By Neto Baptiste
Having barely made a dent with just a little over EC$2,000 collected of the EC$160,000 required for major repair surgery on his knee, former national striker Tevaughn “Peter Redz” Harriette is hopeful that pledges from two major entities will bring him closer to his goal.
Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo sports show during a telethon held as part of ongoing efforts to raise funds, Harriette said he is awaiting word from the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) and the government after they both promised to support the effort.
“Since the last meeting with the ABFA they had indicated that they would reach out in about a week or less, but since then I haven’t gotten any word as to the amount [and] how they intend to move forward. I did reach out to the current [acting] president, Miss Salmon, and she indicated they had scheduled the [executive] meeting but members of the executive were not well, so until then, they would not have word.
“To be honest, the last meeting I had with them was one of the best I’ve had, so I think the ABFA will come through and I think they need to come through and I think they are obligated to come through,” he said.
The striker, who was injured while on national duty in 2018, has not played since injuring his right knee during a training session with the senior men’s national team.
He said the government is following through on a promise to provide assistance.
“I did reach out to the PM’s secretary; we have a good relationship and she spoke directly to him and he made contact with the Treasury. I have since gone to the Treasury and I was told to return early May. I did indicate to them the cost of my travels, accommodation and therapy, so I don’t know exactly how much they will be giving, but they know the figure I’m working towards, so let’s hope that they give something close to that,” he said.
Harriette, who also represented the Parham FC on the local front, said the situation has taken a mental toll on him.
“Mentally, it has been the most damaging thing. I think about playing all the time and I think about why me? Why do I have to go through this situation? Why do I have to wait so long for assistance, especially being injured with the national team? I question a lot of things most times but it’s very hard to see football and can’t play,” the player said.
Harriette has also received a pledge of US$10,00 from the Medical Benefits Scheme, which is payable on submission of his itinerary to the body. The player will also host a kid’s fete on the Parham basketball court on Sunday in an effort to raise funds.
The total cost for the surgery, travel, and other associated expenses amounts to EC$159,744.72.
Tuesday’s telethon was held in conjunction with the Football Past Players Support Inc.