Latest update December 11th, 2024 1:33 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Letter to Sports Editor ….Significant interest in the GFF Presidency

Oct 16, 2011 Sports

 

 

Dear Editor,
A total of 5 individuals namely: Christopher Matthias, Franklin Wilson, Kashif Muhammad, Troy Mendonca and Odinga Lumumba having all being named as possible candidates for the Presidency of the Guyana Football Federation, whenever the Annual General Meeting/Elections of Office Bearers are held.
Sir, I was most astonished, if not amazed that former GFA President, and current Hon. Secretary, Christopher Matthias has actually signaled his interest as indicated in the publication of an article; ‘I would consider contesting the GFF Presidency’ –says Christopher Matthias (S.N. 02.10.11).
With no offence meant to the individual, can he in his own words explain the reason why he resigned as President of the GFA in 2001, since my faint recollection differs.
As a former Committee member of Fruta Conquerors, I was present at an Emergency General Council Meeting at the GFC Pavilion on an ill-fated evening 10 years ago as an observer. The meeting was called by the GFF at the behest of 6 senior clubs, in accordance with the GFA Constitution.
Former GFF President, Mr. Colin Klass had assumed the role as Chairman and after his opening remarks opened the floor for comments. A hostile environment was prevailing with tempers flaring and first on the floor was my club’s former Secretary, Lester Sealey. Assuming a lead role, Lester frankly told Klass that “the GFF was culpable in the maladministration of the sport in Georgetown, since the GFF had loaned the GFA $500,000 to complete 2 sponsored competitions despite the city’s administration receiving $1.5 million in sponsorship from Banks DIH.
Was a financial statement presented for scrutiny, Lester enquired? Klass, in a weak response which didn’t find favour was told with all due respect Mr. Chairman you are talking nonsense. At the end of the day the sum of $500,000 cannot be accounted for, which is tantamount to financial impropriety.
Becoming infuriated Klass then demanded an apology only to be told, “I’m not apologizing but would rephrase my statement. Mr. Chairman, with all due respect and on a point of order what you are saying isn’t making sense. And further to that I am proposing a vote of no confidence in the entire executive”, which was seconded.
Sir, with the rest now becoming history, I am still at a loss as to how 10 years later Matthias was allowed to return into the administration, without any input from the city clubs. At the end of the meeting I was in a state of shock, but from what I learnt Klass was well tortured by Lester that night.
Is this the reason why after all these years Lester, who had in the past laboured tirelessly for the development of the sport which according to him was 28 years (1982-2010) didn’t even find favour in Klass’ books for a local Managers course last year? But yet still with kindness and love for the game, he still prepared a budget and a report for a participant that was the best submission.
Joseph Forde

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Government and GOA sponsors Guyana’s FIBA 3×3 team for AmeriCup in Puerto Rico

Government and GOA sponsors Guyana’s FIBA 3×3 team for...

Dec 11, 2024

-Team departs today Kaieteur Sports- Guyana’s basketball team departed today for San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they will compete in the Americas’ premier 3×3 basketball tournament, the...
Read More
King hits 82, Seales takes 4-22 as West Indies dominate Bangladesh in second ODI to secure series victory

King hits 82, Seales takes 4-22 as West Indies...

Dec 11, 2024

Should the West Indies cricket team play independently?

Should the West Indies cricket team play...

Dec 11, 2024

Fazim Abdool crowned best equipped senior lifter as 19 records shattered

Fazim Abdool crowned best equipped senior lifter...

Dec 11, 2024

Kevin Sinclair 81 not out spearheads Rose Hall Namilco Thunderbolt Flour into BCB/ Madray 20/20 semifinals  

Kevin Sinclair 81 not out spearheads Rose Hall...

Dec 11, 2024

Maggie’s Snackette joins growing list of sponsors

Maggie’s Snackette joins growing list of...

Dec 11, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]