TT Flagbearer needs new flag

TT flagbearer Hurbert Diaz is calling on the Government to assist him in getting new flags. The 64-year-old retired police officer took up the mantle of flagbearer in 2000, shortly after the death of his predecessor, Gerald Lewis. “I love serving my country,” he said, “and I do so with pride and dignity but I need assistance to get new flags,” Diaz said. He stated that he has been using the same flag for the past three years and it is embarrassing to attend public functions with it. Diaz said that besides being flagbearer, he also goes to schools nationwide, training students to march for parades and sports days as well as lecturing to them. He has been doing this for free, he said.

“All I want is that the Government give me a small contract or stipend that I can live on,” he said, “because flagbearing is my life now and I don’t collect money at parades at all,” he added. Diaz is also the founder of the first Police Youth Club in TT, recently renamed the Arima Police Crime Prevention Cadets Youth Club. The club, which has been in existence for the past 31 years, enrolls approximately 300 youths. “In an effort to deter youths from a life of crime, I embarked on a project to revamp the club,” Diaz said. He is seeking assistance from companies, Government or individuals in sponsoring the purchase of sporting gear for the youth. This includes gear for cricket, football, golf, table tennis and lawn tennis. Persons who wish to assist can contact Diaz at 775-6114.