Korean support for footballers

Trinidad and Tobago’s footballers got a welcomed visit from prominent South Korean businesswoman KJ Lee during their recent visit to Seoul, South Korea. On hearing the football team was in town, Lee visited the The Tower Hotel on the eve of the 1-1 draw with South Korea. She also arranged to have a small group of TT flag waving fans behind one of the goals with a banner showing a message from the TT Korean consulate saying “We love you T&T.” Lee is president of Global International Investment Group and Global Trade and Finance, Inc, two premier international investment and development consulting firms.

The group’s objectives and accomplishments are directed at effectively developing international projects and technologies, providing international strategic financial and technology partnerships and providing infrastructure development consulting services. The company has been doing business in Trinidad and Tobago with the Government, according to Lee, on business development for the City of San Fernando; on housing projects; development for the  energy sector; development of existing refinery upgrades for TT (through Petrotrin); and development on Lake Asphalt products for marketing. Her company is also linked with the Atlantic LNG Company with reference to business development on LNG to service in South Korea. She also has business dealings with CL Financial Company Limited headed by chairman Lawrence Duprey. On visiting the team following the match, Lee was in near tears.

“I have been so touched by what took place today in Seoul. Trinidad and Tobago is like another home to me and having you all here made it feel so much like that home,” Lee said. “When I was told by my friends in the Trinidad and Tobago Government that the team would be here, I was thrilled. And then when the people here were telling me they were expecting to beat your team easily, I really wanted to be there to see otherwise and I am so happy that your team prevented that. They were superb and I think this was really a victory for Trinidad and Tobago,” Lee said.

The businesswoman added that she is involved in discussions to develop links between a South Korean Airline and TT and also made a plea for the Government and Corporate TT to get behind the national footballers. “In Korea, football is number one and the Government, the businesses and the fans are always behind the team. Now the Trinidad and Tobago team needs the same support from your people. The Government and all others must get involved because football is such a powerful thing which could do wonders for a country,” she said. Her words were warmly received by skipper Angus Eve and his teammates who are preparing for the upcoming semi-final round of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, which starts away to St Vincent and the Grenadines on August 18.