Letter to the Sports Editor…The End of Klass’ Reign

Sep 28, 2011 Sports

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Dear Sports Editor,
My late mother, who was always a strong advocate of Christian values, had always remonstrated, “The mill of God grinds slowly but also grinds exceedingly fine,” albeit, to the extent that a sieve is not needed to sift the grain. As a consequence when I received a text message at 13:02hrs on Friday, September 23rd to confirm that the Ethics Committee of FI FA had imposed a 26 months ban and a $5,000 Swiss Francs fine on former president of GFF, Mr. Colin Klass, immediately, I ventured home for a double Johnny Walker Black on the rocks to celebrate the above caption. Editor, with the mild decision which I thought should have been 10 years, but nevertheless elated that justice was done.
That after 20 years at the helm of the nation’s football underdevelopment remains mountainous; clubs and associations structures are in poor shape, while Klass’ personal self-aggrandizement and achievement within sub-committees of CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA enabled him to benefit financially of significant amounts totaling million of Guys $.  No problem! But Guyana’s Football didn’t develop accordingly! So at the end of his tenure after 20 years, the position is worse than when he inherited an almost perfect administrative system within the then GFL, way back in the 80’s.
Wherein apart from the Executive Committee, that comprised, of a President, 3 Vice Presidents, Hon. Secretary and Treasurer; Asst: Sect/Treasurer and P.R.O.  Additionally, there was the divisional councils consisting of a Divisional Secretary and Representative, with the President and Vice Presidents serving as divisional chairman, of the respective divisions: Maybe, former Hon. Secretary, Mr. Ivor O’ Brien and committee member Mr. Michael Vanderstoop if they both care can add clarity to the relevant issue.
The Guyana Olympic Association, with its Olympic Administrative course, in addition to the Demico House sponsored club leadership training seminars, provided the catalyst for efficient administrative principles.  By relevant comparison today, recycled administrative failures continue to participate in international courses under the auspices of the IOC, FIFA, CONCACAF and CFU simply because they remained subservient to the dictates of Klass!  By extension its worse than what it was previously!
Over the years, Klass became a demi-god, and the general council “toothless poodles’’, with absolutely no one attempting to challenge any malpractice or wrongdoing by Klass. Take West Demerara for example. Their AGM/Elections of Office Bearers was due in February this year and didn’t come off!  Nevertheless the association was granted a reprieve, with the understanding that come “hell or high water” the association would vote for Klass and the other 2 candidates of his choice at the GFF’S AGM, that was constitutionally due in April this year.
However, God works in mysterious ways and my letter to Mr. Abdul Jabar, Registrar Friendly Societies, nullified the convening of the AGM, in the first instance.
In the meantime the once devout Christian Klass displayed his ungodly attributes towards insisting that the former President, WDFA (now deceased) be propped up like El-cid to attend the second convening of the AGM and vote, despite a bout of illness and hospitalization at the time. (May His Soul Rest In Peace).
As faith would have it an injunction from the GFA halted the electoral process. The rest is now history. Was a get well card ever dispatched?
In the final analysis the 26 month ban imposed by FIFA Ethics Committee is perfect with its timing; that the GFF – AGM would have to be reconvened, but this time around without Klass. Additionally, CFU’s AGM will be held in November, minus Klass in attendance. How sad that the former Vice President; Finance Committee Member, Chairman Futsal Committee and Beach Soccer Committee member has been stripped naked of his previously vested powers. No more first class aircraft travel, no more per diem and perks.
Editor, today at 02.42 hrs in concluding this letter, my only company is a cup of Lipton Tea and the music of legendary Jamaican group Third World, “Now that we found Love”.  I am vindicated! My previous letter “Is this the end of Klass’ Dominance? Absolutely yes! “He dug his grave with his fingernails”! Good riddance to bad rubbish”! Captain Klass and the pirates of the Caribbean is no more. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”!
I do now await the faith of the General Secretary, Noel Adonis “Popeye the sailorman – ah don’t know this” – 18 months ban! Then collectively all the various stakeholders within the sport, pursue a path of reconstruction, reconciliation and development!
Lester Sealey

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