky to find five kids who can name five national players they admire. The conversations have vanished. The excitement, the pride, the obsession—all but erased. “We’ve lost more than talent. We’ve lost culture. Identity. Connection… We’ve allowed football to become hollow, run by people who don’t feel …
Read More »Dear Editor: It’s dangerous to dismiss safeguarding complaints—‘disgruntled’ parents add value
“[…] The pattern is familiar: someone speaks up, gets labelled, and only later do we come to understand the weight of what they tried to reveal. “To be clear, I am not accusing anyone currently under a safeguarding ban of criminal behaviour. That is not my claim. “My point is …
Read More »Dear Editor: Five things that will help improve T&T football
“[…] The administration should set in place a programme to begin teaching the youngsters the technical aspects of the game. “In my opinion, we have ‘fly by night’ coaching schools that suck thousands of dollars from parents with false promises. These coaching schools should be run by licensed coaches…” The …
Read More »Dear Editor: Misuse of safeguarding mechanisms can stain coach’s career
“[…] As previously mentioned, the goal of Fifa’s safeguarding efforts is to create an environment that includes preventative measures, educational initiatives, and clear response protocols. “Unfortunately, when these policies are misused or weaponized by disgruntled individuals, they can have serious negative consequences. For example, false allegations made by individuals can …
Read More »Dear Editor: Parking setup for Soca Warriors vs Cuba felt like a racket
“[…] Me: What I paying for? Security: To park. My husband: Who is you? Me (in a loud voice): I done pay my moneee to come here why I paying more! Security: If yuh doh pay, the police wouldn’t let you pass. Me: What evidence you giving me that I …
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