DAVID JOHN-WILLIAMS, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), was paid a special tribute on his appointment as head of the sport’s governing body by Mayor of Point Fortin Clyde Paul and other exemplars of the Borough at the Clifton Hill Beach Resort on Wednesday.
The newly appointed president, a deeply rooted son of the South Western peninsula, went on to deliver a highly emotional speech on his journey to the top of TT’s football administration. Also wearing the hats of president and chief executive officer of top TT Pro League club W Connection, John Williams was humbled by the recognition paid to him on his recent works within the local football circuit.
“Not in my wildest dreams I would have seen myself as president of the TTFA,” he said. “But for some reason, when I reflect on my life, it seems that I was being prepared for this.” The astute businessman opted to take a stroll down memory lane by highlighting some of the events throughout his life in Point Fortin which played instrumental roles in developing him as an avid fan of the sport and eventual administrator.
John-Williams reflected on paying a price of 10 cents to enter Mahaica Oval to watch fellow southerners and former national senior footballers such as Monty Douglas, Salim Mohammed, Warren Archibald and Leroy De Leon play. He reminisced on his time at Point Fortin Intermediate RC Primary School, Naparima College and his stints with Point Fortin Civic Centre cricket and athletic teams, who according to him had some form of input towards his trek to TTFA presidency.
“I just want to say thank you to my family and to my dad especially,” he added. “When I was running for office, I said maybe it was written in the stars. The TTFA was formed on July 23, 1908. I was born on July 23 1962.
The election was held on November 29, 2015, and that day my dad turned 96 years old. I missed his celebration however, generally I am a very emotional person, but this one (TTFA victory) was for dad. Thank you very much Point Fortin family and I will take this to my grave.” In Paul’s address, he credited John-Williams’ commitment to the cause and his lengthy years of business and sporting experience both on the local and international stage.
He however, used this opportunity to make a few suggestions to the president on football development within the Point Fortin area.
“In the coming days there will be new beginnings and transformations and will be on the minds and tongues of many,” he said. “We have the right man for the job of TTFA presidency. We are now lobbying to make the abandoned Forest Reserve Football Grounds, better known as The Acre, the National Football Training Centre; all of our national teams would be able to focus on their task ahead.
Mr president this facility is wasting away. It is owned by Petrotrin but is ideal for the purpose I have stated and I see it as a revival of football in this south west.” Paul also issued a gentle reminder to John-Williams towards the implementation of the Mahaica Oval pavilion.
He also asked all those present to ensure that he gets the chance to sit and watch a game at the Mahaica Oval before his term of office comes to an end.