Does the country have a new czar for revenue collection?

Dec 28, 2017 Letters

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DEAR EDITOR,

Has Wayne Forde become the new czar for revenue collection in this country? This responsibility every Guyanese knows is in the care of the Guyana Revenue Authority and not the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Further, does he also have accountability for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) or caretakers of taxpayer-funded facilities such as the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, National Gymnasium or the many tarmacs located in several communities?

These are the pertinent questions being asked following several pronouncements made by the GFF President, during the recently held Extraordinary Congress.

Forde had earlier stated in newspaper articles his intent to police the entire football landscape – including the street-styled format – despite many knowledgeables clearly disputing his authority on this format.

His announcement to impose a 3% levy on gate receipts or prize monies, and to write the Guyana Police Force advising that the entity withhold permits for tournaments unless a letter is sent by the GFF, are obvious indicators of the new mindset of the Federation.

Is it something about this office that encourages officials to change their moral fibre?

Tournaments such as the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ which is played by teams comprising players from communities within the various zones that host the event, are not affiliated in any way to the GFF, so therefore do not fall under its umbrella, making his decision null and void, and without any footing.

To go further, many believe his declaration to hijack a format that has been growing in popularity and seems to be financially lucrative to the players is downright illegal, and strong protest should emanate from every stakeholder involved.

Dr. David Hinds, speaking on Walter Rodney Groundings last Sunday, gave a beautiful insight on how good governance should work, using the highly controversial Exxon Mobil signing bonus fiasco as a vivid example.

The eminent scholar spoke of what the role of Governments should be, in this case the Guyana Government, advising that they listen to stakeholders to avoid any scenario erupting that may place doubts in the minds of citizens about their stewardship.

He said they (Working People’s Alliance) had urged the Government to reveal the contractual agreement with the large oil company since last year, but repeated calls fell on deaf ears, which has ultimately led to the embarrassment it now faces, with the Opposition taking full advantage to highlight the secrecy of the deal.

The decision not to disclose the contractual agreement has now stirred up speculation of corruption and while the intent might not be that, the lack of transparency has now caused serious damage to the Coalition’s reputation.

He added that it is the stakeholders (members of the Coalition) that deliberate on ideas and feed it to the Government for them to administer.

Forde’s cavalier behaviour and lack of consultation has led to suspicion and rift within the football fraternity and one could only anticipate turmoil heading into the new year. He seems to be following the path of his predecessors, but history has shown that in every instance, the consequences were disastrous for the sport.

Until the GFF understands that stakeholders have a voice that must be heard, it could rule with an iron-fist or even get substantial funding from FIFA, but the search for positive development and success will never be achieved.

It has not happened in the past and the forecast is that it will not happen in the future.

Whenever success is attained, it has always been with the inclusion and respect shown for stakeholders, and it therefore means dialogue with all related parties of the game.

As long as the highhanded position remains, there will be no true development, and the sport which has already been suffering from low attendances at games and evident disinterest, will continue down the chasm of disaster.

Instead of the GFF placing its focus on bringing about more interest in the traditional format, it appears to be more intent on displaying its power with reckless pronouncements.

It may be timely to remind Forde that such an approach has never worked, and will never work, unless a meeting with stakeholders is held to hear their ideas for the game’s development.

Even the age-old dispute between Israel and Palestine has had channels of communication open to broker peace, and this is being done in the midst of extreme hostilities, so why can’t the GFF act with a modicum of sense to arrive at the best result.

It will be a sad mistake for them to believe that choosing not to consult with the various stakeholders will force them into accepting what they interpret to be illegal and trespassing on their rights.

The GFF’s effort to impose its will on footballers, promoters and the public at large is a stark resemblance of the way the wider society operates, and until we decide to eliminate this scourge, only then will football experience real development.

It is the sort of behaviour that is hindering genuine support from the corporate sector and the Government. So until the GFF is seen as accommodating and inclusive, the struggle for financial assistance and developmental progress will remain.

Football enthusiast

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