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The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs will soon conduct a comprehensive survey across all National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to benchmark governance standards and ensure best practices are upheld across Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting landscape. Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts made the announcement at a forum hosted by the Ministry and the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo last saturday. Representatives from over 50 NGBs attended the meeting, which focused on governance, compliance, and future funding frameworks. Watts said the survey will form part of a wider effort to strengthen transparency, accountability, and professionalisation across all sporting organisations. “Governance must be more than a formality,” he declared. “It is the anchor for credibility, transparency, and lasting impact. Where governance falters, athlete priorities are compromised.” Watts also stressed that the government remained committed to providing consistent and equitable support but said that accountability and compliance are essential for NGBs seeking funding. “Compliance should not be viewed as a barrier, but as the bridge to expedited funding,” Watts explained. “Up-to-date executive lists, certified financials, annual activity plans, and post-event reports are key to unlocking resources.” He outlined that the Ministry and SporTT are working to harmonise grant review cycles with sport calendars to ensure smoother planning and uninterrupted event execution. “We want to guarantee that preparation, travel, and competition are not affected by funding delays,” he said. Earlier this year, T&T’s senior men’s and women’s hockey teams were forced to withdraw from the 2025 Pan American Cups held in Montevideo, Uruguay, due to a lack of funding approval from SporTT. The main reason for the lack of funding was attributed to outstanding financial reconciliation reports from the Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TTHB) from previous tournaments. The TTHB was unable to secure the necessary funds in time for the teams to travel for their opening matches, despite having qualified for the tournament earlier. Watts also underscored the importance of a data-driven approach to sport policy. “Data is the engine that drives policy; policy informs our planning, and planning shapes the programmes that elevate sport,” he said. “For every NGB, professionalisation is essential—through strategic development, and business plans that ensure sustainability.”
