Army honour their Warriors

They are goalkeeper Clayton Ince, lanky defender Dennis Lawrence, skilful midfielder Carlos Edwards and nippy striker Jason Scotland.

Three members of the Soca Warriors technical staff — Warrant Officer Wayne Lawson who is the trainer of the national team; and Corporals Esmond O’Brien and Zepheranius Nicholas were also presented with a plaque and a gift.

The presentations were made by Chief of Defence Staff Colonel Edmond Dillon at the Defence Force Headquarters, Airways Road Chaguaramas on Monday.

Colonel Dillon also congratulated the members of the Defence Force Steel Orchestra who began the ceremony with the anthem of the team — “Fighter” by Maximus Dan. Dillon told the honorees and others present at the function that the achievements of his soldiers at the World Cup Finals had surpassed all expectations. The top army officer said he felt the Defence Force deserved the praise that was being bestowed on them since they had played a crucial role in the training of the football stars. The performance of the national players on the field, along with the Defence Force Steel Orchestra have lifted national pride and ensured international recognition said Colonel Dillon. Col Dillon was high in praise for the former Army footballers who played a significant role in the national team.

He said that when he looked at them, for instance Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence, when the national anthem was being played, he saw a difference brought on by their Army training.

Col Dillon noted that the players and members of the technical staff, along with the steelband have placed the Defence Force on the world map. He pointed out that at least nine players from the Defence Force have played on the national team in the recent past. But only one — Anton Pierre — made the grade but was cut from the squad at the last moment.

He urged players to emulate the achievements of their past players and members of the technical staff.

Meanwhile Lawson, who has been trainer of the national team for more than ten years is calling on Government to honour the technical staff of the team with Chaconia Gold medals as well.

The 24 players of the World Cup squad were presented with the country’s second highest award for their performance at the World Cup.

According to Lawson, the technical staff received money which he said cannot be of any real sentiment for them and their family in the future. Lawson made it clear that the members of the staff played just as important a role as the players and therefore should receive Chaconia Gold as well.