PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has congratulated Darryl Smith on his appointment as the new minister of sport and says they are looking forward to a productive working relationship with the former youth footballer.

Smith, the member of parliament for Diego Martin Central, was named on Friday to serve in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley following the People’s National Movement’s victory in general elections here last Monday.

President Raymond Tim Kee said the ministry needed someone with Smith’s enthusiasm and knowledge.

“It’s reassuring to have leadership in the Department of Sport and Youth Affairs from someone who understands the grass roots and sporting issues of the country, and who has also been actively involved,” Tim Kee said.

“I am confident your passion for sport, in particular football, and for T&T, will see you work tirelessly for the development of sport in our beloved country.”

He added: “Nothing fosters a sense of shared national identity better than the country taking part in global sporting competitions, as has been evident at the 2006 World Cup and our appearances at other world events — Cricket World Cups and athletic meets such as the Olympic Games.”

Tim Kee will hope to foster a much warmer relationship with Smith after enduring a stormy relationship with former Sports Minister Brent Sancho.

A war of words erupted between the two in recent months, with Tim Kee branding Sancho “the worst minister of sport” in the country’s history and Sancho accusing the Tim Kee-led TTFA of being the “worst-run sporting organisation” in the country.

Tim Kee, the mayor of Port of Spain, also serves as treasurer of the PNM.

He said he trusted Smith to use sports to bridge the political divide.

“Sport increasingly crosses cultural and political boundaries in a way that few other activities can. It’s about really building a society, a nation, a country. Sport has something to offer people at all ages. We are confident that you will lead this charge,” he continued.

“We at the TTFA look forward with great anticipation to getting the ball rolling with you, honourable minister and your ministry. Again, we take this opportunity to extend best wishes to you in your new role and look forward to working with you.”