TTFF, leave Nakhid alone

The TTFF stated that it wished to disassociate itself both individually and collectively, from the racist comments or any comments that may be interpreted as racist, made by David Nakhid in an interview on national television on Tuesday October 11, 2005. The release, signed by General Secretary, Richard Groden, also stated that the TTFF and the LOC Germany Committee 2006 are organisations that pride themselves on the respect they hold for all individuals and groups "regardless of race or religion."

The release noted that "on behalf of the TTFF and LOC Germany 2006, we hereby apologise unreservedly to the national community, and especially to the Syrian Community towards whom the comments made by Mr Nakhid were directed, and once again affirm our total respect and regard for all human beings regardless of race or religion."

I watched the interview, which was a wide ranging one, between Johnson and Nakhid and was impressed by the latter’s courage of his convictions.

Nakhid spoke, inter alia, about his role in the national team and the factors he felt were responsible for the team’s transformation.

He spoke about his controversial personality as being an outspoken individual. He touched on his desire to contribute to development of his society and his own community where he grew up. He spoke openly of Jack Warner’s dual role as football administrator and politician and wondered whether, he Warner, would be allowed, by the forces that be, to make his political contribution.

Nakhid also remarked that given the horrendous crime situation in the nation, he wanted to know why, if in so many quarters, the media included, fingers point to the involvement of some members of the Syrian community in the illicit drug trade, more strident efforts are not being made to investigate these allegations.

The TTFF’s rush to label Nakhid’s comments as racist is highly offensive to say the least, and its eagerness to rush, gratuitously so, to the defence of the Syrian community from some perceived racist attack is hypocritical in the extreme.

The TTFF’s behaviour has everything to do with the economic power wielded by that community rather than due to any sense of genuine concern for preserving race relations in this neo colonial society.

I for one, laud Nakhid for his courage to stand up to his convictions and his fearless determination to stand above the cowardice that passes for leadership in this country.

He clearly sees himself as a person who has a contribution to make beyond the narrow confines of football and he stated as much in the in the interview.

His candour does him credit and his sense of his own value and self identity gives him the courage to speak his mind.

I am certain that he would not hesitate to level allegations against any other group in the society were such group to merit such attention.

A word of advice to the TTFF: Hands off David Nakhid.

PETER TAYLOR

Port-of-Spain