Minister Cudjoe-Lewis Commends Excellence In Golf At Trinidad And Tobago Golf Association’s Inaugural Awards Ceremony

Minister of Sport and Community Development, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, delivered the Feature Address as the Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) hosted its Inaugural Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port of Spain.

The event, themed “Promoting Excellence in Golf,” was aimed at celebrating the outstanding achievements of golfers and contributors to the administrative development of the sport. During her address, Minister Cudjoe-Lewis expressed her admiration for the exceptional accomplishments of the golfing community, highlighting the dedication and resilience demonstrated in overcoming the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

She also underscored the Government’s commitment to sport development, citing a substantial investment of at least 70 million dollars in the past year alone. “Last year, our government contributed at least 70 million dollars to individual athletes, national governing bodies of sport and community sporting groups all towards developing their skills in the respective disciplines and developing our people and communities through sport” said Minister Cudjoe-Lewis. Over the past eight years, the Government’s contribution has totalled at least 400 million, making it the leading supporter and financier of sports development in the country.

Recognising golf’s historical perception as an elite sport, Minister Cudjoe-Lewis praised the TTGA for its efforts in expanding the sport’s reach. She noted the increasing diversity in the demographic of golf enthusiasts, ranging from the very young to those in their 80s, both male and female.

She also commended the TTGA for extending its programmes to include women, girls, schools, and youth clubs throughout Trinidad and Tobago. She pledged the Government’s fullest support and endorsement for the association’s initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and broadening the sport’s accessibility while expressing her confidence that the TTGA’s initiatives would continue to make golf a sport of choice for recreation and relaxation for people of all ages and backgrounds in Trinidad and Tobago.

The announcement of Chris Richards Jr. and Chloe Ajodha as Male and Female Golfers of the Year, respectively, was the evening’s highlight. Minister Cudjoe-Lewis commended their skill, determination, and sportsmanship, acknowledging their impact on the golfing landscape in Trinidad and Tobago.

The event also honoured Ben Laughlin; St Andrew’s Golf Club (SAGC), Ross Ramkissoon; Pointe-a-Pierre Golf Club (PAPGC), Nicholas Wood Salmon; Millennium Lakes Golf and Country Club (MLG&CC), Kitty Murphy; St Andrew’s Gold Club, Zaid Khan; PAPGC, Maurice Mathura; PAPGC and Bill Ramjattan; Brechin Castle Golf Club (BCGC). In addition to individual accolades, the TTGA paid tribute to past presidents for their significant contributions to the administrative development of golf in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ministry of Sport and Community Development remains committed to working with all stakeholders to continue building our nation’s human capital through the development of athletic talent and community life in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, Minister of Sport and Community Development with awardees at the Trinidad and Tobago Golf Association (TTGA) Inaugural Awards Ceremony at the Central Bank Auditorium in Port of Spain.