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Interesting twist as aspiring Chess Federation President suggests Normalization Committee
By Michael Benjamin
Several mercurial twists continue to characterize the race for the Presidency of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) and attorney-at-law, James Bond is the most recent aspirant to signal his intention to contest for the coveted post.
James Bond
Kaieteur Sport had been informed that National Senior Champion, Wendell Meusa, had thrown his hat in the ring and was also preparing a slate even as he outlined his objectives. When this newspaper contacted Meusa yesterday morning he gave another twist to the scenario and hinted that while he is very much interested in the position, he has decided to dress down a mite to allow Mr. Bond to contest the post. He feels that he could serve the Federation from a Vice President position even as he continues to coach other young players to stardom.
“Mr. Bond has been a key figure in chess development over the past two years and there is a wide belief among affiliates that the sport is in need of capable administrative hands to move forward so naturally, we nominated Mr. Bond whose involvement, though short, has been very fruitful,” exhorted the senior chess champ. He admitted that Bond’s two years involvement in the sport had been inspirational and he (Meusa) is confident that the attorney-at-law has the necessary acumen to enhance the fortunes of the players.
Speaking of his personal ability and enthusiasm Meusa said, “I am involved in chess development ever since my return from Barbados 7 years ago and felt that I had the acumen and verve to lead the Federation in a productive and developmental process.” He said that he has identified several other individuals with similar alacrity and ability to occupy other key executive positions.
Those names that have been bandied around to comprise the James Bond slate are Yolande Persaud, Ron Mootilall, Ronuel Greenidge, Davion Mars and another whom he identifies as just Krisanand. These individuals have been nominated to function in several executive positions including vice president, technical director, assistant secretary/treasurer and treasurer among others. Meusa said that along with any other position to which he is nominated, he will also serve as the Federation’s coach.
The aspiring (chess) executive said that his group is restricted by a limited constitution that is in urgent need of thorough revamping if the new executives are to function meaningfully. He said that the current constitution only caters for one year terms; hardly enough to get any meaningful work done. He also said that his shadow executive is currently examining the constitution and has already drafted several necessary reforms for ratification when the new body is installed.
Meusa also said that discussions are also underway to appoint Woman Candidate Master, Maria Verona Gonsalves as the Ambassador for women’s chess “She has the acumen and drive to fulfill those responsibilities and this is in keeping with our objective of broadening women’s participation in the sport,” Meusa explained.
Meanwhile, Kaieteur Sport engaged Mr. Bond and while he is enthused with the idea of being the chess president, he feels that there is need for urgent reforms even before the Annual General Meeting is convened. “I do not believe anyone should aspire to ascend the (presidential) throne as just a status symbol so I believe that constitutional reforms are necessary even before the AGM is convened,” he said.
Mr. Bond believes that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) should be called to flesh out the ramifications and install a Normalization Committee, with the blessings of the parent body FIDE, to restore a semblance of order to the fraternity. “The NC should comprise current executives and other stakeholders and should seek the blessings of the parent body,” opined Mr. Bond.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mohamed is enthused by the idea of a Normalization Committee to regularize the sport but said that such a decision cannot be arrived at arbitrarily. He said that he would have to engage other executive members before such a decision could be made and has committed to do so soon.
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