Former West Indies cricket captain Dwayne Bravo yesterday allayed fears from some quarters that he may be joining the People's Partnership Government.
In dismissing concerns raised on social media that he was being courted as a possible candidate for the forthcoming general election, Bravo said he was only there as a guest of close friend and Sport Minister Brent Sancho.
"It's no big deal," Bravo told the T&T Guardian of his appearance on the United National Congress' political platform.
Bravo, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket soon after being left out of the West Indies' World Cup team, which some speculated was a direct result of his leading the walkout of the India tour, greeted Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar seconds after she finished delivering her feature address to the Debe crowd.
He then hugged Persad-Bissessar and they both flashed the "V" for victory sign as photographers snapped away and supporters cheered loudly.
The photo and story of Bravo's appearance on the T&T Guardian's Facebook page and web site, which was posted moments after he made his stage appearance, caused heated debate among supporters of the various political parties. Some speculated Bravo, just like Sancho, was being eyed for a potential seat in the general election.
Yesterday, however, Bravo said he was there as a mere guest to lend his support to his personal friend, Sancho.
Asked if there was politics in the near future, given the rumours, Bravo added: "I don't understand what all of this is about. It is no big deal. I just went there to support my friend, who has been my personal friend for years."
Sancho also dispelled rumours that Bravo had a political career ahead for the UNC, confirming he was there supporting him.
Sancho added that long before his appointment as Sport Minister, Bravo had been at his side and that friendship had not changed.
"Bravo is a friend of mine and he has always supported me in my endeavours. We have a good relationship way before my ministerial post and nothing has changed," he said.
"He (Bravo), like many other athletes, has been very supportive to me and it is good to have them along."