Tuesday February 9th, 2010
- Last update:14 hours 36 min ago
T&T cricketers should get something—Murray
Published: 25 Oct 2009
President of the T&T Cricket Board Deryck Murray is hoping that Government rewards the T&T cricket team. Murray, responding to Minister of Sport Gary Hunt, who said they had not contemplated any reward for the cricketers, said the same way the T&T Soca Warriors were financially rewarded after qualifying and playing in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the T&T cricket team should be rewarded too. Sixteen members of the Soca Warrior team were each awarded $250,000. The total package the Soca Warriors, coach and its technical staff received was $31 million.
“It is for the Government to decide,” said Murray. “They (Soca Warriors) were given financial rewards. Cricket is an equally major sport in the world, so you would hope the Government would recognise the players in this one as well.” Murray said if the players were not rewarded life will go on. “They have so much to look forward to in the future. These are young men and there will be many more opportunities. Yes, we would welcome any such reward given to them. However, the more important thing is for these players to concentrate on their futures.”
Bright futures ahead
Stating that T&T was proud of the team’s achievements, Murray said everything now rest in the hands of the Government. Speaking about the players, Murray said each of them had a bright future ahead in cricket, not only for the T&T, but the West Indies team. “Things will open up for the them.” Murray also heaped praises on captain Daren Ganga for his leadership role, for helping to reignite the passion for cricket locally and for bringing a ray of hope to the country.
“Hopefully this will work as a catalyst to bring about change in West Indies cricket. We know that T&T, individual players, individual board members and the board as a whole has a leadership role to play in Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies Cricket.” Murray believes Ganga has enough potential and skill to captain the West Indies team. “Of course he does, he had done the job before for a very short period. And I have no doubt that if he is entrusted with that job again he would do well.”
WHATEVER IS PROMISED
WHATEVER IS PROMISED -
Whatever is promised make sure it is in writing and a lawyer checks it over. Bovell pool not finished yet and the footballers did not get their money from the World Cup even after controversy and arbitration. In the heat of victory all kinds of promises are made and not always kept.
I appreciate that money has
I appreciate that money has now become a problem, but I'm sure there must still be some left in the Treasury. If not, give the boys a little something to show appreciation and encouragement. Even some Government Bonds and shares in State Companies would be welcome. I'm sure Ganga would appreciate some shares in Petrotrin, Petrosing, Petroman or whatever it's called these days.
If Trinidad & Tobago could make it to World Cup football on their own, I see no reason why we can't do it in test cricket and forget the confusion in WIBC. When Bustamante pulled out of the West Indian Federation, Williams took the decision for us to go Independent on our own. "We can do it if we try". Forget Manning's egomaniacal designs and plans for Caribbean hegemony. Helping out our Caribbean brothers and sisters is one thing, but political integration is a different kettle of fish. Every country's national interest is different; don't let anyone fool you.
It is time for the
It is time for the government to get out of all sports and allow the organizations to operate independently. We as a nation rely too much on the government for everything. This proof enough that success is not dependent on government money. The private sector should pay for those since they depend on us for their survival. The only reward the government should provide is recognition and awards after success. That is the most effective way to success. They shouldn't pay sports organizations and have no business going to the airport.
They should get a medal
They should get a medal perhaps but no monetary award. What is with this desire to just give money to sports and religious teams/organizations? The govt should give money to build many more youth facilities including sports and other type of recreation. But the public and businesses need to step up and do their part and we need to stop depending on the govt for funding. Don S. NY