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The following are the manifestos from Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) presidential nominees, David John-Williams and Ramesh Ramdhan, which details their plans for revitalising the local game, as well as televised interviews with John-Williams, Clynt Taylor, Raymond Tim Kee and Selby Browne:
Click HERE to read David John-Williams’ Imperatives for Change.
Click HERE to listen to David John-Williams on the TV6 Morning Edition with Fazeer Mohammed.
Click HERE to read Ramesh Ramdhan’s election manifesto.
Ramesh Ramdhan on his candidacy:
“I am committed to country. I offered myself for national development at the constituency level and now I plan to do so through football…
“With the right governance and support T&T football can stand on its own… putting monies into the coffers of Trinidad and Tobago, not taking out…
“Rebuilding the brand is a key aspect of generating investment. The TTFA brand must be redefined through high levels of technical competency and consistency in how the game is played.
“Unless we do this, any gains achieved will be short-lived, because no business wants to associate with any organisation that may bring their brand into disrepute. We have to fix the plane while it’s flying, so we will immediately re-engineer and reposition the new TTFA as an organisation that is rooted in honesty, integrity and transparency and one through which a comprehensive world-class training programme is deployed .”
“What’s more, I am available full-time to give the presidency and the resuscitation of football in T&T my all.
“Unlike other candidates, I don’t have a vested interest in football. I have no existing conflicts associated with ownership of a club and I’m not distracted by other responsibilities to local office that can compromise my delivery…
“It’s time to make a clean break with the past – new leadership, fresh faces, fresh philosophy.”
And, below, we have clips of interviews with presidential candidates Clynt Taylor, Selby Browne and Raymond Tim Kee on Field of Dreams:
Editor’s note: The five president candidates are David John-Williams, Clynt Taylor, Ramesh Ramdhan, Selby Browne and incumbent Raymond Tim Kee. All candidates are encouraged to share their manifestos or mission statements with Wired868’s readers.
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Keith I agree with you,we need to revive our community programs, even if it means we cut back International teams , realistically deal with the internal improvement. Of course this is s long term plan and needs well articulated and researched goal,objectives and timelines.
RTK didnt share his too?
RTK said he doesn’t need a manifesto. His “brilliant” work over the last two years speaks for itself. I’m not even joking. :-/
Did he ever work in club management before holding a post in the TTFA?
He used Alcons as his club. I’m assuming that team is still active. Of course his relationship with the club is on paper only.
And then, under his watch, Anton Corneal was totally mistreated as technical director. Go figure.
If RTK is re elected that will the sporting joke of the Christmas season alongside West Indies being slaughter in Australia
A president that is bias…woow!!!!! A man who started the tt pro league, who gave up his staff paid his staff give computer and everything else to start this professional football… doesn’t luv football? Who said we would play for no prize money just to get it going who pumps millions of his own money for the youth of trinidad and tobago doesn’t luv football…are youll serious,what own benefits tim kee is speaking about? Tim kee , Ramdam, and none of the candidates has ever spent a dime on football for Trinidad. ..only jack use to do this. ..raymond tim kee has started some disturbing trends in football and hope he can withstand the scrutiny which comes ….dont try to tarnish Davids name try to win the election with some intergrity …..its mind boggling we will welcome our president back with open arms. …the st.lucians which they speak about is one who is married and lived in Trinidad for over 15 years ….The other is a resident of trindad and played in this country since 17 years old and the other which is myself left Europe after over 13 years of playing professional football and came to trindad to start the professional league ….I gave up my career in england to start this and iam very comfortable and happy I did so mr randy…relaxed we are comfortable here and do luv trini so your trouble is not our club doing so well and the development that has taken place with the young footballers your problem is with your friends you want to give control….see how much control you will have on football…. your friends are a corner away… but our work will continue we are legal here dont be fooled!!!
Hi…randy…woow mr.mc who? Its seems you are doing your scandalized bidding for the top dogs….I say again I stand for intergrity and if you have info about our club owing any hotel ot organization in tobago i would like u to bring that info out…come on dont be afraid…
If you that information on the said dr put it out….why would a dr. Coming to work as of last night if he is owed the hundreds of thousands of dollars as you have indicated…why do some of your high profile individuals that you are doing the bidding for who try to contaminate the st lucian coaches like your good friend is trying to do? Is it because of ,in the circles that you are youll have youll new head coach the English man who youll are quiet about who meets regularly at rituals chaguanas ….let me make this clear to you and your colleagues. ..my reputation is very good here and myself and Stuart charles fevrier are very happy with our work at wcfc so dont be fooled and think that we are lobbying for the national coaches job….try and look in certain circles and you would certainly see the english man that your colleague wants to bring in and see who and what integrity issues are there over the years …. like in one of his presentations where he said why would people allow someone from a population of 20,000 take a country of 1 million to any serious level of competition. …..the mindset of third world thinkers. …and is a candidate. …..why dont youll speak to the head coach and ask about the issues which tim kee speaks about…dont be fooled mr Randy and dont be afraid of change…but the st.lucians here are pretty happy with their contribution to tnt football and proud of it….our work is everything and our club is everything to us…come clean and the few days left check your friends on their history. …let the head do his job dont try to lobby for your famous friend…nice chatting. …
…LOL..If wishes were horses, etc. Shaka Hislop ain’t giving up a sweet gig with ESPN to try and become TTFA president…
FIFA law on candidacy:
“A candidature for the office of FIFA President shall only be valid if supported by a total of at least five Members. Members must notify the FIFA general secretariat, in writing, of a candidature for the FIFA presidency at least four months before the start of the Congress, together with the declarations of support of at least five Members. A candidate for the office of FIFA President shall have played an active role in Association Football (e.g. as a Player or an Official within FIFA, a Confederation or an Association, etc.) for two of the last five years before being proposed as a candidate.”
FIFA is clearly a bit loose about this law. Otherwise Sexwale surely doesn’t qualify for one.
Shaka can qualify due to his work on the constitutional reform commission then. I guess there will be ways to satisfy this law.
..The football experience requirement is a FIFA requirement. Even for FIFA’s own presidential election. Further, ideas are important but expect nothing new or revolutionary. Good ideas for the development of TT football have been around for decades. The problems have always been good governance, proper planning and effective implementation. The personal history and practice of each candidate will provide insights into their capacity to organize and deliver relief to TT football in these three areas. And to make a wise decision we need to look beyond the packaging of pre-existing ideas by, and slick talk and promises from candidates. What we really need is a president and a board that is interested in grassroots democracy that involves the clubs, and who is willing to allow them to influence the political amd development processez within the FA and TT football..
Compare that to the English FA who headhunted the CEO of a multi-national corporation to handle its affairs. There is a reason why the EPL is the strongest league commercially.
Who is this CEO you speak of? I guarantee you he was a football stakeholder before his role in the FA.
There is a difference Keith Look Loy. FIFA allows you to stand if you served merely as a footballer or almost every capacity.
The TTFA stipulates you must have managerial experience within its umbrella.
Also FIFA asks for two years involvement from the last five and the TTFA demands three. So it is harder to be nominated as TTFA president than FIFA president.
“Candidates shall have been active in football for at least three years during the five years preceding the election. This activity must have been performed in a managerial or a similar position in the territory of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Candidates shall be nationals of and shall have permanent residence in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
…Yeah. Well, as you and others have already commented, the requirement is a farce that is easily circumvented. If RTK was working with Alcons, shame, I was president of FIFA..
What do you think of the ideas though? I think it is great to have so many people putting their hands up and offering to run. That’s a plus. And they all seem to be taking it seriously and giving it a real go.
FIFA also has more of an open door policy. I was told that restriction was NOT imposed by the constitutional reform committee. So somewhere between the committee’s recommendations and the announcement, it got in there.
Go figure, Kendall Tull.
I would have loved to see Shaka Hislop go up for president
Shaka is ineligible according to the current constitution. Amazing eh? He would have to get a role on some club or the other to have a chance in the future.
Same for Kelvin Jack. David Nakhid had a link with Caledonia in the past so he might feasibly squeeze in.
One can be a stakeholder without having allegiance or ties to a club… else four of the current candidates would be ineligible.
But Shaka didn’t have any dealings with any of the relevant bodies for two years from five either. And even then he would need to reside in Trinidad.
But, you’re right, he does not only need to be involved with a club.
There are other avenues for a future run… a renaissant Players Association (who have now been given a prospective place at the table) would be one such avenue.
It’s complete nonsense and designed to ensure that we stay stuck in the shallow end of the gene pool.
Nakhid is ineligible too:
Candidates shall have been active in football for at least three years during the five years preceding the election. This activity must have been performed in a managerial or a similar position in the territory of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Candidates shall be nationals of and shall have permanent residence in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Like they make that rule specifically for Kelvin haha ?
Lol
And FIFA says you can run with two years involvement in the game from the last five. The TTFA insists on THREE years involvement from the last five.
The restriction on football experience that was discussed when the constitution was posted. It is totally at odds to the English FA who went for the best business people they could get.
You back with this nonsense talk again? All high-ranking English FA members have strong football ties, they just happen to also have business experience as well. Repeating the same lie over and over won’t convert it into truth.
Not possible thanks to the stupid constitution they adopted.
How do you mean?
We need an honest BUSINESS man or WOMAN, to lead the TTFA
Good point. We are short on standout female administrators. There was Dr Iva Gloudon before and Paula Chester-Cumberbatch is there. But none with a frontline role from what I see.
Apart from WOLF president Sharon O’Brien who is still kinda low profile in the wider scheme of things.
Time to get rid of Tim Kee. But truthfully, the line up is not very inspiring.
David John Williams has Shabazz doing his presentations and Sam Phillips propping them up….. that’s a fact…. same ole, nothing will change under this man. But seriously Shabazz and Sam Phillips????!!!!… cant get worse than them
wait wait wait….. David John Williams have Shabazz doing his presentations, with Sam Phillips trying to prop him up !!!!!! But this is worse than I thought…..
I think having a campaign team is not unusual.
Isn’t Sam Phillip the general manager of Joe Public but voting for Rangers another conflict of interest
First of all, there is no Joe Public Football Club. Second, it is Rangers’ business to select its representative not mine.
I don’t understand what you mean by conflict of interest. Many coaches are involved with more than one team in different competitions. If one wants to select Phillip then that is their right.
I don’t know that Joe Public is even in existence. But, even if it is, it has no direct vote because only Pro League clubs have votes while Super League clubs have a certain number of representatives.
Sam Phillip works for St Ann’s Rangers. There is no conflict of interest here.
Lasana,
we both know you are a resourceful journalist. The “alleged” monies owed to various players, staff, hotels etc is just a call away. Dr. Delandro’s mobile should be easy to find. It’s just as much “alleged” as sex tapes and ex Ministers… football circles will know is my point.
I know DJW will be making promises to voters to secure votes but that’s his modus operandi…..promises, promises, promises
Many people have openly spoken about his greed and dictatorship, yet another RTK
Again he still has not cleared up that conflict of interest and how this will impact on his potential position regarding CFU….
My information is that there is no problem between Delandro and W Connection/David John Williams. I will confirm further. So it is just alleged.
I have spoken to DeLandro and he assures me that any suggestion of a debt or financial issues between him and David John Williams is totally false, without merit and libellous. So please do not spread slanderous statements.
I like David alot his passion for the game is not comparable, he would probably make a great president of TTFA, but is it not a conflict of interest owning a pro league club and being president of TTFA? Just asking!
I hasten to add the word “alleged.” I haven’t heard of this debt and I’m not sure whether it exists or not.
Lol! Where are the other candidates? This a done deal or wha?
Ramesh Ramdhan and Clynt Taylor are definitely in the race. And Raymond Tim Kee has a shot too. Although Selby Browne is an outsider now.
The Ramadhan and Taylor camp have said that they will send something on their visions too.
I must say from a faith perspective – Clint Taylor’s interview was quite touching
http://wconnectionfc.com/?p=2061
At first glance, to the layman, the document seems well done. However this document was notably released long after another candidate released their manifesto or dossier and has very similar if not exact elements from the first officially released manifesto. I find that a peculiar coincidence, almost like direct copying to say the least. But still a well done document despite the fact it addresses the problems or symptoms everyone knows but fails to directly address the solutions for such problems. It sounds more like a fantastical document that is based on theory and not reality. There is no real substance.
Fortunately, I was privy to listen to another other candidate, Ramesh, when he presented to us and already he has , not only addressed most of the issues plaguing the ttfa but also gave definite and pragmatic solutions to the issues which is a lot more believable.
Also, DJW has failed to convince me and others, that he can completely relinquish his association with the successful W. connection. How can he do that with his brainchild. I’m fearful this will be the genesis of another Jack warner and Joe Public situation. Jack left the club with his sons in “charge”, yet we know how that went. It will be just like Sancho, “leaving” Central F.C to become a minister. Those of you in the football world would know exactly how much of it was left alone haha.
When DJW presented to us, he didn’t have all of these plans and visions, he just stood their and spoke about W.Connection and how successful the club was (rightfully so), but very little National Association material. It was only after Ramesh’s power-point presentation to us and his hard-copy manifesto, did all this take place. But Kudos for DJW for stepping up his game and adjusting to change, hopefully it’s not to late for him because it came off as “catch-up”
However, I await to see what the other candidates manifesto, (as none of them presented any to us, except Ramesh who was the first) and see what they have to offer in terms of their plans and visions for how they can take the TTFA forward and I will be very critical and objective to them as well. One thing is for certain, Raymond Tim Kee is OUT and he certainly doesn’t have my vote and the vote of several other delegates.
Ramesh ain’t say one fart in his so-called ‘manifesto.’ Some of the “structure and governance” talk he mention is fantastic… as in, the stuff of fantasy. You cannot make such changes without changes to the Constitution, and at present the Constitution cannot be changed lest the TTFA be suspended by FIFA. Either he knows this and just talking the ass, or he doesn’t and reveals himself to be unprepared and unfit for office.
I was disappointed that Ramesh didn’t show up at i95.5fm to speak to Andre Baptiste and myself. He was the only candidate who stayed away.
And it was a good chance to hear his views and to question them.
1, David John Williams is a CONFLICT OF INTEREST as TTFA president.
2 He prefers foreigners over locals, all his back room staff are St Lucian or Brazilian.
3. He is a bully who owes players and staff money and doesn’t pay .
Clear conflict of interest, Club Owner, PFL Executive and now TTFA President NOOOOoooooo!
Prefers foreigners over local and has players and staff unpaid for months, NO!
Every candidate is involved in a separate football body or team. That’s actually the rules. You are not allowed to run unless you are already part of the football family.
I agree on his honesty and commitment to football Earl.
I support integrity and commitment. ..thats what David john williams is about…wcfc will continue to make him proud when he leaves us…the club is in capable hands with David Martin and Patrick john Williams Renee john Williams. ..and our TD stuart charles fevrier…we will wish him all the best because football and the supporters will flourish. ….with David all stand a chance…you put in the work and time …effort. ..things will change…Trinidad needs a way and david will show you that way…players will benefit because he knows that the game is about players.Youth, women’s football and the men’s game will get their rewards…Its time for change….go with God’s guidance presi wcfc..
Will be proud we know you’re heading in the right direction. ..like u always say country first…its your duty!!! Good luck…
Nice campaign speech Earl…lol
But he is the best…I do believe he is real!!thats what tnt needs
Not saying no…but read my comments above…we have been down this road so many times
People speak of conflict of interest and I do understand some concerns but I hope the public has been watching our program at w.connection for the pass 15 years…its a program that has develop many players for the country and because of that education our players have received from a very capable staff and technical director you would have seen a substantial amount of players from our club enter the national set up from under 17 all the way up to seniors….its has been a great achievement by our TD feverier and club in the appearance of such talented youngsters so I dont think that for one second because of the manner in which david goes about his work would lead to pushing players or asking players to play for his team….over the years players have gravitated to wcfc because of our professionalism and because they see a different way in our players and with that in mind they think they have a better chance in leaving for contracts overseas. …noting to that many players who lack that discipline to conform to strick rules dont come to the club because they do feel at times that our way is to strick…there lies the problems of our clubs and national set ups…the adherence to strick disciplined players and wanting a better professional or better individual. ..we sometimes take anything that we get from our players but this needs to change…the mindset needs to change and thats why knowing how our leader operates…there is no doubt in my mind that this will help Trinidad and Tobago footballing ferternity. …we need better human beings. ..because you are a human being first before you are a player and the whole mindset of administrators and players need to change…we choose who we want at the club so we give eveeyone a chance but our president dont recruit for us over my stint players would have called but it has always been the technical directors decision to take in players or not….because he alone knows the kind of player that he wants to suit his style of play….the strength of a president …knowing his role and not getting involved .Stuart charles didn’t get all this success by chance thats why i said to before even in loosing our best players every year…the program still continues developing and thats because of the trust and respect shown to him by a good leader….the boss is passionate but he knows the rules. ..and like i said last night rest assured Presi.. the club is in good hands go do your country proud and good luck. .
Savitri Maharaj Yea sure once Mr JW is interviewed or holds a PR before election that is indeed one question he should to answer and re-assure people about, who may be concerned about it.
In a way point was more focus on the regular question I’ve heard people keep asking regarding whether him running for TTFA president is a conflict of interest due to his ownership of WC.
Lol, you said JW there, and had me thinking of other people yes
Ha ye DJW b4 somebody get a heart attack
I read a part of it….looking good but how will he deal with the “conflict of interest” situation with WC?
Yes we gave a document wether it’s comprehensive remains to be discussed. Let us not fall into the trap of “anything is better than what we have now” , we need to get it as right as we possibly can this time. I really did not see some measurable goals and objectives. The technical side was quite sparse in particular references to development. The business side was good. I am clear on what the rest of the team brings to the table,Davis I know has administrative experience , I think there needs to be someone with some technical experience there.
Well, someone with technical experience should work under him as head of the technical advisory committee.
Looks good on paper, but implementation is another issue. I’ve seen many good plans pass thru the TTFF/TTFA with no tangible end result. There was also nothing mentioned about supporters.
Mainly the financial framework and the expected support from the Government for some of his ideas.
I believe that while David John Williams certainly seems to have good intentions for the game and the country at heart, I agree with Savitri that conflict of interest is bound to arise whether intentional or not so it is best to deal with this issue now. I read the entire document and while I personally have some concerns, the fact that a comprehensive document has been prepared tells me that the man means serious business.
WC is a business to make a profit so he should know what football is about.
What concerns do you have Joan?
Any change can only be good at this stage. Please put the GAME FIRST and stop tiefing ppl money.
Lol. I can’t argue that is a good starting point Duane.
Lasana Liburd Ye burd fair enough on the Sancho/Roberts point – i wasn’t actually sure totally of what was said of the intricacies of their situation, was speculating a bit.
It was like Jack and FIFA perhaps. Jack’s claim was that he had no financial ties to FIFA and was unpaid. Dubious of course.
In this case, Williams benefits directly from W Connection but would be unpaid as TTFA president.
So he’d be doing voluntary work? Hmmm
I really didnt think I had to go into the details again re Sancho, Anil etc…but selective memory and info are not helpful since we need to have all information in order to make informed decisions. Thanks for the little clear up there Lasana…I wasnt aware.
I am actually neutral in this race eh…except that RTK should go quietly. So whoever becomes Pres except RTK of course, I will be watching with a close eye.
Also Colin Benjamin, you should be clear that you were a W Connection employee. It doesn’t mean you cannot give good points and you might have added insight in Williams’ strengths.
But that knowledge is important for the sake of transparency.
Yes ha – I have nothing to hide as you know
Well, not everyone would know. Best to be open before people start imputing motives. 😉
Yeah…thanks…I didnt know
Savitri Maharaj, apart from everything Colin Benjamin just said, everyone with a long memory can recall that Jack Warner would pressure national players into joining his Joe Public club and bent the rules on many occasions to favour his team.
So it is a valid concern.
I think W Connection is one of the best run local clubs if not THE best run local club. But it is fair that those “firewalls” be explained so that people feel more relaxed about the potential conflict of interest.
It is bound to become an issue at some stage so best to be open about addressing it.
And Colin, Sancho and Anil Roberts situations are poor comparisons.
Anil claimed he was an unpaid coach and had no financial stake in Bovell. Which was probably untrue and it was controversial.
Kamla told Fuad Khan he could not continue to operate his private practise while being Minister of Health. So Sancho had no choice to but to follow suit.
Thst is why I’m worried about everyone bending over backwards to comply place their trust in a human being who is finding himself in a totally new situation albeit this person has been around long enough to know the TTFA history.
One can certainly put firewalls in place to ensure Conflict of Interest is not an issue. As a sponsor and interested party in football, I am convinced of David’s good intentions for the game.
Love the ideas being put forward….
Just want my concerns to be noted Colin, cause I real fed up having the same convo over and over again. Btw, did you see TI report on FIFA and the affiliated associations across the world? CONCACAF has the some of the worst reporting FAs
Ye did
Ye Miss Savitri Maharaj well in the case of Sancho and the government I don’t know if there was a rule that said he couldn’t own Central plus be minister – not even sure if UNC asked him to at the time ha. He just resigned because well he had to for optics reasons mainly IMO.
Wasn’t mad man Anil Roberts still doing coaching for George Bovell when he wasn’t Sports Minister?
In FIFA case, I don’t believe they have any rules that says the president/high ranking members of a countries FA, can’t have role with a club in a country.
The biggest world example of this I found was the case with David Gill. He was English FA vice president while being Manchester United CEO during the Ferguson era.
Around the Caribbean, in Jamaica in the past few weeks – Orville Wiggins owner of well known CFU club Montego Bay FC was challenging long standing JFF president Captain Burrell.
In Guyana, in their recent election which was done after FIFA had a normalization committee running their affairs, the new president is the owner of one of the popular football clubs.
So essentially I think it just comes down if people vote for DJW, it will simply be them trusting that his track record will not make him let his role with WC become a conflict of interest
Remember we had a situation recently with the ex-sports Minister and there were questions asked and speculation as to whether he did own Central FC.
Actually, Colin, that is exactly what I’m talking about. And if he does win, how will he handle both
We are an extraordinarily talented people eh Colin Benjamin. Just wouldn’t want to be having the same convo with different players. Let’s tackle that issue now and get some reassurance.
Savitri Maharaj Based on my research and checks on similar situations in world football of late – I don’t think a conflict of interest situation can really happen – unless he suddenly goes out a character if elected and starts acting like Warner
Hmmmm
I havent read the entire document but must say I am already impressed with its structure…DJW sounds ready to hit the ground running once elected so besides the Incumbant other candidates need to up their game to show they have a concrete plan for T&T football.
38 pages of great football sense – just give him the presidency already…
wasn’t it supposed to be held on the 19th?
No, it was always on November 29. Like the November 19th bug hit you hard. 🙂
lol apparently