Football fans in Trinidad and Tobago have been long waiting for changes to immigration laws that would allow a wider pool of talented players to represent the nation on the international stage. Angus Eve, the national football coach, has been vocal about this need since the beginning of his tenure. Joining him in this call for amendments is Dwight Yorke, who brought up this issue again during a recent fete match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Currently, only players born overseas with Trinidadian/Tobagonian parents are eligible to play for the national team. But both Eve and Yorke are advocating for the inclusion of players with Trinidadian/Tobagonian grandparents as well. This change, they argue, would not only expand the selection pool but also increase internal competition, ultimately strengthening the team.
The question now is, why the delay in making these necessary amendments? Minister Fitzgerald Hinds and the Cabinet seem to have other priorities, leaving many in the football community feeling neglected. Some speculate that sports, in general, may not be a top concern for the current administration. This lack of urgency could have serious implications for Trinidad and Tobago’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Unless action is taken swiftly, we could be waiting for years to see our national team qualify for major tournaments like the World Cup. It’s time for the government to prioritize the development of sports in the country, for the benefit of athletes and fans alike.
Kendell Karan, Chaguanas
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