(Trinidad Guardian) The president of the Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board, Roger St Rose, has been charged by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service with two counts of sexual penetration of a boy under the age of 16 years.
The 66-year-old is accused of perpetrating the criminal act over three years, starting in 2021.
Guardian Media understands that a second man, a 38-year-old businessman—who has not been named by police out of concerns that the victim may be indirectly identified—was also charged with sexual penetration of a minor—the same victim. It’s alleged that the businessman committed the acts, starting earlier this year.
TTPS Communications Manager Joanne Archie addressed the charges against St Rose, saying, “The incident alleged occurred on a date unknown during the period 30-11-2021 and a date unknowing during the period 30-11-2022 to 1-1-2023. He appeared at the 7th Port-of-Spain Magistrate Court before Her Worship Magistrate Baboolal-Gafoor.”
The incident(s) allegedly occurred at the home of the accused in Diego Martin.
St Rose was granted bail with a surety in the sum of $250,000, with a cash alternative of $25,000. The court matter was adjourned to February 6, 2024.
Earlier this week, the Hockey Board advised members and member clubs in a notice that St Rose had taken a leave of absence.
The notice, sent by board member Reyah Richardson, said during his absence, John Lewis, TTHB first vice president will act as president.
The T&T Hockey Board is responsible for promoting, developing and administrating the sport of field hockey at all levels.
St Rose, who represented Malvern Sports Club, was elected as the new TTHB president at its 24th Annual Council Meeting (ACM) in November 2021. He replaced Douglas Camacho as the board’s head.
St Rose has a distinguished background in hockey officiating. He was the first umpire from T&T to officiate at the Olympics (in 1996), the Champions League and the International Hockey Federation World Cup.
