GFF must respect every stakeholder

Jan 20, 2018 Letters

Dear Editor,
“This is a new era of open societies. People are cognizant that their government belongs to them and demand accountability and transparency.”
This was part of a quote in a letter penned by President, Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) Rickford Burke, in response to the contentious issue between Director of Public Information, Mr. Imran Khan and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana His Excellency V. Mahalingam.
Khan questioned why the Government of India invited 20 opposition PPP Indo-Guyanese Members of Parliament (MPs) and only three ruling coalition Indo-Guyanese MPs, to an all-Indian parliamentarians’ conference in New Delhi, India.
While the issue, which appeared in the January 19, 2018 Kaieteur News under the caption, ‘Imran Khan asked a question that is vital to our strategic national interest’, has no relation to sports and more directly football, Mr. Burke’s above citation would appear applicable to reminding the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) that its current stance pertaining to its non-engagement with pertinent stakeholders before arriving at certain decisions seems to be in divergence to new norms. The GFF must understand that its operations in terms of accountability, transparency and fairness belong to every stakeholder. This function should never be compromised for the advantage of some.
The local governing body for the sport must strive to distinguish itself from past administrations in terms of its appearance and actions for the beautiful game to develop.
Past administrations failed to respect the value of every stakeholder and the sport paid the ultimate price – a result that is still being felt today.
The current administration came to power on the promise of accountability, transparency and inclusiveness. Incumbent Mr. Wayne Forde, during his acceptance speech, told the gathering that the sport had waited many years for change, perhaps a testimony to the manner in which past administrations governed previously.
He acknowledged that while the road ahead will present challenges, the support from the executive and all stakeholders of the game will be crucial to navigate those barriers.
Forde, also spoke of an all-inclusive strategy being the feature of the new executive, adding that he would facilitate sensible proposals, but recent actions do not correspond with that pronouncement. This approach needs to change for the sport to enjoy real success.
He also spoke of “all hands being on deck” in order to advance the sport, but this notion appears to have been totally forgotten or completely ignored.
The mere lack of consultation or any sort of engagement among all stakeholders before decisions are made is evidence enough to suggest the above.
It may be opportune to remind the GFF President that apart from the General Council, other stakeholders include the corporate community, Government, promoters, coordinators, fans and critics
Has he tapped all those sources?
Yours respectfully,
Rawle Welch

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