Letter to the Sport Editor... NSC Commissioners stand with DOS

Letter to the Sport Editor… NSC Commissioners stand with DOS

May 12, 2017 Sports

Dear Sports Editor,

We the undersigned, Commissioners of the National Sports Commission, have read an article in Kaieteur News edition (Monday May 8 2016) headlined ‘Ministry of Youth and Sport official under probe over missing millions’ and wish to throw our support behind our Director of Sports, Christopher Jones, of whom we believe this article refers.
It seems as though some mischief is afoot by someone, or more than one individual that seeks to bring the reputation and character of Mr. Jones into disrepute. Firstly, we wish to make it clear that we reserve every confidence in Mr. Jones and his ability to perform his responsibilities with integrity, steadfastness and fairness.
The incidents mentioned in the article, with specific reference to the matters relating to the Inter Guiana Games 2016, are within the knowledge and part of the remit of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Please note that there was an Inter Guiana Games Committee established to manage and oversee these Games which was headed by NSC Commissioner, Lavern Fraser with support of another NSC Commissioner, Seon Erskine, who served as a member of the said Inter Guiana Games Committee.
As per protocol, the Committee kept Mr. Jones and other relevant Commissioners informed of development each day pertaining to the management and execution of the said Games.
Consequently, we are extremely disheartened by allegations of corruption leveled at Mr. Jones even amidst our most stringent efforts to ensure that everything was done above board. Our efforts were also reflected in the tremendous success of these Games.
All Guyana can also attest to the high quality of service rendered to both foreign and domestic athletes and officials coupled with the state of the art facilities installed for these Games.
Mr. Editor, this was a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana, the National Sports Commission, the Private Sector and most of all, ordinary Guyanese whose input was instrumental in getting the job done.
As it relates to the incidents described by the Deputy Director of Sport (DDOS), Melissa Dow Richardson, we the Commissioners of the NSC will say, regrettably, we found cause enough to document the full nature of her behavior and conduct.
We categorically state that if an inquiry were to be launched into her overall conduct the findings would be alarming. Notwithstanding, we collectively frown on allegations of mistreatment to women at the workplace and welcome an investigation to clear up this allegation. Allow us to conclude that sport in Guyana is now at a good place where we are seeing results and where we are seeing tax dollars at work. We urge the nation and all stakeholders of the Sport Sector to remain focused.
As we continue our developmental works, the Commissioners of the NSC with the support of the Minister of Education, Dr. Roopnaraine and his junior counterpart, Ms. Henry, former Permanent Secretary, Alfred King and support staff will be delivering a Synthetic Track in Linden.
Other projects in the pipeline include the ‘Light It Up Project’ for grounds countrywide, scholarships for athletes, the installation of a Cool Air Venting System at the National Gymnasium, a Multi-Purpose Facility in Bartica, completion of the Athletes Database and upgrades to the National Aquatic Centre amongst other projects in 2017.
We end with a fitting question from our First Lady, Her Excellency Sandra Granger, “Will we ever be big enough to celebrate and emulate the achievements of others without seeking to drag them down?” God Bless Guyana.

COMMISSIONERS: Ivan Persaud, Seon Erskine, Edison Jefford, Aliann Pompey, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Inga Teague, Lavern Fraser, James A Bond

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News