As Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, my vision is to build a stronger Trinidad and Tobago through sport and youth development, because when we invest in our people, we strengthen every community, every family, and our national potential. I am committed to ensuring that sport and youth empowerment are not treated as side projects, but as national priorities that shape healthier lifestyles, safer communities, and greater opportunity.

A key focus of my work is supporting grassroots communities, where talent is often abundant but resources can be limited. We will continue working to bring sport and youth programmes closer to where people live, through community partnerships, access to training opportunities, and initiatives that help young people thrive in positive, structured environments. I believe that meaningful development starts on the ground: in our villages, our neighbourhoods, our schools, and our community spaces.

The Government remains committed to supporting our athletes at every stage of their journey, from emerging talent to elite performers representing our country with pride. We will continue collaborating with stakeholders across the sport sector to strengthen systems that support athlete development, including preparation, participation opportunities, and the wider environment that allows athletes to perform at their best. Our athletes deserve support that is consistent, transparent, and aligned with long-term growth.

Equally, I am focused on young adults across Trinidad and Tobago, those building careers, navigating life transitions, and seeking real pathways to advancement. Our youth deserve programmes that develop leadership, life skills, employability, and personal wellbeing, alongside opportunities for service and entrepreneurship. My commitment is to champion approaches that empower young people not only to succeed individually, but to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Together, with communities, sporting bodies, youth groups, and partners across society, we will continue building a Trinidad and Tobago where opportunity is wider, support is stronger, and every young person can see a future worth striving for, right here at home.

“Once we invest consistently in our young people and support our athletes with purpose, we are not only building champions in sport, we are building champions in life,” Minister Phillip Watts.