Jack appeals to business leaders

TOP business leaders attended a business luncheon yesterday held to solicit support for Trinidad and Tobago’s 2006 World Cup football effort at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Westmoorings. The occasion was hosted by former Chamber President David O’Brien and approximately 47 corporate leaders listened to three guest speakers which included FIFA Vice-President Jack Warner and Burton Haimes, an executive member of the United States Soccer Federation. Among those attending were Andrew Sabga, Arthur Lok Jack, Christian Mouttet, David Dulal-Whiteway, Gregory Aboud, Ken Gordon,  Martin Daly and Neil Poon-Tip.

O’Brien, who approached the TTFF on the idea of having the luncheon, also spoke, outlining his memories of November 19 1989 when he said the nation came together behind the team in the last few months of that year. He said that he recognised the potential of the footballers to qualify for Germany 2006, but emphasised that they could not do it alone. He called on everyone to demonstrate their support for the effort required. While direct financial help was important, “all-round support” was also required O’Brien said. Haimes, invited by Warner, thanked the audience for allowing him the opportunity to address them.  He said TT must take full advantage of playing the Americans at home observing that the only time the US had defeated Mexico was in freezing conditions in Columbus, Ohio.

He said he fully understands the reason behind carding the match for the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain and noted the important role fans play in ensuring home advantage. Haimes added that sport, and particularly football is a major businesses and congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on having Warner as a vice-president of FIFA. He also spoke of the value to the sponsors, quoting figures of increased sales experienced by companies who had invested in United States football. Warner was the last man to speak, in his capacity as Secial Advisor to the TTFF. He said he was aware that he was sometimes perceived as being against the corporate sector but added and that this has never been his intention. He is hoping everyone will join the “Journey to Germany” and wanted  the business sector and the Government to be major partners in the effort. In response to a question from DOMA President Gregory Aboud, Warner said that he and the TTFF have been trying to build bridges to the Government, because qualifying for Germany was something for the whole nation to be involved in. 
 
He lamented the difficulty being experienced in trying to get a passport for the Brazilian-born midfielder Jose Luis Seabra. “We will continue to persist in our efforts to ensure that this country is best represented and is able to give its all in getting to Germany,” he said. Trinidad and Tobago will play their next international match against St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Queen’s Park Oval on January 9. The Oval was confirmed on the weekend as the venue for the third round Digicel Caribbean Cup encounter and the Soca Warriors will use the ground for training as often as possible between now and the February 9 World Cup final round clash with the United States. Following the match against St Vincent, the team will then travel to Antigua for a four-day training camp at the Antigua Recreation Ground before departing for St Vincent for the return leg on January 16. While in Antigua, coach Bertille St Clair and his team will be met by technical consultant Graham Taylor on January 13 when he will begin working with the team leading up to the USA match.