Dear Editor,

I STILL support the notion of the philosopher, who once said, “if one were to ask me for the prerequisite of being involved in sports I would say the first thing is to be happy”. Editor, I’m no longer involved in the administration of football, since 2010.
However, during my tenure of 28 years, which began in 1982, with a modest commencement as a Divisional Representative, I climbed the Administrative ladder as a Divisional Secretary; Assistant Secretary/Treasurer (twice); Honorary Secretary elected (thrice) and in one instance Public Relations Officer, Hon. Secretary- I.M.C. and Administrative Consultant.
Suffice, it to say that all the relevant positions were within the Georgetown Football League (GFL) and Georgetown Football Association (GFA). Consequently, it is “mind boggling” with regards to what the administration of football has come to in our nation’s capital. Simply put, there is a “prolonged dry spell” of domestic inactivity.
That can only be equated with reading out the riot act “loss of voting rights at General Council meetings of the GFF, with attendance still being a perquisite, while the status quo as an affiliate is replaced by an associate”. However, for this to be achieved there must be the relevant “Constitutional Articulation” in place. Also, any other affiliate that finds itself in a similar predicament as the GFA, must be treated accordingly. Would the GFF Executive be willing to go this route?
Meanwhile, where is the happiness, is it a figment of one’s imagination? Would the present administrators continue to live in a world of glorious uncertainties, where happiness offers no guarantee? Despite the fact that during my tenure there were a few disappointments, at the end of each season, being happy and satisfied was always a due reward.

Our executive was able to complete at least 85% of competitions. Further, in two instances, over a two-year period 16 sponsored competitions were completed, with the relevant reports and audited financial statements.
Finally, with five–a-side competition seemingly an established norm presently, how does the GFF executive view this unfortunate, money-grabbing syndrome by private promoters, whose basic aim is enrichment by exploiting the footballers.

Interestingly, the majority of the players are products of the GFF, by virtue of being affiliated to clubs. As such, it’s beyond my “stretch of the imagination” that feature matches kick off at 23:00 hrs. Recently, a final was inconclusive at 02:30 hrs. Where is the collective voice of the GFF General Council towards seeking a meaningful dialogue, via an Emergency Congress to discuss the continued prostitution of five-a-side football, with no tangible financial benefits for the GFF, being derived.
At the end of the day, our beloved Guyana would be laughed at for its “continued underdevelopment of the sport”, as private promoters continue to have a field day coordinating tournaments unchecked. In the same vein can anyone of the lot, who were recently touted in the print media, of supposedly having the requisite administrative acumen of organizing, compile a comprehensive statistical tournament report? Organizing a tournament for entirely financial gains can never be equated with organizing an “Annual Calendar of Activities”, consisting of development from the embryonic stage (PEE-WEE) to seniors. (To be continued).

Respectfully yours,
Lester Sealey