Letter to the Sports Editor…An Affront to the Nation’s Football!
kaieteurnewsonline.com
Dear Sir,
With the 31st December, 2014 being the last working day for the General Secretary, Guyana Football Federation, automatically a vacancy existed. However, what is most “mind boggling” is the length of time the Secretariat operated without the services of the individual, in excess of one month! That with Guyana, a sovereign state occupying an area of 83,000 square miles; a population of approximately 740,000 and ten administrative regions, Editor; it remains a “gross insult” on the intelligence of this nation, for a Trinidadian to be appointed as the Federation’s General Secretary! Are we a nation of dunces and functional illiterates? Is this a mandate of FIFA/CONCACAF?
If, this logic becomes applicable, then a “conflict of interest exists”. By the way did the Trinidadian, apply for the job? What are his qualifications, and if they are acceptable then why is it he is no longer employed in his native country? By the way maybe the Guyanese public can be apprised of his most recent termination of services in Trinidad!
Editor, it would be remiss of me not enquire, if at no juncture whatsoever did the Normalisation Committee, in its “infinite wisdom” attempted to: review all previous appointments of paid administrators, not inclusive of General Secretaries. And definitely I can attest that both Mr. Kurt Douglas and Miss Abigail Osborne; both former employees of the GFF, in their respective categories of: FIFA funded/sponsored GFF National League, Coordinator and the GFA, Office Manager! Suffice it to say that, both individuals were overly honest in their deliberations, compounded by an extremely high degree of efficiency and professionalism, in addition to the relevant academic qualifications.
Within this context, what more must the Guyanese public ask for? Moreover, since with the Trinidadian’s appointment, apart from a triple digit salary; accommodation, meals and transportation (internally) would have to be provided and paid for! While not foregoing modern amenities, in relation to accommodation i.e. hot and cold water; cable T.V, maid/cook and possibly a gardener depending on the location!
So, from all indications with the Normalisation Committee being subservient to the “whims and fancies” of FIFA/CONCACAF, then in actuality, Mr. Urling as Chairman, Blue Caps is “shooting himself in the foot”. Since promoting national interests, youth development, transparency and accountability have all been “swept under the carpet”, meekly surrendering to the dictates of a foreign domination! Can it be ascertained if of all the local applications for the post of General Secretary failed to fulfill the requirements including retired Army Officer, Frankie Bispham, a former P.S.? Surely, the late Aubrey Henry, former GFF, Hon Treasurer, would be “turning in his grave” to envisage hiring a General Secretary, from Trinidad, is amounting to approximately $1,000,000 (GUY) Monthly!
Finally, the appointments of K. Juman Yassin, James Bond and Alexi Ramotar that engaged representatives of FIFA, over a 2 days period, G.C. (04.02.15) in an article captioned “FIFA Officials arrives for 2 days” by Rawle Toney, Editor, once again the “cart is being placed before the horse”! Wherein, with the two former, both of whom are Attorneys – At-Law, but devoid of Constitutional expertise, smacks professionalism! Since as it relates to National Sports, Mr. Yassin as the Head of the GOA, had never in the past done anything in his vested powers to mediate, in the ongoing football disputes, despite the fact that football is an Olympics Sport! As it relates to Mr. Bond, the APNU Parliamentarian is also the President of Camptown FC, an affiliate of the GFF, via the GFA! With under-development continuing as a norm in the capital city, both administratively and lack of competitions continuously, in addition to an outdated Constitution, definitely remains a “red herring”, so, in actuality to appoint the two lawyers, along with Mr. Ramotar, who is not publicly known as Constitutional knowledgeable, is a clear manifestation of “nepotism”.
Once more I must enquire why Attorney – At – Law, Mr. Saphier Husain for his boldness and meaningful successful challenge (s) on constitutional matters of national interest was overlooked.
Editor, at this crucial juncture in our nation’s football history, which coincidentally is older than Trinidad & Tobago, in excess of 100 years, with Guyana, achieving the milestone first! When will the “Affront on National Football” cease to exist forthwith? Where is the collective voice of the GGF General Council? Are they once again being reduced to “toothless poodles” that meows like a domestic cat!
Lester Sealey
