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PADARATH: SMITH HAS QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
Posted On 22 Aug 2016
Princes Town MP, Barry Padarath called on Minister of Sport, Daryl Smith to answer several questions regarding the performance of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Team at the recently concluded Olympic Games.
Padarath said that while he was proud of all of our athletes and the dignified manner in which they represented the red, white and black, Smith had several questions to answer on the support provided to the athletes from officials on the team.
Padarath indicated that Smith needed to answer how much funds was provided to the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Team for their preparation, as well as their travel and stay in Rio de Janiero. He said a major point of contention was the role of Chef De Mission Dr. Hyploite who appeared to spend more time on ESPN commentating rather than with the athletes training. Padarath further asked whether the Government paid for Dr. Hypolite’s travel, accommodation and per diem for the Olympic or was it the Olympic committee or ESPN.
The MP argued that the disqualification of the Trinidad and Tobago athletes from the 4×400 men’s relay was still shrouded in secrecy as to whether Dr. Hypolite and others challenged the decision. He said their failure to get involved in lodging a protest against the disqualification compounded the disappointment felt by the athletes and the citizens.
He further called on Smith to say who approved Dr. Hyploite could serve both as Chef De Mission of the team as well as an on air commentator for ESPN for lengthy hours during the day and in the evenings. He also asked that Smith come clean on whether Dr. Hyploite was appointed Chef De Mission before or after signing on with ESPN.
The Princes Town MP stated that he had noted the comments of Olympic medalist Keshorn Walcott about the team not having cohesion and support from within. He said it is in that context that many of these questions need answers.
Padarath stated that the answers to the questions that he has posed to Smith may be factors behind the scenes that have to do with the performance of our athletes that may have adversely impacted them personally. He stated that as we look forward to the 2020 Tokyo games we must learn from the mistakes of the past and not repeat them.
