Many people think of my tone as disrespectful but they don’t understand my philosophy.  I believe that respect is earned. We all have to earn each other’s respect.

It’s one of his most notable qualities- after his witty sense of humour and outspokenness. A former successful swimming coach, popular radio/TV talk show host, businessman and the newly appointed Trinidad and Tobago Minster of Sport, Roberts’ charismatic personality is what renders him a cut above the rest.

Blessed with a big mouth which frequently voices the plight of the people (and at times irritates others- especially his famous slogan- WHAT!” in his former Gayelle Sport Talk Show, Spalk), the father of two is a known personality in T&T and the region.

His frank, eccentric, to-the-point attitude impinges on all realms of his world- from the swimming pool to the radio mike to the plush office chair he now sits in at the Office of the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs. Not one to sugar coat his comments or play partisan in times of conflict, his philosophy is simple but effective- respect is reciprocal.

“Many people think of my tone as disrespectful but they don’t understand my philosophy. I believe that respect is earned. We all have to earn each other’s respect. If you hold public office, steal people’s money, I can’t respect you. Respect is the reward of our actions and not something automatically gained,” he asserts at an early morning Basia Interview. It’s an early tete a tete, 7am to be exact, because Roberts claims that in the morning he is in the best frame of mind for interviews- relaxed not busy and preoccupied as his days usually get by 9am!
As I get a peak inside the beautiful mind of the Maracas, St. Joseph born ex national swimmer and Under 19 Footballer, I instantly confirm his magnetic charm and infectious humour. “Can you tell me your life in a nutshell?” I ask and in his grassroots tone he answers, “I real like nuts, walnuts to be exact so that would be easy.”

I laugh at his joke which wasn’t meant as a comic actually, just Anil being Anil- a true reflection of his outgoing personality. My expression changes as he begins his story though, my smile turns into a look of amazement as I learn of his accomplishments which he illustrates passionately.

Read more on TnT's Minster of Sports and Youth Affairs in the SUMMER/FAll issue