“Tyranny!” TTFA descends further into farce as DJW calls off AGM—blocking financial questions


The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association’s fourth successive attempt to hold its 2017 AGM ended in farce and a shouting match today in Couva, as local football president David John-Williams adjourned the meeting for 14 days in an apparent misinterpretation of the constitution and amidst cries of “tyranny” and “dictatorship.”

In the process, John-Williams effectively blocked a grilling over the first Annual Financial Statement he was due to present as president and construction at the TTFA’s new “home of football”—a technical development centre and hotel—and, possibly blocked a vote of no-confidence as well.

Photo: FIFA president Gianni Infantino (centre) and TTFA president David John-Williams (left) turn the sod at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 10 April 2017 while Sport Minister Darryl Smith pretends to help.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

It is the fifth time—without resolution—that the TTFA’s 2016 financial statement has been on the agenda. The local football body cannot access FIFA funding, which stands at a minimum of US$750,000 per year, without having had its Financial Statement approved.

In the melee thatbroke out in the Ato Boldon Stadium’s Media Room following John-Williams’ announcement, the normally reserved North Zone president Anthony Harford accused the President of “tyranny” while members—including veteran Referees Football Association (TTRFA) vice-president Osmond Downer and Veteran Footballers Foundation (VFFOTT) president Selby Browne—accused the W Connection football club owner of violating the constitution.


“What happened today is nothing short of a major embarrassment to our sport,” Harford told Wired868. “I felt as if I was sitting among a nest of vipers.”

Browne concurred.

“The President’s actions were outrageous, absurd and wrong on yet another occasion,” he said, “similar to the compliance matter.”

The TTFA first tried to have its financial statement approved at an extraordinary general meeting on 5 July, 2017 but was forced to postpone the effort as general secretary Justin Latapy-George had not made copies of the document available to members, as mandated by the TTFA Constitution.

Photo: TTFA president David John-Williams (centre), media officer Shaun Fuentes (left) and new Soca Warriors coach Dennis Lawrence at the TTFA headquarters on 30 January, 2017.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/TTFA)

At its AGM on 25 November, 2017, the local football umbrella body tried again; on John-Williams’ instructions, however, financial documents were distributed to one-third of the membership, the President claiming the rest were non-compliant. The general meeting overruled John-Williams and his Board was given 30 days to reconvene the session.

For the follow-up meeting, the John-Williams-led Board chose 8am on 23 December, 2017, two days before Christmas. However, although members showed up, the TTFA president stayed home—without warning—and sent word that he was unwell.

Vice-president Ewing Davis chaired that meeting on John-Williams’ behalf and tried to have the financial statement approved without the President or financial manager, Tyril Patrick, on hand to answer questions. The membership refused.

The reconvened AGM was then set for 20 February and, although John-Williams picked the date, when members turned up, he was again absent. And, yet again, the AGM was postponed.


At 8:30am today when Latapy-George took the roll call, there were 17 members present along with John-Williams, Davis and Board representatives Richard Quan Chan and Sharon O’ Brien.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago football fans enjoy the show during 2018 World Cup qualifying action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on 24 March, 2017.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Of the 17, there were representatives from seven Pro League clubs—including the TTFA President’s daughter and current W Connection boss Renée John-Williams—while the remaining 10 delegates came from the various zonal bodies as well as Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) president William Wallace.

John-Williams, who chaired the meeting as president, then got up and, according to several eye-witnesses, announced that it would be “unethical” to proceed without a quorum of at least 24 members. He then abruptly adjourned the meeting for an unspecified date within 14 days.

The room erupted as Browne and Downer shouted their opposition, under article 24.3 of the TTFA Constitution, while, banging on a table, John-Williams shouted back.

Article 24.3 states: “A quorum is not required for the second meeting of the General Meeting unless any item on the agenda proposes the amendment of the Constitution, the election of a member of the Board of Directors, the dismissal of a member of a body of TTFA, the expulsion of a Member or the dissolution of TTFA.”

“I pointed out to him that, as chairman, he has no such authority [to adjourn],” said Browne. “The meeting has the authority to take a vote on that and decide… Also there was a duly convened AGM in November for which there was a quorum.

“In the case of an adjournment, whoever is present forms the quorum.”

Photo: VFFOTT president Selby Browne.

Harford said John-Williams recognised no opinion other than his own.

“People were explaining to David that a quorum does not matter now because you had a quorum the first time,” said Harford. “A reconvened meeting is just the continuation of the first meeting. It is as if you went for lunch and came back with a member short.

“I told David let us listen to the people because the entire floor without exception was saying let us continue; and you are saying only your opinion counts. I told him this is a democracy and what you are displaying is a tyrannical approach.

“When the floor speaks, you have to listen. When you are saying we have to listen to you alone, that is tyranny! […] I was aghast at what I was hearing.”

Harford claimed that Renée John-Williams twice stood up and appealed for calm from the floor and head table and urged her father to let the members vote on whether to adjourn the meeting. The TTFA president refused.

“I felt bad for his daughter because it cannot be right to see your father behaving that way and to see people talking to him in the way they did,” said Harford. “I said, ‘Mr Chairman, what you are doing is not inclining us to be obsequious to you… The people who spoke are imminently smart persons who [think] before they talk.’

Photo: TTFA president and W Connection owner David John-Williams (left) presents the winning cheque to his daughter and Connection director Renee John-Williams after their FA Trophy final win over Police FC at the Ato Boldon Stadium on 8 December 2017.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

“Mr Downer is a walking lexicon on constitutional interpretation while Selby usually follows protocol; Selby can be enthusiastic but he is a stakeholder and must be listened to.”

There were raised eyebrows too at the TTFA President’s assertion that it would be “unethical” to proceed with the AGM, in which he was set to be grilled on his financial stewardship of the football body.

“[SSFL president] William Wallace, who is a voice of reason, stood up and tried to tell [John-Williams] there is a difference between illegal, unconstitutional and unethical,” said Harford. “Unethical and illegal are two different words. [John-Williams] said it was unethical to start without a quorum. People said okay but it is not illegal, so don’t use the two words in the same context.

“[…] The entire floor is saying let us proceed with the vote and here you are saying [to adjourn for] 14 days which could be Easter weekend or Spiritual Baptist Day.

“But you got the impression that David didn’t want the meeting to proceed, no matter what. It was extremely sad and I felt embarrassed.”

Photo: TTFA president David John-Williams weighs up his options during an exhibition match at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on 10 April, 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Eastern Football Association (EFA) president Linus Sanchez agreed that John-Williams’ behaviour was unconstitutional. However, he reserved most of his ire for the members who did not show up this morning.

Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) president Keith Look Loy and his FC Santa Rosa club had already committed themselves to a Walk For Peace in Arima, before the TTFA Board picked the date for the AGM. But Sanchez was furious that nobody from the TTSL came in Look Loy’s absence while Central Football Association (CFA) general secretary Clynt Taylor was also a no-show.

“Santa Rosa I can understand; but don’t tell me at least three [TTSL] clubs couldn’t send one member to ensure they had representation,” said Sanchez. “And nobody could reach Clynt Taylor from the CFA on his phone. These are the two members who are most vociferous about what happens in TTFA, so now my delegates are wondering if they are just talkers.

“The Southern FA had no member. We can understand Tobago because of the ferry [problems] but nobody showed from Eastern Counties… It leaves me to conclude that [administrators] don’t understand their contribution to sport and crime in this country.

“Because they are always running to get on a committee but, after they are nominated, you don’t see or hear them. There are too many square pegs in round holes!”

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago winger Levi Garcia (left) holds off USA right-back DeAndre Yedlin during 2018 World Cup qualifying action in Couva on 10 October, 2017.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Sanchez suggested that the absent stakeholders were worse than the supposedly misbehaving football president.

“An AGM happens just once a year and we, the members, have absolute power,” he said. “So why in the name of God would you throw your hands in the air and say ‘I ent able with that’ when it is time for an AGM?

“They have to stop blaming the president and understand that it is their irresponsibility that has Trinidad and Tobago football in the position it is in. If we don’t make our voices heard, then we have to say ‘I am the reason why this is failing’.”

Today’s adjourned meeting meant another wasted trip for the bemused representative from auditing firm Madan Ramnarine and Company as well as accounting advisor Robert Reis. It is likely that the TTFA will still be billed for their presence.

Members filed out of the Ato Boldon Stadium in disgust while Browne and Downer urged them to remain for a meeting without the president as happened during his first no-show.

Some members vowed that they would not return. However, Sanchez noted that, if members became frustrated and stayed away, John-Williams could conceivably use his “unconstitutional approach” as strategy by continually reconvening meetings until only his supporters are present.

Photo: FIFA president Gianni Infantino (right) and TTFA president David John-Williams at a media conference at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 10 April, 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

“The next time [the TTFA president] tries this, we will appoint a chairperson and proceed with the meeting,” said Sanchez. “If the President scans the crowd and feels he doesn’t have support and adjourns, we will have a meeting anyway in accordance with the constitution.

“Selby was asking members to stay back today but many of them were disgusted and they didn’t understand the constitution. We will be better prepared next time.”

Browne suggested John-Williams’ decision might have been made to head off a possible no confidence motion, although the constitution does not allow a vote for the removal of a member—including the president—without it being first put on the agenda.

Still, the VFFOTT president said he hopes FIFA intervenes in the impasse.

“I would suggest to members that the next action is to write to FIFA and Concacaf on the [TTFA’s] failure to have an AGM that was called since last November,” said Browne. “And one of the options is for FIFA to send in a normalisation committee.”

Harford had hoped to discuss the lack of financial support for the zonal bodies or inter-zonal competition, particularly at youth level.

Photo: Trendsetter Hawks winger Keefe Edwards (right) takes on a QPCC opponent during RBNYL action at the Queen’s Park Savannah on 15 May, 2017.
(Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)

The lack of clarity on the TTFA’s “Home of Football,” which has already benefited from a TT$2.6 million FIFA grant, is another major concern for stakeholders.

John-Williams, who is a contractor, has been seen on the site for long hours as workers toiled on the project. Yet nobody seems to know who was awarded the contract for the project while a Sport Company source said the TTFA President has so far failed to respond to a request for information from SPORTT acting CEO Jason Williams.

Harford, who is also director of sports management group All Sports Promotion, suggested that today’s chaotic meeting might actually be another sign of progress from the Jack Warner era, when the football president’s rule was unquestioned.

“The one thing I can say is what is happening is probably healthy,” said Harford. “We have reached a place where we realise the days of people going in and bowing to the head table have gone. We are in that transition phase.

“[…] People do their own research before meetings now and don’t take the president’s word as gospel. We are building what I hope would become a strong foundation.”

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams (right) performs a duet with former Calypso Monarch, Cro Cro at the launch of the National Elite Youth Development Program at the Trinidad Hilton on 14 October, 2016.

Neither the TTFA president nor his daughter responded to requests from Wired868 for comment on the former’s decision to adjourn the AGM. President John-Williams also did not respond when asked if he was deliberately trying to avoid taking questions on the football body’s spending and construction work on its technical centre.

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About Lasana Liburd

Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.

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76 comments

  1. That was his response to all that is happening? Not “I assure you that all the allegations are false and I will studiously work to resolve this impasse!”
    I am upset with myself for being surprised.

  2. Dion nobody knew the man was going to turn out like that c’mon now!! Based on what he did with Connection we thought he would have been a good fit (at least I did) plus I knew him from back in the day when WConnection was a fete match side and he would take an interest in the youths in the Plaisance Park area. His about turn was a shock to me as it was a kick in the teeth …. but that’s neither here nor there we know who (what) he is and we need him gone with pure prejudice. David John Williams we want you gone!!! All of us want you removed!!!

  3. I agree with you Keith LookLoy…i know your work ethic.

  4. I get tired of reading the ridicoulous dictatorships by most of these sporting organisations.
    We as Trinidadians are talkers. If we wanted change we would make it happen.
    It is obvious that he is not following the constitution so there are remedies for that. Use the courts to wrestle control from these people and file for legal costs.
    I mean how much longer will this go on?
    We are keyboard warriors and are not serious.

  5. OMG dictatorship in the making we vote for that ent

  6. I told you people vote for somebody else but the fat bitch talked a good game and caught you people

  7. The more management(TTFA) change is the more things remain the same!!

  8. I thought Jack was the problem in our football??

  9. How these people reach there…WHO put them there????

  10. The Tyrant will always find prefix for his Tyranny….. Our football has no hope with this gentleman.

  11. He sounds like Trump. Appearing to do wrong and not a dorg bark? He mad or what?

  12. the 2015 Financial Statements published by DJW though of the Tim Kee period included some questionable entries and adjustments.

  13. And to think that for many other federations, yuh could just go on dey website and download dey financial reports.

  14. There are degrees/courses in sports governance. We need to bring a higher level of professionalism to the administration of sports in T&T.

  15. What is the year of the last audited financial report for the TTFA?

  16. Unethical to be called to give an account for his stewardship. WTH I hearing boy. I would think that for anyone working in finance that is expected. Pray tell is it that the gentleman has something to hide. I am just thinking out loud. Is it that everyone of out institutions need an overhaul. Madness.

  17. Look at the state of our coaching fraternity ,the cabal of recycled coaches who have redifined failure as success.Sooner or later we have to go to war for our vocation ,sleezebaags in our fraternity

  18. Ah give up!!! Ah cyar battle two tyrrants in mih lifetime…..whey de yutes??…..is dem turn….I too ole for this ish!!!!

  19. Because alyuh allowed the same people who is running the failed bootleg professional league running the corrupted TTFA Them really good yes steeuuppsss

  20. Why is it that we continue to suffer while King David and his ilk continue to be poster-children for maximum-leadership and rank incompetence? It is said people usually get the leaders we deserve but I wonder what the hell have we done to be deserving of this!

  21. This man needs to step down or be forced out!

  22. so dat is why you put that blue and white picture..lol

  23. Not surprised. He thinks this is W Connection where he can make unilateral decisions unopposed. I said it from the get-go: He is a dictator!

  24. The TTFA president responded to Wired868’s request for a comment with one line: “Time longer than [twine].”

  25. This all falls squarely on the shoulders of the membership. People want the benefits associated with membership, but show no appetite for assuming any of the responsibilities. I’ve been critical of Selby in the past, but he’s rapidly emerging as one of the few thought leaders in the organization. He had it spot on in this case, the members should have remained and continued the meeting. Further, as a correction, a motion for dismissal does not need to first be put on the agenda for there to be a vote. They should have remained and voted to either suspend or expel Williams.

    • How do you read Article 38 then?
      “Article 38 Dismissal of a person or body

      1 The General Meeting may dismiss a person or a member of a body. The Board of Directors may place the dismissal of a person or a member of a body on the agenda for the General Meeting. The Board of Directors may also dismiss a person or a member of a body provisionally. Any Board of Directors Member may submit a proposal to place such a motion for dismissal on the agenda of the Board of Directors or General Meeting.

      2 The motion for dismissal must be justified. It will be sent to the Members of the Board of Directors and/or to the Members along with the agenda.

      3 The person or body in question has the right to defend him- or herself.

      4 The motion for dismissal shall be decided by means of secret ballot. For the motion to be passed, a majority of three quarters of the valid votes is required.”

    • “The Board of Directors may place the dismissal of a person or a member of a body on the agenda for the General Meeting.”

      Lasana, note the “may,” rather than “shall.” In statutory construction, shall indicates an imperative, while ‘may’ means that it is discretionary. This was no mistake. The Report of the Independent Reform Commission, which formed the basis of the current TTFA Constitution, also deals with suspension and dismissal. There is no contemplation of the item having to first be placed on the agenda before voting on the matter.

    • This is heading for the Courts. This clause as well as others may need amendments to narrow it down to make it enforceable. What does valid votes mean? How do you place dismissal on the agenda? Does it need to be approved by someone first? Too wide to interpret in my opinion.

    • Exactly Lester. Does “valid votes” means votes from all 49 delegates? Or just the people present on that day? Must there be quorum? Or can it be done in a reconvened meeting?
      Bring out lawyer money yes! If DJW has a shred of honour, he would use his own finances rather than football money to defend himself here.

    • It’s not exactly clear what “valid” votes means. It could mean the votes of members in good standing (thinking specifically about the challenge to the validity of Williams’ election) or it could mean any vote by more than 50% of the membership.

      Incidentally, Article 28 seems to both raise and resolve a conflict with Article 38 on the matter of discipline and notice in the Agenda:

      “2 The Annual General Meeting agenda shall include the following mandatory items (in chronological order):
      f) suspension or expulsion of Members (if applicable);

      o) dismissal of a member of a body of TTFA (if applicable);”

      Article 28 (3) then states however that:

      “The Annual General Meeting shall not take a decision on any point not included in the agenda. However, the agenda of an Annual General Meeting may be altered, provided that two thirds (2/3) of the Delegates present at the Annual General Meeting and eligible to vote agree to such a motion.”

    • This hits the nail on the head, people with their hands out but no ability to deliver on their end

  26. Whoa! So, question – is there any area of sporting activity that people in the know can claim is well managed in T&T?

  27. Are we reaching anywhere in sports on the whole in Trinidad & Tobago what next

  28. ..John-Williams is a mill stone on our football. He does not accept Democracy, he is not transparent in his operation, he is contemptuous of the institutions of the TTFA, he is interested only in promoting his so-called career in international football. I now call on him to resign or I (and others) will force him out. Our football cannot suffer under his catastrophe of a Presidency until November 2019 #johnwilliamsmustgonow

  29. To call this farcical now, when it is way beyond farcical makes me wonder if we are trying to be cynical. This runaway unconstitutional madness must trigger a vote of no confidence with or without the presence of the person in charge. LasanaLiburd, Where was the General Secretary?

  30. First off ….wonderfully surreal picture …my regards to the photographer ….secondly ….this is a good thing ….. the seams are starting to burst …pardon the pun 🙂

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