5 days ago
6
West Indies legend, Brian Lara, says the “conversation needs to shift” a day after he was brought into the centre of a controversy involving former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Barry Padarath.
Rowley posted to his Facebook page, “The Brian Lara Stadium has been built as a legacy to his Herculean contribution. It is now a premier cricket venue in the world. The man himself must be equally respected. He must remain above the destructive petty politics that is now consuming this nation.”
Meanwhile, Padarath responded by saying, “Obviously the former prime minister was asleep at the wheel because to make a statement in the public like that and not recognising that it was under his administration that the contract expired, it was not renewed and did not even seek to clarify or ask a question.”
However, Lara responded today stating, “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.”
He added, “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 and uplift Trinidad and Tobago through initiatives such as Sport Against Violent Energy (SAVE), which I personally designed to address youth violence through sport.”
He concluded his stated by saying, “I have no interest in 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.”
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