66-year-old hockey chief charged for allegedly raping 16-year-old boy

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago: The president of the Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board, Roger St Rose has been charged with two counts of alleged sexual abuse with a minor boy.

Reportedly, the 66-year-old Rose was taken into custody for alleged sexual abuse with a minor boy under the age of 16 years. Another man, identified as a 38-year-old businessman, was also apprehended for the sexual charges against the same minor.

Notably, the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board appeared at the 7th Port of Spain Magistrate Court before Magistrate Baboolal-Gafoor. Whereas he was granted bail with a surety in the sum of $250,000 with a cash substitute of $25,000.

It is to be noted that the incident allegedly occurred at St Rose’s Diego Martin home during the period of November 2021 to January 2023.

“The 66-year-old is accused of perpetrating the criminal act over three years, starting in 2021”, stated Trinidad and Tobago Police Services.

The information mentioned above has also gained public opinion, and people took to their official Facebook handles to express their sentiments. From which one of the comments by Khadeem Khan Jr read as,

“He should resign immediately and a new president appointed. While one is innocent until proven guilty, a cloud must not hand over the head of the hocket board.”

TTPS Communications Manager Joanne Archie addressed the charges against St. Rose and disclosed that the incident allegedly occurred on an unknown date during the period 30-11-2021 and a date unknowing during the period 30-11-2022 to 1-1-2023.

Additionally, it has been noted that the Hockey Board advised members and club members that Rose had taken a leave of absence earlier this week.

Notably, the notice sent by board member Reyah Richardson said that during the absence of the president, John Lewis (TTHB First Vice President) will act as president.

The Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board is responsible for developing, administrating and promoting the sport of field hockey at all levels, i.e., national and international.

About Roger St Rose 

St Rose was elected as the new TTHB president at its 24th Annual Council Meeting (ACM) in November 2021 by replacing Douglas Camacho as the board’s head. He also represented Malvern Sports Club.

Notably, he was the first umpire from T&T to take charge at the Olympics (1996), the International Hockey Federation World Cup and the Champions League.

The 66-year-old is also a member of the officials committee of the Federation of International Hockey (FIH) and the Umpires Committee of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF).

The accused also served as a National Insurance Property Development Company Limited (NIPDEC) legal officer.