Anthony 'Tony' Ignatius Emmanuel Harford, who passed in his sleep at his home in Cascade on Friday following months of challenges with his health can easily be labelled 'Mr Sports' of Trinidad and Tobago.
He was 68 years old and everyone called him 'Harfie'. He was visible absent from the public recently while ailing, from having undergone bypass surgery, operation on his eyes and had been taking dialysis for kidney failure. In fact, his last major sporting public presence was for the launch of the United TTFA slate for which he was a founding member of the team which eventually swept into power with a new executive led by William Wallace as president at TTFA annual general meeting (AMG) in November 2019.
His untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the local sporting community, with tributes being poured in by the various sporting organisations - the T&T Football Association and the T&T Cricket Board of Control, and many individuals among them.
He leaves to mourn his wife, two sisters, brother, son Jarred who currently resides in the United States and brother-in-law Keith Cadet, family and thousands of friends.
Shamfa Cudjoe, the Minister of Sports and Community Development wrote:
Minister of Sport and Community Development, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe extends her condolences to the family, relatives, friends and the sports fraternity on the passing of veteran sportscaster and administrator Anthony 'Tony' Harford.
Minister Cudjoe stated that “on behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, we salute Tony for his tremendous contributions to the development and promotion of sports. His voice was distinct and one that we will surely missed. He was indeed a legend, top media sports personality and administrator. We thank him for everything he has done and for giving distinguished and diligent service to Trinidad and Tobago. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Mr. Anthony Harford was a former President of the Northern Football Association (NFA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation. He was a former News and Sports Anchor as well as a Commercial Manager of West Indies Cricket and a member of the Marketing team for the West Indies Cricket Board.
T&T Marathon 2022 in Harford's honour
The T&T International Marathon Committee headed by Dianne Henderson announced on Friday that the 2022 edition of the event will be in honour of Anthony 'Tony' Ignatius Emmanuel Harford.
In offering her tribute she stated: "Tony was not only a versed radio announcer as we are all aware, known for his smooth voice and expert master of ceremonies role. Tony was also a sporting enthusiast of great proportions, not only having played cricket in his junior years but also was a one time marathoner when he completed the TTIM in 7hours 45 seconds in 2005 at the age of 51, which he was very proud of.
As far as I could remember, Tony took a personal interest in the Trinidad and Tobago Marathon from the early days. In the 1980s and 1990s, he featured the T&T Road Runners Club and other running clubs on his radio program promoting distance running, like the Tinactin 10K and encouraging the fraternity. It was through All Sport Promotions he produced video coverage of the T&T International Marathon (TTIM) on several occasions building its profile and making it what it was and is today, an international brand.
In recent years Tony and the T&T Marathon Committee (TTMC) partnered once again bringing it to the forefront of the minds of the running fraternity and securing sponsorships in support of its objectives.
Tony Harford was a pleasant and affable human being, his banter at any committee meeting always lightened the day making it easy for us to have productive and successful communication.
Having known Tony from different arenas, I remember him conducting his charitable Bingo games helping many to raise funds for their cause and never charging for his services. In 1991, when I coordinated the opening ceremony of the Carifta Games hosted by the NAAA and held at the Haseley Crawford Stadium, the rain fell heavily and Tony would simply say to me “Diane, not to worry, breathe, everything would be fine”. From that day forward I always had faith that all would be well.
Tony will surely be missed in many circles as his versatility has shown. The TTIM 2022 will be held in his honour as we celebrate 40 years of the race's existence. Condolences to his sister, Abbi De Souza, family, friends and associates and may he forever sleep in peace."
Brian Lewis - President of the T&T Olympic Committee wrote:
"Anthony 'Tony' Harford was a great human being, mentor and friend to many.
He lived and followed his passion and belief in the better version of humanity and his beloved Trinidad and Tobago.
He once shared that his ambition was to be a jockey. He became an influential voice and figure in the national life of Trinidad and Tobago. A commercial pilot, media personality both on radio and televisión. As an entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist he wasn't afraid of failure nor did he waver in his determination and commitment to the betterment of youth and young people especially through sport.
A pioneer and visionary in the sport and media industry in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. He conceptualized and developed landmark sports events. His Caribbean Sports Digest Programme is an industry benchmark and flag bearer.
Many sports organisations and sports administrators will attest that he was a friend to them and their sport.
As a patriot, he was unwavering and indomitable always concerned about being a part of creating a better future for Trinidad and Tobago. He didn't allow criticism, detractors, failure, mistakes, adversity or obstacles to define him. He took every setback as a learning opportunity to bounce back better. A class act who conducted himself with decorum and dignity.
Anthony Harford will be missed. He made a positive difference to sport and national life in Trinidad and Tobago.
On behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and Trinidad Tobago Commonwealth Games Association and Trinidad and Tobago Sand and Beach Games Association. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
May he Rest In Peace."
Veda Bruno -Victor of the Grenada Olympic Committee Secretary-General wrote:
"Brian do you know that Tony spoke at our sports award ceremony years ago in Grenada. He organised many cricket competitions on our island and obtained sponsorship for our windward island under 15 championships. It was Tony, my friend who first told us of the talent of young Stewart from Carriacou and requested that the Grenada Olympic committee assists in sending him with a team of young cricketers from Trinidad to Australia.
We too in the Grenada Olympic committee will miss my friend Tony. Tony had a great sense of humour while in Grenada he drove my car he decided that he will fill it up with gas so he stopped at the gas station and while exiting rush a gentleman's car he told the gentleman Sir the owner of the car will fix you up but you people in Grenada need to have a bigger entrance to this place."
Former Arima Race Club President and Betting Levy Board Chairman and friend Linford Carrabon said:
"Tony as most called him, was a King in his own right, was for decades an ardent supporter and contributor to the Sport of Kings.
While most associated him with the production of Winners Circle, an excellent video recap of each day's racing which was aired on local television, many may not be aware of the enormous contribution he made to local horse racing from 'behind the scenes.
For many years he was the Producer and Master of Ceremonies for the annual Jetsam Awards that honoured equine stars of the previous year. He also frequently opened his 'network' to ARC, facilitating the gaining of much-needed sponsorship.
A true friend of local horse racing who willingly gave his time and expertise to the advancement of the sport, Tony will be sadly missed. Racing indeed owes him a debt of gratitude."