06/04/2021
*Breakdown*
RE. The TTASA letter canceling drags event.
We are going to put aside the poor overall format of the release and focus on (6) GLARING issues.
1. According to TTASA – “The Trinidad and Tobago Automobile Sport Association (TTASA) informs you that a consultation call was held with a contact at the Ministry of Health and another at the Evolving Technologies and Enterprise Development (eTecK) for guidance on reimposed COVID-19 restrictions.”
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(TTC) A consultation call with a “contact” is not only ambiguous but does not give any proper insight or clarity. No one knows who they spoke to, when was the conversation held or even if that person is properly acquainted and/ or qualified to speak on behalf of the ministry. The same goes with eTecK. In any OFFICIAL letter; it is important as well as protocol to cite their sources/ channels of information to have proper accountability and credibility.
2. According to TTASA – “During these calls it was advised that we are negatively affected by these re-imposed restrictions.”
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Further to that; on the website Trinituner, they also stated; albeit weird, that the reason for the cancellation was that there was a banning by the government on all sports.
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(TTC) Coming from the Ministry of Health – “In a bid to control the spread of COVID-19, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced that all recreational team sports will be prohibited from tomorrow, Friday April 2nd, 2021. However, training of athletes involved in National and International sports will continue.”
Drag Racing is a professional sport, it is NOT a recreational team sport (e.g evening sweat or fete match) – TTASA management should be aware of such considering they are the NSO for motorsport in Trinidad & Tobago & ASN for FIA. Therein, it would suffice to say that racers, especially the ones who take the discipline seriously are considered athletes and training sessions (which are allowed) give them the opportunity to learn, practice and hone their skills.
The government NEVER issued a ban on all sports – so we are not sure how the cancellation can be as a result of that. The restrictions apply to recreational team sports so that means the management of TTASA was either ill-informed, lacked the proper skillset to process information, not equipped to administer or they simply don't take motorsport seriously. Motorsport is a NON-CONTACT sport meaning there is no emphasis on physical contact between participants so the risks as aligned to COVID19 is lesser.
3. According to TTASA – “We are however advised to once again seek an exemption from the Ministry of Health to carry on with Motorsport until these restrictions are lifted.”
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(TTC) We are confused, exemption from what exactly? As was stated before, motorsport (moreso training) itself is not affected as per the statement by the Minister, neither is Wallerfield as a facility. No other ASN has had to write for an exemption to carry out their mandate when it is already stated that training of National and International sports can continue. Also if there was an insistence, wasn’t there an exemption already in place and if a new one was needed why didn’t they obtain it rather than cancel everything.
4. According to TTASA – “Please note that all practice sessions and events for the foreseeable future at the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway have also been cancelled due to these restrictions.”
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(TTC) We can’t understand why everything else has to be affected, which lead us to a huge problem with TTASA wearing all the caps at the same time. The ramifications of one decision can negatively affect the entire fraternity. As an organisation trusted with the mandate of bringing professionalism to motorsport and promoting it so that it is held in high regard has failed to do so. And as always the TTASA management continues to not only display ineptitude but is unable to negotiate or preside over matters that are in the best interest of the wider motorsport fraternity.
5. According to TTASA – “This decision was made with the consideration of the health and safety for our members and staff.”
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(TTC) This is IRONY at its best because based on what we have observed, TTASA (members and staff) have not been following nor were they in any meaningful manner trying to dutifully implement Covid19 Protocols at events. Numerous officials, personnel and competitors have been observed walking and interacting without facial masks or practicing social distancing at the events they themselves have held at Wallerfield.
6. A document such as the release, with its far-reaching consequences should be signed off on by the president Mr. Fyzool Madan. If organisational chain of command protocols are to be followed it is HIGHLY inappropriate and strange for the interim secretary Mr. Kasey Ramoutar to sign this correspondence.
(TTC)Sidenote: There are more questions than answers and the inconsistencies as well as the excuses proves that when it comes to administration of motorsport the present TTASA management is incapable. Also note that according to Section 19 (f).i of the TTASA Constitution and Section 2 (Role of the ASN) in the FIA Development Manual TTASA cannot host events, that is not their function. Their role is that of an administrator & facilitator and NOT a for-profit company or promoter.
