Lara: Leave me out political bacchanal

Brian Lara is urging politicians to keep his name out of any divisive topic or debate, as the war of words continues between the Government and former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley over an alleged move to disrespect the cricket legend.

A social media dispute arose between Rowley and Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath on Tuesday, centring on an allegation by the former PM that Lara has been made a casualty of the UNC’s “scorched earth” policy at TSTT.

However, Padarath quickly responded, saying Lara had reached out to him and confirmed that his 12-month contract with TSTT expired in 2022 and was not renewed. He argued this meant it was the Rowley administration that chose not to renew the deal. Padarath added that Lara expressed both surprise and concern over Rowley’s remarks.

In a statement yesterday, Lara cleared the airs, saying, “This conversation needs to shift. I am not a political figure. I have dedicated my life to serving the people of Trinidad and Tobago—first as a sportsman, and since my retirement, through meaningful contributions to the development of sport, youth, and tourism in our beloved country.”

Lara confirmed his contract with Bmobile/TSTT came to its “natural conclusion” in 2022 and he remains grateful to the state company.

However, the former cricketer said he has no interest in any “distraction or divisive debate.”

“My focus is, and has always been, on building a brighter future for our young people, promoting national pride, and showcasing the extraordinary talent and potential of Trinidad and Tobago’s sportsmen and women on the global stage.”

Lara said he also started an initiative called Sport Against Violent Energy (SAVE), which he personally designed to address youth violence through sport.

“Throughout my post-cricket career, I have remained open and committed to working with any government in office on matters I am deeply passionate about: sport, youth development, and tourism. While meaningful engagement has not always been immediate or sustained, my intention has never wavered—to serve,” Lara said.

But moments before Lara’s statement, Rowley continued to bat in Lara’s defence, saying the “disrespect” meted out to the former West Indies skipper goes beyond any contract situation.

Asked by Guardian Media for a comment on Padarath’s assertion that all was well between Lara, TSTT and the Government, and that the former cricketer’s contract with TSTT came to an end during the PNM’s term in office, Rowley fired back, saying,“Whenever you throw a stone into a pigpen, the one that squeals, is the one that got the lash! Notice, he talks about contract, I talk about disrespect.”

Rowley again referred to Padarath as a “disrespectful little twit.”

Pressed on what information he has that the current Government is, or is planning to disrespect Lara, Rowley would only say, “One of these days you will find out!”

Asked if it was something to do with the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which Rowley referenced in his initial post about Lara, the former PM said, “In matters of this nature, I say what I need to say and leave the rest to others.”

Barry: Rowley must apologise

In response, however, Padarath said he believes Rowley now owes Lara an apology.

“Clearly, Rowley has lost his marbles. I spoke directly with Mr Lara and he indicated that he enjoys a good relationship with TSTT up to now. There was no disrespect to Mr Lara at any time that I am aware of. Rowley is attempting to deflect from his continuous lies after being caught out yet again. Apparently, he has too much time on his idle hands.”

Padarath also did not take kindly to Rowley’s “pigpen” reference.

He added, “As a pig farmer, Rowley is quite familiar with the company he keeps. Therefore, I am not surprised by his crass and disgusting comments.”

Padarath warned that in the coming months ahead, he expects more “lies and fabrications” to create issues when none exist.

Meanwhile, political scientist Dr Bishnu Ragoonath noted that this was the second time Rowley has made a claim that was quickly refuted. The first, he said, occurred when Rowley said he was on an Interpol watch list and now comes the Lara controversy.

“Clearly, he (Rowley) has information which he believes could be used to tarnish the image of the Government. However, until he’s not as transparent as he can be, or should be, that would be as if he is simply mischief-making,” Ragoonath said.

“And if he says it’s not the contracts, well then what is it? Because nobody else seems to know.”

Ragoonath suggested that due to Rowley’s affiliation with the PNM, these assertions without evidence can negatively impact the party, which is already reeling from the April 28 General Election defeat.

“And that is something that Dr Rowley is going to have to determine, as to exactly how much he is willing to say, and if he is not willing to be fully transparent, which would, in fact, facilitate the PNM to come to his defence and even to take his issues forward, then he is doing more harm than good for the PNM as a political party.”