Twin athletes assured of sponsorship by PM Gonsalves

Twin athletes Reberto and Reuberth Boyde have been assured by the Prime Minister of sponsorship.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, during his address to the Youth Arm Convention of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) on Sunday, May 24,{{more}} made the commitment to the youngsters, after it had been reported that there had been a falling out between the twins and Team Athletics SVG (TASVG).

“I don’t want to get involved in any dispute with them and the athletics association, but I want to say here for them, that I want this week, the coach to call the Comrade and I will arrange sponsorship.

“And until I arrange sponsorship, I will take the money from my pocket to help these boys,” Gonsalves promised.

In our May 19 edition, SEARCHLIGHT reported that the boys had been selected as part of the athletics team to travel to Trinidad and Tobago on the weekend of May 19 to take part in Hampton International Games. However, at a meeting held to brief the athletes selected, the Boydes returned their uniforms, giving the local track and field body an ultimatum. The duo stated that unless a stipend was paid to them, they would not travel to the games. A decision was then taken to omit the promising sprinters from the team.

SEARCHLIGHT also understands that TASVG has no policy in relation to granting stipends for such regional meets.(KW)