I AM still awaiting with bated breath the pronouncement and public disclosure of the “Forensic Audit”, of the past GFF administration, which should have been completed within three months, given the fact that the sum of USD $1.2M was publicly declared not being properly accounted for during the 2014 World Cup Qualifier match, Guyana and Mexico, in the USA. But to date absolutely nothing has been forthcoming from the present administration of the nation’s football!Is this a clear indication that nothing tangible in relation to “financial discrepancy/impropriety” has been discovered? Suffice, it to say I am extremely disappointed. Disappointed in the sense that six months have already elapsed and the public continues to be left in the dark, that to date not one iota of evidence can be produced, indicating that those or anyone who is culpable would be sanctioned or prosecuted. By the way what is the cost for the audit, and can the GFF afford to pay, given its public declaration of being cash strapped and debt inherent”? Is it true the audit fees are within the vicinity of $3, 000,000? When will the GFF Executive be able to offer a public explanation for the USD$22, 000 fine imposed by FIFA, due to Guyana’s failure to attend the CONCACAF Beach Football Tournament earlier this year?

Meanwhile, with the launching of the third edition of the GFA/Banks Beer K.O Tournament, with a total of 32 participating teams on Friday November 8, 2013 at the Princess Hotel can it be ascertained if the tournament’s host, Georgetown Football Association has fulfilled all the requirements i.e. submission of all the dates and venues where matches will be played; levy fees and most importantly lodging of prize monies, or a letter of commitment from a reputable sponsor(s) honouring payments!
In totality, the amount of payable monies should be $13.8M, consisting for the top four finishers; $9M 16:1st round losers $1.6M; 8:2nd round losers $1.2M and 8-quarter finalists $2M. I shudder to accept that the GFF in its “infinite wisdom” has not shifted the goalpost conveniently to facilitate this public disclosure. And by the way, with the GFA in partnership with a Promotional/Entertainment group from the East Coast, as a co-sponsor in a Caribbean Club Tournament involving three local teams and a Jamaican side. Can it be construed that “promotion is taking precedence over development”? Has the GFF granted approval, in conjunction with the JFF, and are all the requirements being met? How strange that development, reflective of age-limit competitions is not coordinated under the auspices of the GFA, within the last three years! But rather four competitions at the senior level, with the basic aim as a promotional venture, for financial gains entirely, within the corresponding period.
Editor, despite the fact that I have walked away from the active involvement of football administration in Georgetown, both at the club and association levels, in retrospect I can proudly say that my contribution throughout ensuing years was ultimately the sport’s development. The records will show that the two-year presidency of Mr. Troy Mendonca of the GFA, entailed 16 sponsored competitions encompassing Under-11 (Pee Wee); U -13, U-15, U-17, U-19, U-21, 1st Division and the Premier League! How many youth competitions the current GFA Executive have completed within its 3 years, moreso at the youth level?

LESTER SEALEY