By Samuel Peters
From representing the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda at the highest level in football, to putting his hand to the plough for the people of St Peter in the political arena, Trevaughn Harriet has answered the call for his country in more ways than one.
However, he now needs the assistance of the nation in his time of need as he prepares to embark on a journey towards healing to undertake surgery for a damaged knee.
Harriet, commonly known as ‘Peter Reds’, was regarded as one of the top strikers on the island when playing for the Parham Football Club and the Grenades Football Club, helping the former to several titles and topping the goal-scoring charts.
But in March 2018, injury reared its ugly head during a practice session for the Antigua and Barbuda Benna Boys where he damaged his knee.
To date, Harriet has successfully undergone two surgeries and he is now awaiting the third and final surgery — a meniscus replacement surgery — that will promote some sort of normalcy allowing him to move more freely, run pain free and return to the game he loves.
He has since been seeking the assistance of the public to raise the necessary funding needed to operate on the injured knee and has garnered support thus far from the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association, which has pledged commitment to financially assisting the national footballer, but has not indicated a specified amount.
Harriet’s support team has planned several events in order to make the surgery a possibility. There will be a telethon that will be held on the Observer Radio 91.1 FM during the Good Morning Jojo Sports Show in April, and a Kiddies Fete at the Parham Basketball Court in May.
All proceeds will go towards the surgery that is supposed to be done before the end of August. Harriet is hoping to raise over EC $160,000 to make the surgery, which will be undertaken in Spain, a possibility.