r Sir,

REFERENCE is hereby made to the above caption as it relates to the recently concluded Pele FC 45th Anniversary Sports and Education Awards Banquet, held on April 1, 2016 at the Georgetown Club. Editor, while this undertaking truly deserves the highest commendation and national recognition, it’s my sincere desire that the National Sports Commission give serious consideration to the Pele FC Alumni, in its National Awards Ceremony for honourable mention. Since the fusion of academics with sports enables individuals to benefit from scholarships, with the relevant benchmarks being set. Laudable indeed, and the relevant Ministries of Sports, Education along with the Guyana Football Federation are all taking note.
Meanwhile, to the Pele FC Alumni Corporation, my heartiest congratulations to your bold initiative, special mention being made to the various winners in the respective categories of the football competitions and the Essay competition. Additionally, not foregoing the five Honorees upon their induction namely: Terrence Archer, David Chan, Dennis Hunte, Mark Joseph and Lyndon Laing, all of whom I would have interacted with during their administrative, coaching and playing careers. However, from a personal perspective, I would advocate that: more extensive research into the administrative backgrounds, along with playing careers of future honorees. Suffice it to say, David Chan and Terrernce Archer, wherein the involvement of David administratively with GT Cobras, the nation’s first semi-professional team, which participated in the now defunct CFU semi-professional Club Tournament. In relation to Terrence, he was elected as the General-Secretary, Guyana Football Federation, in 1999, but resigned a few months later. This historical achievement enabled Terrence to become the first former national player and more importantly from Pele. Additionally, both Laing and Joseph had also represented the GFL/GFA in various youth and senior competitions ahead of national selection. This factor should not be overlooked, since it provided the catalyst for national selection, in addition to Georgetown winning numerous titles. In 1992, Guyana emerged 4th in the CFU Championship and not third, which quite rightly is the best position obtained to date. While not foregoing the national team was coached by a former Pele and national player, Gordon “Ultimate Warrior” Braithwaite.

Respectfully Yours,

Lester Sealey