THA head: Nothing wrong with racing goats

Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles says there is "absolutely nothing" wrong with Tobago men taking part in goat racing.

Delivering the feature address at the 94th annual Goat and Crab Race Festival at the Buccoo Integrated Facility, Tobago, Charles said goat racing was not "an ordinary pastime" but required skill, time, patience, dedication and commitment.

"Some may be ignorant. And I say this with emphasis.....But I am particularly proud to say to Tobago and indeed all of TT that nothing, absolutely nothing is wrong with goat-racing," he declared.

"I go further to state that nothing, absolutely nothing, is wrong with Tobago men partaking (sic) in goat racing."

Charles' declaration came days after Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha secretary general Sat Maharaj spoke disparagingly about the poor work ethic of Tobagonians during a Jaagriti broadcast. He described the men in particular as lazy and only fit to run crab and goat races.

In his address, Charles made no mention of Maharaj's comments but said Tobagonians were "elated" goat racing was part of the island's unique cultural heritage.

"It is a source of great pride and joy for all who have witnessed it. And it is important for us to recognise that and we must never lose it, as goat racing has become part of Tobago's DNA."

There are many places in the world where you will finds all kinds of activities, he said, "But I am not sure you can find goat racing anywhere else in the world. And even if you do, I am not sure you can find one that matches the authenticity and the spectacle that is characteristic of the Buccoo Goat Race Festival."

Reflecting on the significance of Easter – death and resurrection – Charles urged the gathering to "put death" to negativity, bad habits, selfishness, ingratitude and jealousy.

"Brothers and sisters, any attitude and mindset that does not promote the building of Tobago should be put to death today."

On the flip side, he challenged Tobagonians to "resurrect parts of us that will build and develop our Tobago and by extension, our country, TT.

"We must never succumb to negativity and despair. Easter is a time of hope, renewal and new life."