National Sports policy under review

Responding to a question in the House of Representatives, Smith said this will include transitioning the Sport Company of TT to the Sports Commission of TT; re-evaluation of governance structures of national sporting bodies; creation of sport dispute resolution centres; legislation regarding the amendment of the Boxing Control Board Act; high performance sport support for elite athletes and coach development and collaboration with the Tourism Ministry on a National Sport Tourism Policy .

Responding to a question from Princes Town MP Barry Padarath, Smith said it did not matter under which administration any particular sporting facility was developed .

Smith explained that what matters is the ability of the facility to be used for the benefit of athletes and the public alike .

He reminded MPs that the Cycling Velodrome and the National Aquatic Centre in Couva were first conceptualised by his predecessors Roger Boynes and Gary Hunt, even though they were built under the former People’s Partnership (PP) government .

Smith also advised Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar that the National Tennis Centre was renamed the National Racquet Centre because the facility will accommodate badminton, squash and table tennis, in addition to lawn tennis .