Letter to the Sports Editor...Is accountability and transparency still a perquisite within the GFF?

Letter to the Sports Editor…Is accountability and transparency still a perquisite within the GFF?

Aug 11, 2013 Sports

Dear Editor,
The Christopher Matthias led administration of the Guyana Football Federation, recently completing 100 days in office, following the Elections of Office Bearers on Friday, April 12, 2013 at the Le Meriden Pegasus, the venue for the meeting. As a layman, with a vested interest in seeing the world’s most popular, passionate and emotional sport develops meaningfully in Guyana, Editor, I still support the notion of the philosopher, who once said, “If one were to ask me for the perquisite of being involved in sports, I would say the first thing is to be happy”.
Despite the fact I’m a layman, I’m extremely unhappy, in the manner how the sport locally, is being treated as an old worn out football that is kicked about in a scrubby match. Moreover, when constructive criticism cannot be taken with the deserved smile, and strive towards rectifying the situation, since self-criticism is just a phase of appraisal or evaluation!
As a consequence I must enquire if the pre-electoral pledges by the current GFF President that was also documented in his manifesto of: “Accountability and Transparency” continues to be a prerequisite, within his administration of the sport?
While I must openly admit that I’m not a financial expert! Nevertheless, my basic initiative tells me that cost cutting measures are an automatic reality, towards alleviating an inherent debt, or servicing. But for some strange reason, it’s quite the opposite with the current GFF administration. Would the trend of perks for the boys continue for the next 2 years of Matthias’ rule? Or, would the General Council, finally awaken out of its slumber and deal with the relevant checks and balances!
Finally, even though I was a profound critic of the sport, under the stewardship of former President, Colin Klass and to a lesser extent former President (ag) Franklin Wilson, it must be noted that under no given circumstance had I ever dealt with their respective personalities, but rather with the lack of progress/development! So, in similar fashion Matthias would be no different, moreover, with my pen ink not drying up!
By the way what of the “Forensic Audit”, is it completed, what are the findings and the cost? Would it be made public via a press conference or debriefing; involving the media, both electronic and print? Strange as it may seem extravagant spending under this current administration, in such a short space of time makes the two previous presidents, appear like “choir boys”.
Editor, a few examples that readily come to mind according to a well informed source are:
I. A 2 Day trip to Essequibo, to overlook the installation of an IMC, by 2 individuals – exceeding $100,000.
II. Refurbishment of the Presidential Office at the GFF Secretariat in excess of $1,000,000.
III. Doubling of monthly stipend for GFF executive.
With the afore-mentioned being taken into consideration, along with the cost of the forensic audit and the employment of a Personal Assistant for the President, in addition to hosting the first Ordinary Congress of the GFF, at Hotel Tower, then the expenditure for a cash strapped and debt inherent GFF, in just over 100 days, can be in the vicinity of $5,000,000.
Were these spending compatible to the constitutional requirements, involving the Finance Committee, Executive and General Council? Unbelievable, but not surprised, since the GFF Super League, the nation’s Premier Competition is not being made accountable to the public! Has it come to a premature end, and what are the final positions of the teams? What would be the determining factor for Promotion and Relegation; since there is a high level of dormancy in a significant number of Associations? And after all these years of the competition, why isn’t a lower division comprising of 14 teams at least, not played as a feeder to the Super League! Was this taken into consideration of the Coaches Association 9 year development plan?
With a lack of vision for the sport’s development by the executive, national Football would perish, but in hind-sight that is what the majority voted for, in Matthias’ favour, which must at all costs be respected!
Lester Sealey

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Letter to the Sports Editor…Is accountability and transparency still a perquisite within the GFF?

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