Phillips resigns as SporTT Chairman

Phillips was appointed Chairman of SporTT in November 2015, replacing local cricket administrator Dudnath Ramkessoon. The resignation of Phillips comes 11 days before the Brian Lara Academy officially opens in Tarouba, a project that SporTT was heavily involved in. A Brian Lara XI will face a Sachin Tendulkar XI at the opening of the Academy on May 13.

Phillips, who is a former national cyclist, made the decision to resign on Monday. Phillips said, “I would like to take the opportunity to notify the public that I have tendered my resignation as chairman of SporTT . I am proud to have been able to make a contribution to the development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago in this capacity. I thank the Prime Minister, Corporation Sole and the Minister of Sport for having the confidence in me, to lead this organisation. Regrettably, I have found the requirements and time needed to effectively remain as chairman is more than I am able to extend at this time. However, I will continue to engage in the community programmes and activities that I have established in my personal capacity.” Phillips, who is the owner of bike store Mike’s Bikes and Phillips Promotions, is one of the top cycling promoters in the country, organising events such as the Beacon Cycling on the Avenue and the Michael Phillips Republic Day Cycling Classic.

Phillips said he has not been able to hosts mountain bike events recently, something that he hopes to commit to again. “A lot of my programmes have really taken a hit, because you just don’t have the time to spread across the board. So that is what I am anxious to be able to get on with.” Asked to comment on his tenure, Phillips said it was a privilege to see first-hand how the Sport Company operates.

“It was a great learning one. It is a real challenge in terms of time and work. It was a great opportunity to see the inner workings of the Sport Company,” he said.

Phillips refused to comment, though, on what was his biggest achievement while sitting as Chairman.

“I really don’t want to get into anything that is self promoting to be honest with you,” he said.

Phillips in his statement said that he is still willing to offer his services to advance sport in TT .

“I have given an undertaking to the Minister of Sport and to the sporting fraternity that I will make myself available where possible in the interests of creating a vibrant sporting industry for Trinidad and Tobago. A great deal of positive in sport has occurred over the last year and a half and I am confident that the trend will continue. There are many people working in the best interest of sport and SporTT , and it was a pleasure to have the chance to lend some of my personal experience to its growth. I wish the Ministry of Sport, SporTT and the board of directors continued success as they move forward.” Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith said it was a pleasure working with Phillips.

Smith said, “I wish him all the best. It is his choice, I had a wonderful time with him, he worked very hard and I was very pleased.

I wished him and his family all the best.” Smith said Cabinet now has to decide on a new chairman