Letter to the Sport Editor…Half-truths, distortions and plagiarism has unfolded in Matthias’ Manifesto

Mar 20, 2013 Sports

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Dear Sir,
My previous association with the administration of football in Georgetown had spanned a period of 28 years (1982-2010) which entailed my humble commencement from the lowest rung of the administrative ladder, as a Divisional Representative. Thereafter, I became a Divisional Secretary; Public Relations Officer (PRO); Asst: Secretary/Treasurer (twice); and Hon: Secretary (thrice).  Editor, this is nothing but the truth and the whole truth, so help me God. While I would have enjoyed my stint administratively, in all my endeavors I had always placed the sport first and foremost, above my personal image. In this aspect I must give credence to the Almighty; my late parents; Mr. Ivor O’Brien; fellow executives; clubs, players and those too numerous to mention, for allowing me the privilege to maintain the high standards of administration and proper representation.
Additionally, my track record as a former manager, both at the club and association level remains unmatched, in relation to success, albeit, wins over losses and championship titles. In this aspect mention must also be made of my elected position as Club Secretary, for Kitty Rangers, Water Works, Fruta Conquerors and Camptown. So in actuality, it gives me the distinct privilege to comment publicly, on the state of local football! As a consequence it now pains my heart, of what passes off today as administration, both nationally and sadly in my beloved Georgetown, that made me, but now aids significantly to the “continued underdevelopment of the sport”.
This now brings me to the essential points of Christopher Matthias’ nomination and seconding as a presidential hopeful for the presidency, of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), compliments of the Georgetown Football Association and East Demerara Football Association respectively.
Firstly, not being sarcastic or derogatory to the East Demerara Football fraternity; How in God’s good earth can the EDFA second a nomination for an all Georgetown slate that is non-inclusive of any other association executive to run football in Guyana, encompassing Berbice, Bartica, West Demerara, Upper Demerara, East Bank and East Demerara? Is this the apex of lunacy, that can be seen by the President, of the Blind Association, (no offence meant) from atop of the Lighthouse?
Secondly, the cover page of Matthias’ manifesto sub headed “Guyana Football Federation Mission Statement”, remains far from reality; Since there never was efficient management, administration and development of the game in Georgetown, over the last two years. As a matter of fact, it took the GFA executive almost (2) two years to complete its Premier League. While the youth level has been a complete failure; with a sprinkling no more than 4 competitions, for the corresponding period! Can this be equated with the previous Troy Mendonca led Administration, of which I was the Asst: Sec/Treasurer, that completed a record 16 competitions in 2 years, 10 of which (5 per year) at the youth level?
With the first quarter of 2013 steadfastly concluding, how is it the GFA executive have not commenced its season?
Thirdly, page 1 and 2 of the manifesto highlights “plagiarism” to the highest level that it’s extracted from FIFA’s Mission-FIFA.Com, verbatim. Whereby, it’s a serious infringement of the copyright laws, that Guyana is a signatory to.
Fourthly, Developmental change: A. Administrative. The most important area of the sport, does not include no courses/ seminars to upgrade the knowledge of administrators? Unbelievable! The other areas of B. Technical and Tactical Development. C. Structural. It’s preposterous to exclude under-11 football D. Marketing and E. Equity, Transparency and Accountability. Were all unachievable areas in Georgetown, so how can it be implemented nationally!
Fifthly, Matthias’ Profile as it relates to his involvement of football in Georgetown is a clear indication that “amnesia” exists or downright dishonesty. During the period 1999-2000, the 1st Vice President was Oliver Hinckson; with Messrs: Braithwaithe and Rutherford as the other 2. Maurice John, President; Troy Mendonca, Treasurer; Yours truly, Hon. Secretary, and Cecil Jacques, Asst: Sec/Treasurer.
In the final analysis it’s not for me to decide who must accede to the presidency of the GFF, but rather, who must not and definitely it would be Matthias, based on the following:
i. No other profiles exists for the other members of his slate, which in actuality places him as being egotistical and self-centered, while failing to attract any individual of prominence from (the corporate society).
ii. Supportive of a clarion call (by way of silence) from one of his fellow executive/slate members to boycott the Golden Jaguars home matches, in last year’s World Cup Qualifiers.
iii. With a “vote of no confidence” in the entire executive under the stewardship of Matthias’ presidency for unaccountability of $500,000 in 2001. Can the nation’s football be entrusted with his presidency, in overlooking $50,000,000 annually from FIFA along with other contributions and sponsorship from corporate Guyana, as it relates to item E?
iv. Defiance of GFF’s constitutionality, re: General Secretary, instead of Hon. Secretary, that is enshrined in the GFA’s Constitution.
In all due fairness the administration of football in Georgetown, has been a “colossal failure”, so the nation cannot afford continuity along these lines nationally, with Christopher Matthias at the helm!
Lester Sealey

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