Dear Editor,
I am a member of the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) who was personally approached by Mr Shiv Nandalall to become a member. First of all, what took place at the AGM on January 15, 2012 is not what anyone who is fair minded would consider an AGM and proper election. There are certain procedures which must be followed. There was never a roll call of members present and one had to take it on trust that all the persons in that room were financial members; and there was no confirmation of the minutes of the previous AGM and discussion of matters arising out of those minutes.
The executive is made up of various office bearers, but only a President’s report and a Treasurer’s report were read. What happened to the Secretary’s report, the Tournament Director’s report and Trainer’s report? It was distasteful to hear the trainer lament that he did not know that he was required to make a report. No one knows how many tournaments took place and what the attendance was (especially in relation to the previous year). There was no place on the agenda for resolutions, motions or questions; it was improper that during the `any other business’ members were not permitted enough time to address pertinent issues and that the Secretary should tell members that only one more question was allowed. Furthermore, when Mr Rai Sharma sought to get an answer, he was quickly hushed up. It is disturbing to know that when the case of the expulsion of an executive member was brought to the floor by Mr Sharma, members were told that it may entail a legal battle and therefore could not be entertained. I am wondering if the executive was aware that all matters which concern the GCF are of importance to the members and not just to the executive. Any legal matter arising out of the expulsion concerns the GCF, and members ought to know the facts for the federation is not the executives alone but includes every member of the said body. It seems that once persons are elected they assume they hold limitless powers and can act as they want to, but that is not so. There is a constitution and persons so empowered can only act within the constitution.
I was flabbergasted to hear that the fundraiser did not raise one cent for the GCF during the entire year, and yet he was elected by a majority. How can this be?
Chess is a game of discipline and our administrators must understand the need for high standards; it would be a sad day for chess when we allow them to do as they please. I am calling on the President, Mr Shiv Nandalall to publicly state if the financial report that was presented was an audited report under the Friendly Societies Act.
Attempts to keep persons out because of wrong perceptions is not good for the game, and why certain persons were denied the opportunity to serve is beyond me. Any observer at the AGM would have seen that cronyism and the old boys club was at work and I call on all chess players to take heed.
Yours faithfully,
N Fraser
