Minister of Sport Brent Sancho is standing behind the decision by former West Indies Captain Dwayne Bravo to appear on the political platform of the United National Congress (UNC), saying Bravo was there to support him.
But Sancho did not dismiss Bravo's seemingly political future, as suspected by many since his (Bravo's) appearance at the UNC Monday Night Forum in Debe.
Speaking with the T&T Guardian yesterday, Sancho said he has no doubt in Bravo, should he take that political step.
"Dwayne Bravo has shown his tremendous support for me ever since, and he has already exemplified great leadership. And with respect to the transition, if he does decide to go to politics, he will in fact make a great leader and representative because he has a great heart and it's all in the right places. I believe he will do well and I will also support him and endorse him," Sancho said.
Sancho added that since his appointment as Minister of Sport, Bravo has been at his side.
Bravo is a friend of mine and he has always supported me in my endeavors. We have a good relationship way before my ministerial post and nothing has changed. He (Bravo), like many other athletes, has been very supportive to me and it is good to have them along."
When contacted, Bravo said, "It's no big deal."
He said he was just there as a guest for the show, lending support to his personal friend, Sancho.
Asked to comment on speculation that he could be selected by the PP Government to contest a seat in the 2015 general elections, Bravo said, "I don't understand what all of this is about. It is no big deal. I just went there to support my friend, who has been my personal friend for years."
Bravo recently announced his retirement from Test cricket subsequent to him being left out of the West Indies’ World Cup team for leading the walkout of the India tour.
His appearance surprised many in the crowd when he appeared on stage and greeted Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar seconds after she was finished delivering her feature address to the massive crowd.
Bravo hugged Persad-Bissessar and flashed the “V” for victory sign.