Letter to the Sports Editor…The most embarrassing moment in the history of local football

May 08, 2014 Sports

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Dear Sir,
Reference is herby made to the above caption as it relates to the Ordinary Congress of the Guyana Football Federation, held on 26.04.14 at the Regency Suites Hotel, wherein amidst much controversy, uncertainty and unconstitutionality the congress is to be reconvened within 45 days; Parliamentary procedures, constitutional articulation/application/interpretation and contravention of FIFA Statues; despite the presence of CONCACAF observers.
It nevertheless contributed to the “comedy of errors continuing unabatedly” by both sides of the divide.  So, in actuality did the GFF President, “outfox the distressed associations, as was indicated, in as an article published in K.N 27.04.14? or, was he being downright deceitful, with a falsification that in 2010 under the presidency of Colin Klass, IMC’s had voted” which was purportedlyquoted from minutes of a meeting! But what of the supposedly learned delegates, representing the interest of Associations and other Affiliates? That not one of them saw it fit to request a copy of the minutes for perusal and interpretation, while definitely not foregoing the subsequent minutes, which would have entailed: Corrections, Omissions, Adoption and Matters Arising.
Editor, unbelievable is how best I can describe such a high level of ineptitude on display! Moreover, when a former GFF, President (ag) who also served as a Vice-President, failed to dispute the utterance from the incumbent, and this also includes a parliamentarian, who was once an Association President that would have been privileged in the past to attend GFF General Council Meetings.  In both instances was/is this leadership by example? Suffice it to say that both individuals out of honesty ought not to consider themselves as equitable replacements or challengers for the GFF’s Presidency, or should Matthias continue!When it’s taken into serious consideration that the submission of a motion fails to stipulate the reason for the “Vote of no Confidence”.
Definitely, it leaves me to wonder, what level of representation the GFF, obtained on the international stage! While on a technicality a motion doesn’t necessary have to be submitted on a letterhead, more so, if it is being done in conjunction with another party;  I.e. Mover/Proposer; Seconder; but nevertheless should outline “we the executives of East Bank and East Demerara,…, at our respective executive meeting held on…, unanimously agreed that … But of course a forwarding address and the relevant contact numbers must be included.
Meanwhile, who and what constitute an Interim Management Committee (IMC)? Editor, this definitive question for some strange reason couldn’t have been pronounced upon, by not even the CONCACAF observers, in their additional capacities as representatives of FIFA, within this hemisphere (Confederation). Apart from constitutional articulation that defines the “role and status of an IMC, along with its vested powers as an Associate”! It would be unethical of me not to mention the Friendly Societies Statues, which the GFF as a member have to adhere. It must also be noted that I, previously as a layman, had utilized a statue of the Friendly Societies to nullify the convening of an Annual General Meeting.
As a consequence the term “Interim” is applicable within the context of occupying an office/ position(s) for regularity purposes, within a specific timeframe. And definitely not an elected term! So, in actuality IMC’s as an associate is not endowed with the vested powers to vote, unlike an affiliate. Can a breakaway state, within a country upon declaring self independence; formulating a government; apply to FIFA for membership and is granted automatically? Or, in the interim is granted an Associate status, devoid of voting rights, but can still attend Congresses. And may not participate in tournaments, under the auspices of FIFA, until such time the probationary period is over with the relevant evaluation.
Finally, the “Minutes” that Matthias referred to was of a “Special Meeting of the General Council of the GFF”. Specifically, Agenda Item 4 – Ratification of the Redraft (By FIFA and the GFF) of the Guyana Football Federation Constitution in Compliance with FIFA Statutes: was the only item on the agenda up for discussion and subsequent voting. A total of sixteen (16) persons had attended the meeting, including: Miss Vanessa Dickenson – Asst. General Secretary – Administration and Mr. Kith O’ Jeer – President, Berbice Football Association. With 10 persons voting in favour of and none dissenting! Can this be construed that the Chairman, IMC Essequibo Football Association voted? Absolutely not, since the individual along with the Asst. Sec/Treasurer, Guyana Beach Football Assn; Office Secretary, Berbice Football Association; GFF’S Security Officer; General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary, a total of 6 persons due to their status couldn’t have voted. And with the minutes in its present form being unsigned by the General Secretary, remains debatable about its authenticity.
By the way, and for public clarification the subsequent minutes should be produced, since under “Agenda Item – Corrections” the documented portfolio of Mr. Lawrence Griffith would have to be corrected. Page 1: refers to him as Honorary Member, Guyana Football Referees Council, while, on page 2: the individual as the mover of the motion is referred to as the Referees representative. With his status, did he vote, and was it legitimate?
Respectfully yours,
Lester Sealey.

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