Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, the Honourable Phillip Watts, received a courtesy visit from United States Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Philip Kern and Public Affairs Officer Ms. Andrea Stanford at the A.N.R. Robinson Diplomatic Lounge, Parliament, Port of Spain.
Also present at the meeting was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Ms. Penelope Bradshaw-Niles.
Discussions centred on opportunities for enhanced international collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States in the areas of sports diplomacy, youth development and sport tourism.
The meeting served as a platform for dialogue on the potential use of sport as a vehicle for strengthening people-to-people ties, expanding developmental opportunities for young people, and supporting the growth of the country’s sport sector. The two sides also considered initiatives that could expose athletes, coaches, sport administrators and young people to international best practices, exchange programmes and capacity-building opportunities.
Minister Watts welcomed the engagement, noting the value of strategic partnerships that support the development of athletes and young people while contributing to the wider national agenda for sport, youth empowerment and economic activity through sport tourism.
Both the Ministry and United States representatives expressed a willingness to work collaboratively toward establishing a joint committee. The proposed committee would work closely with both parties to identify priority areas, develop practical programmes, and support the execution of initiatives geared toward athlete development, youth empowerment and opportunities within sport tourism.
The Ministry said it looks forward to continued engagement with the United States Embassy as both sides pursue mutually beneficial initiatives that harness sport and youth development to build stronger communities and deepen bilateral cooperation.