Trinidad and Tobago's Dwight Yorke waves after his team lost to Paraguay in their Group B World Cup match in Kaiserslautern last Tuesday. - REUTERS
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning announced Saturday that each of the 24 members of the Soca Warriors will receive TT$1 million, as well as the country's second-highest national award - the Chaconia Gold Medal - for their efforts at the FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Manning was speaking before a massive rally comprising thousands of flag-waving, red-clad Soca Warriors supporters at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Although the national awards are presented on Independence Day, acting President Dr. Linda Baboolal, through a special investiture, made the presentation to the players during the rally.
Of the TT$1 million (US$159,216), $750,000 (US$119,411) will be given in shares and TT$250,000 (US$39,804) in cash.
Manning said that his Cabinet had also authorised him to present captain Dwight Yorke with TT$1.25 million (US$199,019).
PRAISES FOR YORKE
The former Manchester United star was also conferred with the status of special ambassador for the twin-island republic.
"How well he has done. He has been an inspiration, an indefatigable fighter, skillful all-rounder, a positive leader, and articulate helmsman," Manning said.
"In addition to Chaconia Gold Medal, he will receive a gift of TT$1,250,000 of which $1 million will be in units and TT$250,000 in cash."
He added: "Additionally, as soon as he is available, he will joining Brian Charles Lara as a sports ambassador of T&T in the international community."
Manning then told the crowd: "Let us, therefore, welcome His Excellency, Dwight Yorke, Ambassador for Sport of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
"We reward our heroes today, may they prosper and put to good use your bounty to them," he said, adding that the Governor of the Central Bank would make arrangements to assist the Soca Warriors in managing their finances.
UNWAVERING SUPPORT
In addition, each of the 16 players who were part of the squad but not selected for Germany will receive TT$250,000 (US$39,804) of which $200,000 (US$31,843) will be given in shares from the Unit Trust corporation and $50,000 (US$7,960) in cash.
Soca Warriors coach, Leo Beenhakker, will receive TT$1 million (US$159,216) and although not a national of T&T, will still be given the Chaconia Gold Medal. His three assistants will be given TT$250,000 (US$39,804) each.
Yorke, in his brief address, thanked the country for its 'support' saying that as captain, "it gives me great pleasure in thanking you for your support to the Soca Warriors for the good times and the bad times.
"I know that some people out there had doubts in the Soca Warriors, but I always knew we had a team wanting to prove to the world that we belong on the world stage," the 34-year-old said.
After embracing Yorke warmly, Manning said the Soca Warriors would always have a "cherished place in the annals of our nation."
He said the team had scored several major goals for the nation, firstly by putting the country on the map, and then by proving that smallness had nothing to do with greatness.
Manning said the team had also opened up new opportunities for economic growth overseas and had unified the country in a way that no politician had ever done.
From as early as 2:00 p.m., Soca Warriors supporters filled the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain as the country came out to say thanks to the players who returned from Germany on Thursday night.
In a massive rally, some 4,000 school children joined the members of the public to line the streets of Port-of-Spain as the Warriors made their way via a motorcade to the National Stadium.
MINI-CARNIVAL
It was a mini-carnival of sorts as music trucks blared Maximum Dan's popular Soca Warrior song, which has become not only a National Anthem for the team, but a road march song as well.
From early afternoon, Prime Minister Manning, members of his Cabinet, as well as acting President Dr Baboolal, and former President, A.N.R. Robinson, gathered at the stadium.
The team made its appearance at 5:00 p.m. amidst screams and cheers, waving flags and confetti from adoring fans. This was accompanied by the sounds of the T&T Defence Force steel band and colourful masqueraders from Roslyn Gabriel's mas band.
Aurtis Whitley led the team in, followed by Yorke as the crowd cheered each team member as they appeared.
T&T became the second English-speaking Caribbean team - after Jamaica (1998 in France) - to qualify for the World Cup Finals.
In spite of their failure to advance to the second round of the World Cup Finals, T&T won the hearts of many fans with gritty and competitive performances in Germany.
They had a memorable 0-0 draw in their debut game against top European team Sweden on June 10, before losing to England and Paraguay.
