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“For you to address me in the manner of your last email was nothing short of disrespectful; in fact, it was the most disrespectful email I have ever read. What gives you the authority to address me or any athlete in the tone that you just did is beyond me.
“[…] It appears that as long as Darryl Smith is the Minister of Sport, athletes will continue to be treated with disdain…”
The following is an email exchange between Trinidad and Tobago’s three-time Olympic medallist and sprinter Richard “Torpedo” Thompson and Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs sport development officer Shabbir Mohammed.
The emails are shared with Thompson’s consent.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
(From Shabbir Mohammed on 26 January, 2018)
Dear Mr Thompson,
The Division of Physical Education and Sport has received an application recommending you for Elite Athlete Assistance for the fiscal year 2017-2018.
Your submission includes:
Recommendation from the TTOC; Recommendation from the NAAATT; Personal Information Form; Nomination Form; Annual Performance Evaluation Form; Quarterly Tracking Form; One Quarterly Financial Statement from 10/2016 to 10/2017; Training Schedule Form; Copy of MRI Report chart 237183 dated 11/01/17; Invoice from Dr Anyl Lloyd Gopeesingh dated 07/06/16; Referral report to hip surgeon Dr Scheinberge: Dallas dated 05/10/2017; Report from Partners Imaging Center of Sarasota dated 12/09/16; Coaching Report dated 30th November 2017.
Notably:
The TTOC recommends you for elite funding as a member of the 4 x 100m relay pool; The NAAATT recommends you for elite funding for the 100m discipline with a T&T 2017 ranking #2 with 10.04 secs; Your Annual Performance Evaluation Form lists you as Injured for 2017; Your coaching report says that you can return to full training by March 2018; Financial Statements for monies previously received and supported by bills are outstanding.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Please do not hesitate to come in to review these documents and/or to ensure that the correct submissions are made by you and your representing bodies for the correct application to be processed for consideration.
Thank you in advance for your assistance on this matter.
Regards,
(From Richard Thompson on 27 January, 2018)
Hi Mrs (sic) Mohammed,
Thank you for your email to seek clarification on my forms submitted. Can you please let me know what money previously received you’re referring to because I haven’t received elite funding since 2015. Can you also please specify what bills are outstanding?
I have provided bills for close to US$50,000 of my money spent to prepare for 2016/2017, which was received, reviewed and approved by both the TTOC and the NAAA.
I did hip surgery a week ago and I’m currently in the process of intense rehab. As a result I will not be able come in to review the information. However, Natalie and Ruthven Thompson would be glad to come in this week to get things sorted out if necessary.
Kind Regards,
(From Shabbir Mohammed on 6 February, 2018)
Dear Mr Thompson,
Your situation is unfortunate. I will try my best to assist you to the best of my ability. Please consider the following information:
You have signed an agreement dated June 10th 2015 to provide documents that include providing a financial statement/ per tranche supported by bills; Your application for the 2016 season was incomplete; There was no medical report; No training schedule; No coach’s report; No financial statement supported by bills; You did prepare a budget drawn up in a table by pen on an 81/2” x 11” sheet of copy paper; As such you did not fill out the Quarterly Financial Statement form for 2015-2016 that required signatures and stamps of you, the TTOC and the NAAATT; E-mail was sent by Ms Emile to you on 17/03/2016 to let you know what was missing and the attached form to fill out.
Due to outstanding documents, no payments would have been made.
It is important to note that you have been injured and recommended for assistance to compete. You were not recommended for funding for medical assistance as an injured athlete by your governing bodies for 2016 or 2017 (as per elite athlete assistance policy).
I asked you to clarify the documents sent in for this year 2018 because if I place them on file it may be falsification. It is important to clear up the inconsistencies especially where you are the one providing the information to the governing bodies that recommend you for funding.
Your report says that you may be able to fully train in March 2018 and another says that there is no world ranking for 2017.
Can an injured athlete who has no world ranking be elite?
Nevertheless, any monies disbursed have to be accounted for before any other type of funding is disbursed (as per service level agreement).
I see one financial statement for period July—December 2015 but no bills to back up the items.
If you did submit the bills before, kindly provide some document where you did so.
It is your responsibility and not the Division of Physical Education and Sport’s, NAAATT’s, TTOC’s or Minister’s to account for funding that you received. They do not want further funding as an athlete, you do.
I just want to do my job to start processing a completed application. Please ensure that the proper application is complete and submitted to your various associations for endorsement to be sent over to the Ministry.
If you are dissatisfied with the information I have just provided, please let me know so that another officer may be assigned your case.
Regards,
The Trinidad and Tobago team were subsequently upgraded to silver.
(Copyright AFP 2017/Johannes Eisele)
(From Richard Thompson on 17 February, 2018)
Shabbir Mohammed,
Firstly, let me make it clear that prior to these chain of emails, I’ve never spoken to you, seen you, or was aware of your existence. So for you to address me in the manner of your last email was nothing short of disrespectful; in fact, it was the most disrespectful email I have ever read. What gives you the authority to address me or any athlete in the tone that you just did is beyond me.
If your response is reflective of the Ministry’s attitude to someone that is a three-time Olympic medallist and National awardee, I shudder to think of how my upcoming and lesser accoladed athletes are treated. My correspondence with you has been respectful and professional, and I am appalled to receive such condescension from a ministry official with whom I’ve never interacted.
Your approach seems to be strictly combative and one of no compromise. “If you’re dissatisfied with what I’ve said I’ll assign your case to another officer”? Is it that you do not possess the competence to handle matters that present a bit of sorting through, or is it that you’re simply arrogant?
Your way or the highway is all I got from your last message. If the director and the minister has sanctioned your email, it leaves a lot to be desired about the manner in which they too treat people.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
To utter the words that “you are the one that needs funding and not the Minister” speaks volumes about the mentality and abuse of power that the Ministry seems to believe they hold over the athletes. Let me remind you that WE are the reason you work in that office, so don’t for a second think that you are more high and mighty than those of us that work tirelessly for the Red, White and Black.
The fact that you assume the position to handle matters of national athletes, yet remain completely clueless about basic requirements, places a magnifying glass on why there are complications along the communication channel. Here we are in 2018, with me submitting forms and receipts from 2017, and you are asking me about 2015.
Sir, we have cleared that hurdle, that period has passed. I did not receive funding in 2016 because I did not submit those receipts. Case closed. However, I HAVE submitted receipts of US$50,000 of MY money spent in 2017, with all forms, coach’s report and medical reports to go along with it. What is the issue now?
Mind you, the Minister’s advisor Garvin Warwick was the one that instructed me to submit the 2017 elite funding application, when I saw him in September in Fatima, because he claimed that they would soon be ready to be disbursed to us. I was sure that I had been blacklisted for previously exercising my right to speak on matters that I saw as an injustice to athletes, and as such was prepared to not submit forms.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
After seeing Mr Warwick, I felt assured that there would be no issue. Another broken promise of his.
For you to suggest that I am “not elite” because of an injury sustained representing T&T is not only unreasonable, it shows your lack of knowledge for professional athletics.
It is my responsibility to submit my information to the NAAA and the TTOC before it makes its way to your desk. THEY are the ones that determine/advise whether elite or medical assistance is requested for the athlete from the Ministry based on what I’ve provided.
I applaud them for acknowledging that injury is part of sport, unfortunately, it seems that you or the Ministry do not possess the common sense to comprehend that uncomplicated fact.
I have just undergone hip surgery, which I paid for. Last year I called and messaged both the minister and Mr Warwick about a pressing issue that needed to be addressed, to which I got no response. My sister had to personally make a surprise visit to the office to get a hold of them.
Of course, the minister was too busy to speak to her. Mr Warwick was presented with medical documents that showed a US$40,000 operation was necessary, and any assistance at all would be greatly appreciated, seeing that there was no clue as to when I would actually receive elite funding.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
He assured her that he would work on it and get back to her in a timely manner. Another broken promise. It is only after I’ve had my surgery, that he forwards us to you, someone who, from the content of your emails, doesn’t seem to understand the basic rudiments of professional athletics.
I am not unreasonable. I am well aware of the financial constraints of the country in current times.
If the Ministry does not classify me as a priority and cannot assist because of this reason, or simply prefers to invest in another young and upcoming athlete, that’s understandable; but be honest and say that to me. Don’t continuously give me the run around as though you want to help when you have no intention of doing so.
It appears that as long as Darryl Smith is the Minister of Sport, athletes will continue to be treated with disdain. I have no intention of being beholden to the Ministry or its minions. I have represented T&T honorably for over a decade and will find a way to continue to do so, despite these attempts by people who, in fact, have ill intentions for my career.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
I grieve knowing that many of my fellow athletes solely depend on you for their success, and have to be treated as though they are at your feet with a begging bowl. I grieve when I open the newspaper and read that members of the Golden World Championship 4x400m team, can’t pay their credit card debts from money spent on preparation that won T&T a gold medal in London 2017.
It seems as though elite or not, paperwork or not, receipts or not, the end result is the same… a contemptuous disregard for the needs of our athletes by Ministry officials.
Yet results are expected, and should they be miraculously achieved, guess who are front and center for the resume padding photo ops?
I pray for my fellow athletes, because as long as they continue to live a “cap in hand” existence, there is little hope for them to achieve their true global potential.
Richard Thompson
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA Images/Wired868)
Editor’s Note: Sport Ministry official Shabbir Mohammed responded to Trinidad and Tobago track star Richard Thompson on Friday 23 February.
The email, which Mohammed copied to 94 other persons—mostly other athletes—read:
“Dear Mr Thompson,
Why would I choose to disrespect you?
S Mohammed”
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Seems like the minister in the only athlete here because I heard that is good at chasing after woman.
I think Thompson was snarky. But then I also think he felt he was responding to an insult.
Boom! But, it seems there is a way with sports administrators in Trini who seem to be a power onto themselves. Athletes must shut up and play – in RT’s case, go away.(smh)
Precisely.
You sat up straight. I saw red.
Mohammed is no wordsmith, that’s for sure. But my reading of it is that he was being a by-the-book factotum, not employing a whole heap of flexibility or sensitivity, and did not intentionally set out to cause offence. That said, offence does not have to be intentional for the recipient of it to be offended. I don’t think that Thompson come out of it that well either.
The culprit is email, and how it limits clear communication. About 2% of people can use it properly.
Same conclusion here.
If I were to pinpoint the exact point where Shabbir Mohammed slipped into dangerous waters and would have made me see red as a national athlete, it would be here:
“Your report says that you may be able to fully train in March 2018 and another says that there is no world ranking for 2017.
“Can an injured athlete who has no world ranking be elite?
“Nevertheless…”
In my opinion, that was unprofessional and disrespectful for several reasons. First, it was the NAAA and/or TTOC who applied for Thompson to have elite athlete status. Thompson didn’t apply for himself.
If Shabbir–in his apparently substantial knowledge of top class athletics and/or knowledge of elite athlete procedure–felt that Thompson did not qualify, he should have taken that up with the NAAA and/or TTOC.
Second, the way that line was dropped could be interpreted as a reducer aimed squarely at Thompson. Again, totally unacceptable.
And, lastly, if Shabbir is suggesting that Thompson isn’t an elite athlete in his eyes, then why “nevertheless” proceed to invite him to fill out all the paperwork the Ministry requires?
Is he asking Thompson to feel free to waste his time?
In all the emails from Shabbir, this is the one bit that really made me sit up straight.
If I were to pinpoint the exact point where Shabbir Mohammed slipped into dangerous waters and would have made me see red as a national athlete, it would be here:
“Your report says that you may be able to fully train in March 2018 and another says that there is no world ranking for 2017.
“Can an injured athlete who has no world ranking be elite?
“Nevertheless…”
In my opinion, that was unprofessional and disrespectful for several reasons. First, it was the NAAA and/or TTOC who applied for Thompson to have elite athlete status. Thompson didn’t apply for himself.
If Shabbir–in his apparently substantial knowledge of top class athletics and/or knowledge of elite athlete procedure–felt that Thompson did not qualify, he should have taken that up with the NAAA and/or TTOC.
Second, the way that line was dropped could be interpreted as a reducer aimed squarely at Thompson. Again, totally unacceptable.
And, lastly, if Shabbir is suggesting that Thompson isn’t an elite athlete in his eyes, then why “nevertheless” proceed to invite him to fill out all the paperwork the Ministry requires?
Is he asking Thompson to feel free to waste his time?
In all the emails from Shabbir, this is the one bit that really made me sit up straight.
I totally agree with your points made Lasana!
This is included in why I said , SMohammed drew first blood.
I’m not a sports fan, neither do I follow sports, therefore the question to me seems a fair one. If I hadn’t read the comments here and gotten a gist of the funding requirements, it’s a valid question I might have asked.
You being a sports reporter, seem to be in the know.
You may refute by saying that Mohammed knows because he works for the sports ministry, which might seem logical, but remember he is a public servant following rules laid out for him.
I’m not defending him, I see your point, but not everyone is an expert.
Well, if the NAAA sent an application to the Sport Ministry for elite funding on behalf of Richard Thompson and an official from the Sport Ministry has questions about that application… He should know who he has take that up with.
I won’t demonise Shabbir either. But I think he was wrong.
Dat is y wen our athletes want 2 leave n represent other countries…..
Wait, first of all, am I one of the only ones to see that, RThompson’s response to SMohammed’s first email was a genuine query, in no way aggressive, just asking SMohammed to inform of missing docs and to let it be known that due to his current rehabilitation, he physically would not be able to attend a meet, however, his representatives will?
Secondly, how many of you have taken the time to re-read SMohammed’s response (2nd email to RThompson, the 3rd in the thread)? Can you not see the contentious construct? If in review of the athlete’s file, an observation of missing documents has been made from a previous submission, who knows why – could be for mos-filing, lost files, I shudder to think fraud because that would place EVERYBODY in the WRONG light – but couldn’t SMohammed point that out noting that because this paperwork is outstanding, it must be rectified before new a new case can be opened, in a MORE CIVIL MANNER.?
Where was the need to question the athlete’s status as an “elite athlete”? Why point out that submissions were made on “a sheet of copy paper”? WHY ATTACK THIS MAN’S CREDIBILITY? Then close off the email by letting the man know that if he didn’t like the his business is being handled, he could deal with someone else?
People fail to realize that emails could be very misleading in intent. SMohammed May have thought that s/he was being professional, but the choice of words were cutting and biting, and yes argumentative, because it whiffed of character assassination, which, of course, lead RThompson to defend himself and yes, while at it, bring into the public so that there’s no shooshooing and hesayshesay about the matter.
He’s quite right about wondering about “up and coming less-accolades athletes” who may not have the wherewithal to manoeuver the political landscape of bobolery that exists with no accountability in TT. It is any wonder that people do claim this country internationally, because of the lack of vision displayed by those in power.
But in this case SMohammed DREW FIRST BLOOD!
Richard we the people are in solidarity with you. This is unacceptable.
Richard forget Trinidad run for the US or Europe. To much pressure for small money.
Every National Athlete going through something with these people. Oh gosh I never so tired of hearing our ambassadors going through stress. Richard being one of our top listed what in the world wrong with Barney and friends sssstttttttteeeeeeeuuuuupppppppssssss
Reading this breaks my heart…
With money and status, yuh could take dem outta d gutter but yuh could never get d gutter outta Dem ……NO Class!!!
I am the last person to play “the card’ but I so wanted to “knee-jerk” this and wonder if he would have talked to — leh we say — an Indian cricketer in this manner? Then I said to myself, yuh know he probably would have!
Something about his responses seem worthy of a good hard clout…I can’t explain why.
It is a two way stream I suppose.
I am disgusted!
The minister although he has no shame should be ashamed.
Thompson is more of a man than you Darryl Smith. You are a bumbling failure as is your ministry and your government. Opportunist and self serving. Thank you Mr Thompson for opening our eyes. You are a true champion and these so called ‘men’ can never reach or ever hope to attain your stature and character. I wish you a speedy recovery.
There is no way this can be justified. What nonsense did I just read????
So you come cap in hand begging but you dont want to be humble and do all you have to. Too many times we allow politics to cloud our impartiality. No can it be so easy to get funding if youre not even guaranteed to take the track in 2018. Yes you have been injured but thats no excuse not to submit or re-submit all necessary information requested. Do your part and when all else fails then make noise.
True Ancil and when last he win or place in a race
This the thing he not even sure he will actually run one this year
He very arrogant himself
Papayo
Ancil LeRoy James and Harrynath Maharaj you both lack any knowledge of sport or what is or have been going on. Check the facts before you run your mouth. #mostdisrespectpersons
TonyCelestine its clear u really dont understand what i wrote! Simplify for ur understanding. All Mr Thompson has to do is resubmit his documentation for his claims point out that he previously did it so if there is no disbursement of funds then make all the noise in the world. You cant be asking for taxpayers money and be angry u dont get it. Simple
This is the kind of attitude that keeps our athletes and athletics programmes from achieving at the same level of countries like Jamaica and the U.S. We have a piss poor understanding of what it means to support our athletes and provide proper infrastructure for their training and development. It is a wonder we have ever won a medal in any sporting arena on the world stage and solely due to the patriotism and commitment of the athletes. This man has represented our nation on the world stage more than once and performed well enough with little to no financial support from the country b/c believe me, 50k USD is NO MONEY when it comes to training in athletics. So, NO, he is not begging cap in hand…he is asking for his just due for money ALREADY SPENT! And, he is absolutely right in asserting that there would be absolutely NO NEED for a Ministry of Sport sans world class athletes to represent us. Based on some of these responses, we don’t deserve the hard work, money and energy they pour into their sports in order to represent us well on the world stage…UGH! How is it possible that you folks are so incredibly ignorant to how world sports and related country support of their athletes works?
Nobody said he doesn’t deserve the funding. Its simple comply then complain. As a matter of fact the US government dont fund it athletes, the US athlete is funded by sponsorship deals. Yes he has represented us and has won medals but that dosent exclude him from submitting all he has been ask to submit. Submit it once more then complain if its not given. I would have been more supportive of his stance if he had produce evidence of him submitting all that was ask for before he allowed the entire exchange to go public.
Ancil LeRoy James I’m wondering if you actually read and understood the entirety of the discourse in the emails.
It,s not about deserving payment. He actually had fore gone on two years of funding knowing the economic situation the country is facing. the documentation for the period of funding was given as clearly stated by the Ministry official. It is the way this individual responds to his request that is being questioned. As a seasoned athlete I believe he would know and practice the due diligence for funding.
Yes, I am well aware that the US Olympic Committee has a system whereby corporate citizens and everyday American citizens (via the TEAM USA fund) can support the athletes and their training and development. My bigger point was that there is national network of support that provides them the necessary funding without accusing athletes of begging/coming “cap in hand” when seeking to recoup funds spent to aid their ability to represent the nation. In the US, it is privatized, but in T&T, it is a task the public sector has taken on so why are employees of the ministry acting like they are doing him a favour by attending to the request for funding…that is their job! It seems from his emails, that he is not requesting reimbursement for funds spent in 2015, but funds spent in 2017 and the ministry employee states that NO FUNDS WERE DISPERSED at that time (2015) due to lack of complete paperwork and bills outstanding and the like. If his paperwork was incomplete at that time and no funds were paid out to him at that time as a result, why is the ministry demanding he resubmit old bills and documentation that have nothing to do with his current application and the time period it serves? The email from the ministry as printed here says “You have signed an agreement dated June 10th 2015 to provide documents that include providing a financial statement/ per tranche supported by bills; Your application for the 2016 season was incomplete; There was no medical report; No training schedule; No coach’s report; No financial statement supported by bills; You did prepare a budget drawn up in a table by pen on an 81/2” x 11” sheet of copy paper; As such you did not fill out the Quarterly Financial Statement form for 2015-2016 that required signatures and stamps of you, the TTOC and the NAAATT; E-mail was sent by Ms Emile to you on 17/03/2016 to let you know what was missing and the attached form to fill out. Due to outstanding documents, no payments would have been made.” If no bills and reports were provided and no payments were made, case closed for that period…he is not seeking money for it so deal with the request you are charged with NOW.
Kudos to you Richard for standing up for yourself! I will be following this story!
These issues runs much deeper… it stems from a blatant disregard for what is percieved to be professions of a non accademic nature…. if you are an athlete, CIP, or any profession deemed of no importance you will be treated as interllectually inferior….
It also extends to those pursuing academics as well. Have you ever heard the plight of those on scholarship? This is a problem mainly of disrespect and power.
Mohammed…a blatant reflection of the Minister of Sports…based on the many complaints by our esteemed sportsmen and women it showcases that this Ministry is dormant…so sad indeed! Rigid audit needed!!!??
Hmmm this is an eye opener.
Interesting that’s these comments fluctuate beeen placing blame with some saying the public servant is doing their job and others saying the athlete is a “brat”. My humble question is who knows what the process intails and from the looks of things there is responsibly to be had on both parties.
1. 2015-2017 is 2-3years of funding. Even if it is now being reconciled and documentation is outstanding isn’t there a procedure to contact the relevant parties. Meaning if money would have been allocated during that fiscal to be appropriated for a specific area and not used could it affect the Ministry’s end of year reporting and potential allocations for the next year?
2. Ministry need to do better in its administration of athletes, national federations and governing bodies. Money is allocated to Sport for the administration of Sport and if that’s not being done then where is the accountability.
3. As the athlete proper filing needs to be done. There is a process to follow. If the documentation requires you to attach tecipts, invoices, bill make sure it is done and take scanned copies of the submitted documentation and the officer receiving these documents to safe guard yourself.
It’s unfortunate that despite the athlete not being up to date the disdain in which the public official displayed as while reference is made to submission of documentation at no time was a gesture of made in trying to resolve the matter but took to the offensive. To make the statement it the the onus of the athlete to account for the funding they recieve is erroneous as it is the onus of the Ministry to ensure that these things happen in a timely manner.
For too long we sit and play the blame game. As concerned citizens lets start rationally analyzing what happens in our own governance and start demanding more professionalism from both our state officers and our national representatives
Having carefully read the emails again, I can definitely assess that Mohammed was in NO WAY rude or disrespectful in asking for the documentation that is missing. He was factual, brief and coherent, all the marks of a good communicator. Trinidadians, I have found, are often verbose and expect their egos to be stroked at every opportunity. The English too for that matter – if you are terse and to the point in England, you can be considered as ‘aggressive’.
The communication descended into poor behaviour by Thompson when he said:
“Firstly, let me make it clear that prior to these chain of emails, I’ve never spoken to you, seen you, or was aware of your existence. So for you to address me in the manner of your last email was nothing short of disrespectful; in fact, it was the most disrespectful email I have ever read. What gives you the authority to address me or any athlete in the tone that you just did is beyond me.”
That is the entitlement syndrome popping its head out of the hole, like a groundhog. Then he goes to show why he feels entitled:
“If your response is reflective of the Ministry’s attitude to someone that is a three-time Olympic medallist and National awardee, I shudder to think of how my upcoming and lesser accoladed athletes are treated. ”
The rest of the email is a long diatribe on how the Ministry treats athletes which has NO bearing on the matter at hand, which – to reiterate again – is about his missing documents and incomplete forms. but also interspersed with ad hominem attacks on Mohammed.
But I guess most emotional Trinis will not see this because of tribal thinking – think I didn’t notice the significance of the two names in question?
Folks just like you are entitled to your opinion, I am entitled to mine. Never once in my opinion di I accuse Brian or Lasana ofany ulterior motive.
I certainly didn’t say you did eh. And I don’t feel that way either.
Athletes will never be respected nor accommodated by the Ministerial authorities of this country. The ONLY time they’re given recognition and fanfare are when they’ve reached international status or have won a medal. Before and thereafter, they are forgotten. Recently there was an article of a 27 year old footballer from Arima BEGGING for $30,000 to have ligament surgery….this same footballer would’ve represented this country in Under 15, Under 16 and Under 21, even scoring a winning goal. But athletes have to face square pegs in round holes who lack the competence to seek the interes of these athletes and thereby the country
I think athletes should be given the same medical perks that Ministers are entitled too
I am very impressed with the professional manner in which you responded….I too gleaned a sense of arrongance on the part of the Ministry’s representative & I too am also disappointed with the performance of the Minister of Sports to date….continue trusting in God and all weapons formed against you will perish….I am a great fan of all our National athletes who go out there and tirelessly represent
Look at him? How can anyone expect this man to improve sports..did he ever represent TnT in anything??? God help us with this crop of ministers..
I don’t feel you have to represent Trinidad and Tobago as an athlete to be a good leader in your role as Min of Sport. However I believe empathising with athletes on the sacrifices they made to obtain elite status is a good starting point to doing a great job as Minister, with the best interest of athletes and country taken into account.
While you may not have to be good at anything to be a minister at present …it may create some empathy and urgency needed
Round pegs in square holes. Sic
You should have a sports background or excellent managerial credentials.
Do these athletes think that because they represent the TnT that they will not follow process and procedure and then try to blackmail Politicians into giving financial support. It is time that the behave as elite athletes and higher professionals to manage their affairs with government bodies so that transparency and process can face any audit. Thompson should make sure and provide all details requested and was very rude in his email.
There’s a beautiful thing called grafting and corruption. Things get swept under the table. Don’t make such assumptions without knowing the details. Richard wasn’t rude in the slightest bit in his email. Federations screw athletes all the time.
His second reply is not only rude but arrogant and out of place. He ought to give respect to people in public office especially if he does not have any concrete proof of any form of bias, discrimination or fraud.
MOS employees need to be mindful that they exist because of athletes …not the other way around …I’m a former athlete and I can attest to such behavior from the MOS
Give respect? Richard has sacrificed and achieved so much for his country and his people with athletics. A person with his background and accolades deserves all the support he can get; not get disowned by his own Athletic Federation. They should be thankful to have an athlete of his caliber representing Trinidad.
Are you serious Mr. Ragbir.Read properly what bills they want when it is Mr.Thompson who spent HIS money.
Anyone representing T& T never receive the required funding for their sporting discipline…it is always partial after begging…that’s why some Trinis adopt other Countries.
This is why we loose our athletes to foreign countries and then we want to bash them about patriotism. This is total bullshit. Go where the money is being provided
Not surprised at all …this has been going on for decades..total fools in suits
Same culture right across the GoRTT. Nothing unique to the Ministry of Sport.
This is the athlete who has the best opening for any of our Olympians. .2 silvers..1 soon to be a gold..Ato/Crawford none had that kind of opening. As I asked him and his dad once “What these “authorities ” want from him/you …blood? “
Barrel Smith lol
Minister of Sports continue to exhibit his incapable ways as usual. The response by his subordinates is a reflection of the Minister himself. Unfortunately we have to wait until 2020 for change, but in the mean time sports in Trinidad will continue to degenerate into further failure mode.
Go Torpedo. Arrogance is the hallmark of some of those officers. Sad indeed.
Keep the faith Mr.Thompson.
Since is 5am and to read this who is this person an employee of not Trinbago when would their contract be up for renewal can we relieve that non national of their duty or is just follow the leader. @barrelsmith #overweightlover
Thompson comes across as being an entitled brat because he has some medals. The public servant, doing his job according to the rules and regulations to which he is subject to, has been ‘named and shamed’ so that Thompson could cover up his own ineptitude by not:
1) Providing copies of missing paperwork,
2) Attempting to strongarm his way to gaining funding by
a) intimidation
b) verbal abuse
c) public chastisement of Mohammed
The sense of entitlement hasn’t only struck the Minister but apparently everyone involved in Sports.
At last! Some disinterested comment! Where are the open minds?
Thankee. I try hard to see both sides.
You clearly haven’t understood what Mr Thompson stated in his response where he addressed the issue of the Elite funding for the period you mentioned. I urge you to either re-read the emails or read my response to Annoyed which should hopefully shed some light on the issue for your edification.
There are so many negative reports about the way Darryl Smith opts to conduct the affairs of the Ministry of Sport , that I think it may be time that the PM takes a closer look and make the necessary adjustments. The citizens understand that these are trying economic times but our athletes , deserve their respect as ambassadors of this country. Whether they won a medal or not , they have represented the red , white , and black and for this we should be grateful and treat with them in a manner befitting their contributions.
Did u read the article…..this was an exchange between the athlete and a ministry official….not the minister himself…..yes he has been in the negative a lot but give jack he jacket nah!
I did read , but I’m saying that this isn’t an isolated incident. The Minister himself has not handled issues as professional as he is expected to at times. A leader is able to communicate his vision to those that serve with him , making them an extension of himself when he is absent. So the staff carry the vision of the leader . If there is a glitch in the matrix , his responsibility is to reinforce the ideals he hopes to have implemented.
So I’m not in disagreement to what you might be trying to say , but the Minister is having too many instances where persons are making him look bad.
Well it’s simple, just remove those who do not have the vision of the sport ministry in their hearts! There are those who are in it just for the ride!
I wish there was reset button for TnT, a switch to just start over.
Man, this is infuriating. I’m proud that Richard read them for filth but just saddened by how our best athletes are always mired in some mess because of sport officials’ incompetence and flat out callous disdain. I honestly have tuned out a bit because I’m beyond fed up with the state of sporting administration in this country. But it’s much easier for me to do that. This is what athletes have to face if they want to represent us? I don’t ever want to hear any complaints about any athlete ‘defecting’ or choosing to represent another country. As Richard rightly points out, if this is how they treat a respected 3-time Olympic medalist and veteran, how are the young athletes coming up who have less resources, connections and experience to fear? Totally disheartening and disgusting.
This is very sad. Surely this did not have to reach to this. No way to treat our National Heroes. I hope they FIX this PR fiasco forthwith and NEVER HAVE THIS HAPPEN AGAIN.
You are a patient man. I have rechristened you Job.
Shakeel Francis and when athletes say they prefer to compete for another country everyone’s got something to say. But just look at this. Sighsss! Torpedo brought immeasurable success to TNT and look. Just imagine for a lesser national athlete.
That rel long bhai I eh read it out!
Clayton Clarke boy when will our athletes be respected , really sad
When teachers start getting respect
No money, no love. Next time any of our athletes win something, and d gov want to parade….. hand up….. walk wid d cheque else u would be talking and hosting welcome party to welcome no 1. Dem want to squeeze athletes, well squeeze dem back. U represent the country…. not dem politicians who cant rub 2 sticks together unless dey gettinf greased financially or sexually
What does Darryl Smith and I hope you mean Mr. Darryl Smith, the Minister of Sport out of respect for the office he holds has to do with this. The PS is the Accounting Officer of the Minister and he has to always to practice CYA for he is answerable not the Minister.
Reynold you continue to be interesting. Good o hear that leadership doesn’t matter. LOL
Reynold, if you don’t know why national athletes think Darryl Smith is hopeless then you have not been paying close attention.
How could you be in charge then cast blame on persons below you? You are ultimately responsible for everything that goes on. And you are also responsible for getting competent persons to handle everything thats going on.
Lasana Liburd are you naive? Reynold must know and you must know the trend of Reynold’s inputs.
I like to give room for people to clarify themselves Brian. It would be crude to describe that as rope to hang himself with.
On i95 fm earlier, the athlete himself said he wrote to the Minister and never got any type of response. He also said that this is the first Minister he has ever tried to communicate with and was not given the courtesy of a response.
? @ barrel smith