‘My work cannot be measured solely by wins or losses!’ John-Williams pleads for re-election

“The work of this administration simply cannot be measured solely by wins or losses on the field, but by a greater appreciation for all that has been achieved throughout my tenure. Over the next two weeks many questions will be answered and a lot will be revealed which will continue to open the eyes of the members of the TTFA.

“It is because of this I must say, it is time to finish what we started…”

The following is a statement from Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams on why he should retain the confidence of football stakeholders in the run-up to the 24 November TTFA elections:

(John-Williams, who did not name his slate, is challenged for the post by Richard Ferguson and William Wallace.)


Photo: TTFA president David John-Williams addresses the audience during the sod turning ceremony at the Home of Football on 29 September 2017.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

There’s no success without change, and no change without conflict. Something which I’ve had to remind myself during my first term as TTFA President.

Not everyone has agreed with me or my policies. There are persons that have undermined, attempted to destroy, malign, attack and damage me, the TTFA and by extension T&T Football. Notwithstanding this, but by the grace of the Almighty, and the truly faithful, I am still standing.

Coming into the TTFA in 2015 brought challenges, too many to mention on this occasion, but I’ve embraced them and found innovative ways to rise above them. It was imperative to hit the reset button. Guided by the mandate given by the membership, I’ve worked tirelessly to restore the good name of the TTFA.

Quick fixes are not always possible or a realistic expectation. While some may disagree with the order of priorities addressed by the current administration and some of the decisions made, we placed focus on:

1. The construction of quality facilities that will create the opportunity to provide revenue streams to bring financial stability to the TTFA, other NSOs and the country at large through the opportunity to further develop the sports tourism industry;

2. Restoring FIFA funding which was suspended during the term of the last administration;

3. Producing Audited Financial statements for every year from 2015 onwards;

Photo: Soca Warriors head coach Dennis Lawrence (far right) poses with TTFA president David John-Williams (second from right), team manager Richard Piper (second from left) and Camara David (far left) in 2018.
(Copyright Alan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

4. Paying down debts from previous administrations—to date over 12 million paid;


5. Increasing revenue significantly by our senior team playing international friendly matches on the FIFA dates against high level opponents;

6. Bringing expenditure in line with revenues and reducing the dependency on the treasury for funding of the sport;

7. Embracing technology and IT expertise to further enhance and improve aspects of our on field programs, administration, and marketing;

8. Establishing a comprehensive Youth development program on the basis of tried and tested models that was ably supported by NLCB;

9. Strengthening and deepening internal and external governance with accountability, that has repaired damaged relationships with regional and international bodies such as CFU, CONCACAF & FIFA.

The work of this administration simply cannot be measured solely by wins or losses on the field, but by a greater appreciation for all that has been achieved throughout my tenure. Over the next two weeks many questions will be answered and a lot will be revealed which will continue to open the eyes of the members of the TTFA.

Photo: TTFA president David John-Williams (centre) is flanked by Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat (left) and then SPORTT chairman Dinanath Ramnarine during a press conference on 29 September 2017.
(Copyright Allan V Crane/CA-Images/Wired868)

It is because of this I must say, it is time to finish what we started. There is too much that is fundamentally important right now to allow the administration of T&T Football to alter the planned strategic initiatives at this time.

We are at the cusp of the breakthrough that will see our game soar again. As such, after much prayer and consultation with many stakeholders, I have decided to seek re-election as President of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association.

I look forward to your continued support and I thank you.

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One comment

  1. Great plan on paper….Where and who are the people who are going to make it happen?

    Do we plan on announcing that list of names four years from now or is this the surprise we are going to get in two weeks.

    Start by naming individuals that still believe we can get positive results without corruption at the foundation of things.

    We are being asked to accept that TTFA is a corrupt house and only through corruption can anything get done.

    Very few people will be convince that your nine (9) plan can possibly occur under the cloud of corruption and mis-management.

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