Ban Defence Force hockey team

THE EDITOR: Please permit me to express my dissatisfaction and disappointment at the behaviour of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force hockey team during the recent Big Four Tournament which was sponsored by a good Corporate Citizen — Toyota Trinidad Limited. I feel certain that our President and Prime Minister who both have an indirect responsibility for the Defence Force, and the Minister of National Security and the Chief of the Defence Force who both have a more direct involvement, are all indeed embarrassed and ashamed. This is an institution which should be setting the best possible example not only to all other sporting personnel, but also to the youth of our country, and what do they do?

Because they did not agree with the umpire’s decision, I am told that their captain, who by the way is the vice captain of the national team, instructed them to walk off the field. Look at what happened to Van Nisterooy. He queried the referee’s decisions after the game and was banned for two games. I hope the Hockey Federation will have the strength to take appropriate action and ban the Defence Force Team (inclusive of each individual player) for no less than five years. They are a disgrace to sport and to all the people of Trinidad and Tobago. I expect the Minister of National Security to demand as a matter of urgency, a full investigation into this distasteful incident.

DEVON HEWITT
Trincity