In a landmark announcement during the 2025/26 national budget presentation at the Red House on October 13, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo revealed the government’s comprehensive plan to bolster sports infrastructure and tourism through strategic investments. Central to this initiative is the establishment of ten new fully accessible community centres slated for completion in fiscal 2026. These centres aim to foster unity and national pride by providing state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and communities alike.
Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing existing sports infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of pools in Biche, Maloney, Morvant, Rio Claro, and Tunapuna, alongside upgrades to national stadia. While specific stadia were not named, the minister highlighted the broader goal of enhancing sports tourism, a sector he described as ‘hybrid’ and ripe for development. Plans include the creation of new products in medical, sport, and cultural tourism, as well as the completion of hotel projects to support this growth.
Tobago is also set to benefit from these initiatives, with the Tobago House of Assembly establishing a dedicated sport tourism unit. The island will focus on skilled development, vocational training, and creating pathways from amateur to professional sports, alongside youth internship programmes. These efforts aim to monetize sports and outdoor recreation while catalyzing investment in sports infrastructure.
Tancoo also addressed the challenges facing the Sport and Culture Fund, which has suffered due to the unprofitability of the instant lottery system. To address this, the minister announced that deposits into the fund would no longer rely solely on lottery surpluses but would be set and approved by the finance minister. This change, coupled with stricter financial management, aims to ensure the fund’s sustainability.
In addition, Tancoo pledged a crackdown on illegal lotteries, which reportedly generate $9 billion annually, significantly impacting the National Lotteries Control Board’s $3 billion annual earnings. Harsher penalties for illegal gaming houses were promised as part of this effort.
The minister also took a moment to extend his best wishes to Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Curacao on October 14, underscoring the government’s support for national sports.
Further details on the sports budget allocation and specific plans under the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs are expected to be revealed during the budget debate on October 17.