Navin Stewart challenges Kerwin John for Tobago Cricket presidency

Tobago Cricket Association (TCA) president Kerwin John will vie for his sixth consecutive term in office when the TCA elections take place at its AGM at the Shaw Park recreation ground administrative building on November 30.

Contrary to previous years, when John was elected unopposed, he will have a fight on his hands for the presidency this year, with former TT Red Force cricketer Navin Stewart vying to be the new TCA head.

In September, Stewart received the Hummingbird Medal Gold for his contributions to sport. Having played 36 matches for the Red Force across the First-Class and T20 formats, Stewart believes he and his slate can create an avenue for Tobago cricketers to maximise their full potential.

"We think Tobago needs a new direction," Stewart told Newsday on November 29. "We have new ideas, new leadership and new blood to hopefully take our cricket programmes and cricket on the island of Tobago forward."

Stewart's slate includes Ancil Nedd (first vice-president), Ako George (second vice-president), Triska Smart (secretary) and Amanda Baker (treasurer).

Press officer Marcus Daniel will vie for the first vice-presidency on John's slate, after Farouk Yatali decided not to go for re-election. Oscar Orr will challenge the post of second vice-president on John's slate. The post was previously held by the late Earl Arthur.

John's slate will be completed by Tandeka Moses and Lincoln Nelson, seeking re-election in their respective posts of secretary and treasurer.

Stewart believes he and his team have put in the necessary groundwork and have enough support on their side to claim victory in the election.

"I think we have an exciting and amazing bunch we have put together...all of these people are integrated into different communities, different community programmes and different youth programmes," he said.

"Elections are won on the day. So far, we've been able to make some breakthroughs and we're quietly confident of leading after the people have their say.

"Being a former national player, I would have known the challenges of coming from Tobago and making it to the national team. I'd just like to create a clearer pathway for youngsters where they don't have to go through some of the struggles I would have had to encounter."