Wayne Forde ready to take up the mantle of (GFF) Presidential seat

Nov 13, 2015 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin

They have labeled themselves ‘Team Integrity’ and according to the group’s Presidential

candidate, Wayne Forde, the tab was carefully chosen to truly depict the merits of a group of individuals who are united and committed to the improvement of the sport while restoring its integrity.
Mr. Forde was speaking with Kaieteur Sport at his Thomas Street office earlier in the week as he applied the finishing touches to his campaign in pursuit of the coveted Presidential seat of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) when elections are held tomorrow evening.
“Team Integrity comprises a group of individuals of diverse background that encompasses the key variables needed to propel local football(ers) to a respectable place in the world rankings,” asserted Forde.
He explained that that his strategies and tactics were deliberate and his team is prepared and well organized to address its mandate effectively and efficiently. Several other persons of impeccable ‘Integrity’ comprise the slate including Brigadier, Bruce Lovell (1st Vice President), Rawleston Adams (2nd Vice), Thandi McAllister (3rd Vice). The Committee Members are Keith O’Jeer, Deon Inniss, Maxine Stewart and Ryan Farriot.
“Our objectives are sound and the team was carefully selected to complement those objectives,” said Mr. Forde in response to a question. He said that Brigadier Lovell is a disciplinarian and brings years of experience as an administrator to the table. “There’s really no need to elaborate on his abilities; they speak for themselves,” exhorted Mr. Forde. He said that the team comprises individuals of diverse background in business, legal affairs, technical propensities, discipline and governance. “I firmly believe that the synergies of expertise depicted in this combination will produce a managerial apparatus that is geared to deal with the pertinent challenges of the sport,” a confident Forde exhorted.
“Mr. Lovell has been at the top echelon of administration in the Guyana Defence Force and his attributes as an organizer and disciplinarian is well documented. I cannot over-exemplify the importance and merits of such an individual in the administrative sector of the sport,” said Mr. Forde.
“The need to restore discipline among the rank and file cannot be over-emphasized since it is this lack of discipline, in the first place, that has disturbed the administrative flow and necessitated the intervention of the Normalization Committee,” explained Mr. Forde.
He said that Rawleston Adams, currently the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, comes with a wealth of administrative experience, both as a former Vice President (GFF) as well as a Civil Engineer. “Our representatives are multi-faceted and fall under the umbrella of business, governance, discipline, technical attributes and most importantly, commitment and honesty,” Forde pointed out. He also assured that his group possesses the synergies of expertise that will produce a management apparatus geared to deal with the anticipated challenges.
Football is indeed a glorious game but the administrative sector has been bogged down by accusations of ineptitude and malfeasance and the raging battles to occupy the Presidential seat has resulted in nasty battles riddled with instances of character assassination. “Team Integrity has been working exceptionally hard in its attempt to convince the electorate of its authenticity,” pronounced Mr. Forde. He said that his group has been engaging the clubs and a recent prognosis suggests that the messages have been well received.
“Team Integrity represents the answer to the many problems that have beset the sport over the years and I am extremely confident that the principals (of Team Integrity) could foster the requisite changes,” Forde assured.
But what are the immediate plans and objective of the group? “We have projected a 6 point development pillar; one of our first tasks is to institute a good government structure,” Forde intimated. He also spoke of plans to invest heavily in training and educational opportunities for the footballers and auxiliary staff. “We will also establish new models for investment and sponsorship opportunities to improve the livelihood of footballers through economic opportunities,” said the aspiring President.
Despite these grandiose plans and the fact that he has already received a vote of confidence from a majority of the clubs, Forde is cognizant of the mercurial nature of the electorate. “We’ve had strategic engagements with several clubs and feel confident that our policies and projections are well received,” he said.
He said that he is aware of the aspirations of other individuals but feels that his team is well equipped to address the pressing needs of the affiliates, be they footballers, advertisers, members of the corporate community or the myriad of stakeholders that wish to witness a delectable metamorphosis of the sport.
“Team Integrity comprises individuals of sound character, has proven successful records and those that have demonstrated a willingness to give back to the sport through committed service,” assured Mr. Forde.
It is with this conviction that Forde faces the electorate sometime tomorrow in his bid to clinch the requisite mandate to take the sport to another level. He said that upon his ascension, he will be open to suggestions and worthwhile initiatives to advance the sport. “Clinton Urling and the Normalization Committee has worked diligently to steady the tilting football ship. Team Integrity is geared to keep the ship on course; we are just awaiting the formal declaration so that we could start the ball rolling, so to speak,” Mr. Forde proclaimed when quizzed on his level of confidence. Amidst it all, the final decision rests on those affiliates and that decision will be made twenty four hours from now. Forde is ready to take up the mantle!

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