debut: 2/16/17
40,656 runs
Rowley and Padarath in row over Lara contract
West Indies batting icon Brian Lara and his partnership with the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) were the centre of a social media row between former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley and Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath yesterday.
When contacted by Guardian Media about Rowley’s post last night, Padarath said: “It’s a blatant lie. I wouldn’t say it’s an incorrect accusation. He (Rowley) has a history of this.”
He confirmed Lara had contacted him on the issue.
“He (Lara) expressed deep concern and he also indicated to me that the contract expired during the last administration and it was not renewed. He did indicate to me at some point that he will make a statement in the public as it regards the post that was made earlier this evening. But it is also deeply troubling, worrying and not surprising all at the same time that the former prime minister will put out something in the public domain like this without knowing the facts.”
West Indies batting icon Brian Lara and his partnership with the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) were the centre of a social media row between former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley and Minister of Public Utilities Barry Padarath yesterday.
When contacted by Guardian Media about Rowley’s post last night, Padarath said: “It’s a blatant lie. I wouldn’t say it’s an incorrect accusation. He (Rowley) has a history of this.”
He confirmed Lara had contacted him on the issue.
“He (Lara) expressed deep concern and he also indicated to me that the contract expired during the last administration and it was not renewed. He did indicate to me at some point that he will make a statement in the public as it regards the post that was made earlier this evening. But it is also deeply troubling, worrying and not surprising all at the same time that the former prime minister will put out something in the public domain like this without knowing the facts.”
TSTT also clarified its position in a brief response to Guardian Media last night.
“TSTT’s contractual arrangements with Brian Lara came to an end in 2022. However, our relationship with him remains strong and we have proudly supported him and his initiatives over the years. He continues to be a cherished member of the extended TSTT family.”In October 2003, Sam Martin, then TSTT CEO, announced a two-year contract with Lara, who was captain of the West Indies team at the time. Martin revealed that TSTT would pay Lara for his association and cover his telecommunications services up to the maximum of $55,000 per year.
“TSTT’s contractual arrangements with Brian Lara came to an end in 2022. However, our relationship with him remains strong and we have proudly supported him and his initiatives over the years. He continues to be a cherished member of the extended TSTT family.”In October 2003, Sam Martin, then TSTT CEO, announced a two-year contract with Lara, who was captain of the West Indies team at the time. Martin revealed that TSTT would pay Lara for his association and cover his telecommunications services up to the maximum of $55,000 per year.
