‘Dinas’ sacked as SPORTT chairman; Camacho ready to “put sport back on a proper footing”

Dinanath Ramnarine was dismissed as Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) today, after a controversial 13-month stint at the helm. The Cabinet decision was confirmed by Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe.

Ramnarine will be replaced by Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TTHB) president Douglas Camacho, a former Guardian Life executive director. He will be SPORTT’s fifth chairman in just over three years.

Photo: Prime Minister Keith Rowley (centre) greets SPORTT chairman Dinanath Ramnarine (left) while Sport Minister Darryl Smith (right) looks on during the opening of the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba on 12 May 2017.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Camacho is well briefed on the issues affecting the State board, as he spent the last eight months as chairman of a steering committee tasked to make recommendations for the transition from SPORTT to the Sports Commission of Trinidad and Tobago (SCOTT).

“It is time for us to put sport back on a proper footing and get sport running properly,” Camacho told Wired868, “and to take care of the negativity that sport—and not just the Sports Company—has been getting in the press.”


Ramnarine, a former West Indies cricketer and union head, was never able to divorce himself from a long-standing feud with the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board—arguably fuelled, at least in part, by his ambition to replace Azim Bassarath as president.

Bassarath, as well as several past and present SPORTT board members, accused Ramnarine of leveraging his State position to suit his political ambitions in the sport. And, as the TTCB became financially ostracised during Ramnarine’s tenure, the allegations stuck—despite Ramnarine’s habit of recusing himself from meetings involving cricket.

Ramnarine was also criticised for his supposedly abrasive manner in dealing with board members and a poor work environment for employees.

Camacho also appears likely to start work with his foot in more than one camp, as he intends to retain his position as hockey president.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TTHB) president Douglas Camacho (centre).

The incoming SPORTT president sees his role as a continuation of his committee work, which is geared toward the speedy and smooth transition into SCOTT. He hopes that this process will be completed by the end of the year.

Camacho, who pointed out that the Tennis Association president Hayden Mitchell is also a SPORTT board member, suggested that he received permission to keep his TTHB post for now but is willing to revisit the matter whenever necessary.

More from Wired868
Love and Football 23: Molino and T&T football stars deliver Christmas cheer

Love and Football, a charity football match established by Trinidad and Tobago football stars Kevin Molino and Sheldon Bateau in Read more

“It is a downright shame and disgrace!” Ford: Arima cricket deserves better

“[…] Today it is indeed pathetic to see the young [Fulham] cricketers play without a pavilion, no changing or toilet Read more

Dear Editor: Machel’s One Show was dangerous to patrons and the HC Stadium surface

“[…] Some keen observations coming out of the show—apart from the long lines and late gates—was the failure to fully protect Read more

Gov’t commits TT$9m to TTPFL; fixtures, title sponsor and cash prizes still unknown

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) will commit a sum of TT$9m over a three-year span Read more

TTFA suggests new dawn with Elite League, but still no kickoff date, clubs or long-term structure

It was termed as the “Dawn of a New Era” in Trinidad and Tobago football by SporTT Company chairman Douglas Read more

Cudjoe bemoans late TTFA request as T&T U-15 Girls and U-14 Boys pray for Govt bailout

Minister of Sport Shamfa Cudjoe and Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) chairman Douglas Camacho said it will be Read more

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.

Check Also

Love and Football 23: Molino and T&T football stars deliver Christmas cheer

Love and Football, a charity football match established by Trinidad and Tobago football stars Kevin …

26 comments

  1. Great news. Good luck, Douglas

  2. Maria Rivas-Mc this the best thing I see the PNM has done. Douglas has to take out his wacker and spray some good insecticide and clean up the place. I will be praying for him as I know he will be amazing.

  3. Douglas Camacho excellent, that’s what is needed an honest, intelligent man. INTEGRITY.

  4. Sports has deteriorate in this country let us make a come back and put trinidad sports to the top again

  5. What a thing Rowley sack one to put your one how racist is that tell the country.

  6. The Chairman of the steering committee gets the job…smh

  7. Good decision. The Executive continue to make the same mistakes over and over. Before selection you must examine the ‘horns’.

  8. Race again factor to the zillion

  9. Well they now reach.the only thing he things of is himself

  10. What about sports minister ???

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.