Matthias eager to begin healing process

Apr 14, 2013 Sports

-expresses thanks to FIFA / CONCACAF

Newly elected President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias speaking during his acceptance speech shortly after the conclusion of the Electoral Congress that was held in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel called for the beginning of a process of healing.

Newly elected President of the Guyana Football Federation Christopher Matthias (3rd left) poses with fellow executive members (from left)- Keith O’Jeer, Ivan Persaud, Collie Hercules, Vanessa Dickenson and Rawlston Adams on Friday evening, at the Pegasus Hotel.

Matthias, who defeated for Organising Secretary of the GFF Aubrey Major 11 votes to 6 after the other two candidates Ivan Persaud and Alfred King, were eliminated after the first and second rounds of voting, said it was necessary for such call to be made due to the wounds that the fraternity suffered over a prolonged period.
According to the President, who was speaking in the presence of Electoral officials Emily Dodson, Steven Lewis and Mark Waldron, FIFA and CONCACAF representatives Bruce Blake and Costakis Koutsokoumnis, he urged that constitutional reform, administrative soundness, technical and tactical correctness, transparency and accountability, together with equitable disbursement of resources, dialogue and inclusivity and effective marketing of the game be the priority of the new administration.
He then thanked the Electoral Committee, FIFA and CONCACAF representatives and all those who played an integral role in aiding his ascendancy to the top post and the past administration for their support throughout a period that was turbulent at times.
Koutsokoumnis in his remarks spoke of his satisfaction and pleasure at the way the process was conducted, adding that democracy and transparency featured prominently during the Congress and assured that his report to FIFA will be a positive one.
“It is about time that football related activities move on in Guyana and I would like to extend thanks to the Electoral Committee for the work they’ve done.”
He mentioned that they (FIFA) will be watching and if needed will always be available to offer assistance.
Blake extended thanks on behalf of FIFA President Sepp Blatter and CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb to the new executive and the previous administration for hosting them and promised to be ready to assist in any way possible.
He, too, thanked the Electoral Committee for doing a wonderful job and expressed hope that the new executive will see it fit to find a way to utilise their services in the future. “I hope that the new GFF understand their responsibilities,” he said.
The other members of the executive are: Ivan Persaud, who will serve for 2 years; Collie Hercules-4 years; Rawlston Adams-4 years, while Vanessa Dickenson and Keith O’Jeer are the committee members.
Matthias when contacted informed this newspaper that a meeting with the new executive is tentatively set for Tuesday.