RACHAEL THOMPSON-KING
rachael.king@guardian.co.tt
In a prompt response to concerns raised by the T&T Automobile Sports Association (TTASA) about its 3,000 racers which no longer have access to the Frankie Boodram Wallerfield International Raceway (FBWIR), the Minister of Trade and Industry Paul Gopee-Scoon meet with the executive of the Evolving Tecknologies and Enterprise Development Company Limited (eTecK), yesterday.
This was at the company’s building, Tamana InTech Park, where the Minister was provided with an overview of the TTASA site by eTecK executives including its president Daniel Duncan, director Arnold De Four, Ian Fletcher, vice-president, Real Estate Assets - eTecK, Steve De Las, manager, Capital Projects – eTecK and Judy Ramjohn, eTecK director.
Yesterday, Minister Gopee-Scoon with eTeck officials visited TTASA’s facility and had discussions, which resulted in them calling a meeting today with representatives of eTecK, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), Alutech, the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs and the Minister of Trade and Industry to discuss matters surrounding the request for a licence agreement between TTASA and e TecK.
A release from eTeck yesterday said: "The concern is that the construction of Alutech’s facility involved in the manufacturing and assembly of alloy rims from imported aluminium is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2018.
"There are safety and security concerns for the employees involved in the construction as well as spectators at TTASA events and these matters will be discussed at today's meeting. Other compliance issues will also be addressed.
"eTecK is committed to working towards an amicable solution. A meeting with TTASA officials is expected to be held soonest."
On Friday, Jameer Ali, vice-president of TTASA, the national governing body for motorsports in T&T, confirmed that his association was informed by eTecK that its six-month license to use the Wallerfield premises expired on August 20 and that it will not be renewed.
He said that the TTASA reached out to both ministries hoping for a quick resolution so that its 3,000 membership can get back on track and race.