… We are helping to build professional sport from the grassroots level – Mahadeo
THE Guyana Telephone & Telegraph (GT&T) Company in its continuing efforts to empower and equip Guyanese has inked a  multi-million dollar deal with the Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRU). Details on the partnership were disclosed recently when the signing of the agreement was also done at the company’s canteen in Hadfield Street in the city.
Affixing their signatures to the document were GT&T’s CEO Mr Yog Mahadeo, GFRC Senior vice-president Mr Dion Inniss and secretary Mr Troy Peters.
Also present at the historic event were GFF president Colin Klass, GT&T Chief Financial Officer Royston Rachpaul and Co-Director of Kashif & Shanghai, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, who played an integral role in making the deal a reality through the innovative and historic FastBall.
The contract will see GT&T provide branded Referee kits, training uniforms, track suits, electronic boards and casual wear among other benefits.
The initial period of the agreement is one year but both parties have expressed confidence that the relationship and partnership will last for a very long time.
Mahadeo, in feature remarks, prior to the signing of the agreement and handing-over of the equipment, stated that the contract between the two bodies which has been endorsed by the Guyana Football Federation does not in any way hinder the Referees’ body from performing their job in a professional way.
“What we have tried to do is to ensure that we are building such partnerships where we can help to build and make professional sport become better. We are helping to build professional sport from the grassroots level where we are trying to build those village teams, giving youths in those villages a chance to dream and to make that dream reality.
“And if we can together with the GFF, (the Referees Council) make the dreams of our countrymen and women reality then I think our objectives would have been met – being able to provide such a facility that they could come and bring their talent to the fore.”
Mahadeo reminded the referees that the relationship between the two bodies has been ongoing for a very long time since they would have been providing their services during a number of tournaments the GT&T has been sponsoring over the years, including the Georgetown Football Association Cellink Premier League.
“We have seen the excellence and professionalism of you guys and we are proud to be associated with you in a formal way now.”
GFF president Colin Klass, in endorsing the agreement, complimented GT&T and Mr. Mahadeo for partnering with the GFRC, noting that football was one of the best vehicles for advertising any product.
“The GFF will continue to give support to GT&T and I daresay that we will not let you go as you have been fulfilling your corporate duties to us and by extension, this country of ours. I hope this is an everlasting partnership.”
GFRC Senior vice-president Dion Inniss said that his body was elated to have GT&T on board in such a meaningful way, pointing out that they had been trying for the past two years to sell the package to many corporate entities but to no avail.
He did say that a few would have contributed in a small way but not on a long-term basis as GT&T has now done in setting the bar very high.
“We are proud of this joint venture and apart from Jamaica; Guyana is now the only other country where a corporate entity has partnered with the local Referees body in such a consequential way.”
GFRC secretary Troy Peters stated that this is a ‘Landmark Agreement’ that would impact in a major way, the lives of all referees.