Weight of controversy hits Powerlifting Federation

Nov 01, 2025 Sports

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…athletes cry foul over South Africa trip; President Meusa in the hotseat

 By Rawle Toney

Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), considered one of the country’s most disciplined and well-organized sporting bodies, is facing intense internal scrutiny following a strongly worded letter from its General Secretary, Roger Rogers, to President Paul Meusa.

The letter, dated October 28, 2025, calls for “forensic clarity” on the financial and administrative handling of Guyana’s participation at the 2025 World Masters Powerlifting Championship, held from October 10–19 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Rogers’ correspondence, obtained by Kaieteur News, raises serious concerns about the welfare of athletes and the management of funds allocated for the international event.

The World Masters Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport, and Guyana’s participation was expected to be another proud chapter for a federation rarely associated with controversy.

However, the letter paints a troubling picture of mismanagement and questionable decision-making that, according to Rogers, has eroded athlete confidence and tarnished the image of the federation.

CONCERNS OVER BUDGET AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

According to the letter, the federation had approved a budget to support six athletes, including provisions for airfare, hotel accommodation, and a daily stipend.

Guyana was represented by Bjorn Williams, Nadina Taharally, Frankin Brisport – Luke and Wazim Mohamed.

However, two athletes, Gordon Spencer and Rogers himself, later withdrew for personal and professional reasons, which should have created a financial surplus.

Despite confirmed sponsorship contributions totaling approximately GYD $3.4 million (USD $16,252) from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), complaints from athletes suggest that basic accommodations and allowances were not provided.

Rogers’ letter demands a detailed breakdown of expenditures, including ticket types, lodging costs, and justification for the apparent budget discrepancies.

The federation reportedly secured hotel rooms at just US$30 per night, significantly below what was allocated, yet athletes claim they endured substandard conditions throughout the trip.

DISTURBING ACCOUNTS FROM ATHLETES

Perhaps most alarming are the personal testimonies shared with the General Secretary. Athletes described having to fend for themselves for meals and lodging, at times depending on unpredictable provisions from President Meusa and his assistant.

The only female athlete on the team was allegedly required to share a room with male athletes, while Meusa reportedly shared accommodation with a female committee member (name given).

The letter calls for clarification on whether the female committee member attended the championship in an official capacity and if federation funds were used to cover her travel and stay.

Equally troubling were reports that athletes were left without confirmed accommodation before arrival in South Africa. They were allegedly forced to walk for hours and travel in cramped vehicles in search of suitable lodging, just days before competition.

This, Rogers noted, “caused duress and fatigue that impacted the athletes’ performance on competition day.”

Additionally, the team reportedly endured a lengthy layover in London because the President and the female committee member were returning from a vacation in Dubai. This decision, according to Rogers, “jeopardized the employment of at least one athlete.”

QUESTIONS OVER ATHLETE WELFARE AND GOVERNANCE

The lack of a per diem, as outlined in the letter, left athletes financially strained, according to the correspondence.

Rogers noted that some competitors even handed over their own US dollars to Meusa and his assistant for currency exchange to cover meals and incidentals, but no equivalent amount in local currency was returned.

The letter also highlights that travel arrangements appeared to be made on a budget airline that did not include luggage costs, resulting in additional out-of-pocket expenses for the athletes.

“These reports suggest systemic administrative lapses that contradict the federation’s long-standing reputation for professionalism,” Rogers wrote. “It is imperative that the federation provides full disclosure to preserve the confidence of our athletes, sponsors, and the powerlifting community.”

A CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The correspondence concludes with a direct appeal to President Meusa for detailed explanations and documentation regarding the handling of federation funds, the decision-making process surrounding travel logistics, and the official role of non-competing delegates.

“This is the first attempt to provide the membership and the powerlifting community with the clarity needed to avert further reputational damage to the federation,” Rogers stated.

PRESIDENT MEUSA’S RESPONSE

Meanwhile, Meusa, when contacted by Kaieteur News, acknowledged receipt of the letter from Rogers but stated that due process was not followed. He added that a formal response will be issued after the GAPLF Executive Committee meets to review the team’s performance in South Africa.

When pressed to clarify the contents of Rogers’ letter, Meusa maintained that, according to protocol, such matters are to be addressed during an executive meeting and not through the media.

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