Dear Editor
SINCE I have been advised not to pursue a lawsuit against Mr. Rawle Welch for libel and slander in relation to the publication of his letter captioned “Sealey struggling to convert thinking” K. N. 03//01/18 wherein the individual’s mention of me by name and implying “to be stuck in prejudice and blind loyalty to his employers; that he is afraid to point to for fear of payback”.

Within the “Courts of Law” had I gone that route, could Welch have provided circumstantial, photographic and supportive evidence of name of employers, place of employ and hours of work? Nevertheless, “bring me giants not those molded in the realm of Polyphemus, whose one eye enabled him to see everything for himself, and nothing for no one else.”

Is Welch a clone of the one-eyed giant? Since an antiquated and outdated mould wouldn’t be around now for the casting! By the way, when Welch was employed at Kaieteur News as a sports journalist, was he ever a “hired pen, de-facto public relations officer/propaganda relations officer”? If so, then my goodly friend and not brethren would have achieved another cloning in relation to propaganda, compliments of Hitler’s former Minister, Goebbels.

Is Welch struggling to convert his thinking that [is] “stuck in prejudice and blind loyalty; he is afraid to point to for fear of payback”. Wherein on 2 consecutive occasions, “extensive column space was utilized to promote the candidacy of 2 presidential nominees for the successful presidency of the G.F.F”, while being prejudiced to the challengers.

As a consequence, in a “subtle way” the G.F.F’s head will be attacked in the print media, with “gutter” letter writing devoid of intellectual content – ala Goebbels. Suffice it say “stuck in blind loyalty”. The Digicel’s Schools K.O Championship remains a typical example of “continued under-development”, since knockout tournaments are not conducive to development, an integral point Welch couldn’t have comprehended, but was afraid to point fingers at Digicel’s coordinator (then) for providing accommodation to Waramadong Secondary at YWCA, with hot-dogs for breakfast.

It’s with a great degree of honour, having served as Liaison Officer, Kashif & Shangai Organization, that Waramadong Secondary, for the K&S Schools’ K.O Tournament, was accommodated at Dawn Cari (one night only), thereafter Windjammer. Meals, 3 times daily were always of a highly nutritional content, along with sponsored dinners in two instances. Transportation internally for training; attendance at an Adventist Church Convention, National Cultural Centre, was also addressed. Additionally, the very evening of arrival, a rapport with the Manager, Ms. Campbell entailed.

“One of the best players in the squad came with a prior ankle injury”. Upon hearing this, Kashif, my “brethren” indicated: “Lester, in 10 minutes arrange a taxi for GPHC, for a doctor’s examination, ahead of physiotherapy treatment the following day and thereafter”! As brethren in tandem with Shangai, grounded spiritually our oath was, is and would always be: “Do not crave for recognition and respect from others; Crave rather [for] winning grace from the Lord”. Sai Baba.

Is that applicable and relevant to Welch? Is he “spiritually alive, or dead”? That aside, in my probationary period as the Liaison Officer, within 2 weeks of the tournament’s completion, a report was submitted consisting of recommendations for improvements. Based on the afore-mentioned, clubs had the privilege of requesting monies in advance of meals’ preparation. Caledonia Fire-AIA, in St. Lucia and Joe Public, in Guyana, provided me with professional assignments.

In the final analysis, “the confounded nonsense and the vibrancy of the General Council at the time”. Indeed, what a time it was to the extent that: “the GFL/GFA and all other affiliates benefitted from disbursements, emanating from collective levy fees; Mayor’s Cup included. “FIFA have spoken” not once, not twice, but thrice! “A two year suspension for Klass; disbanding the Matthias-led Administration; ruling Alpha United and Slingerz FC ineligible for CONCACAF Club Championship. Dictatorial? Let’s make FIFA great/ white again. A timely reminder publicly in 2010, in the print media I suggested – inter alia.

“Rotational/Confederation FIFA Presidency”. This would enable an African, Asian, CONCACAF and others occupying the seat. Rather than European dominance, with the latest “scrapping Anti-Racism Task Force”. Epistle, Epistle…“Must have stimulated serious deliberations among editors”. The most recent instance- “Two former donors/sponsors and a former football stalwart are not longer with us”. A mental stimulant, resulting in 2 publications the same day”. Letters column and the Sports page”. In the past did Welch ever derive that benefit?

My writing of letters –controversial, realistic and factual,is always to help shape football’s administration for the better–was never subjected to libel, despite retiring from active involvement, day-to-day in 2010. Despite it all “I fought the good fight, I fought against principalities and powers, and wickedness in high and low places, never fought against flesh nor blood”. In so doing, Welch have defied” professionalism, dragging Marlan Cole, a senior public servant, into his subconscious mindset”.

Did I ever mention Troy Mendonca, a Co- Director, Petra Organization in relation to reports – between 2008 -2010. The GFA’s executive had established a record, unsurpassed to date: Sixteen sponsored competitions, Pee-Wee to seniors, worthy of note between Marlan Cole and myself; Hon. Secretary and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer respectively, completed 16 reports and submitted to GFF, sponsors, affiliates and the electronic and print media. So who are my friends that Welch ever assisted in this endeavor.

Or is it a figment of his imagination? Welch’s penalty-kick, after diving in the box, unchallenged when he should have been booked, resulted in his spot-kick, uprooting the corner flag. Then appealing for a retake, citing a distraction, a second bookable offence enabling him entry into the dressing room, via the tunnel, which doesn’t exist in Guyana. Happy New Year Welch, from the “Jester.”

Thanks for the compliment. In accordance with the Webster and Oxford Dictionary, Jester (noun) –a professional entertainer in a Royal Court in the Middle Ages. Royalty, indeed!

Regards
Lester Sealey