Dear Editor,
Football in Guyana has scored a classical goal to secure a win for all stakeholders in this beautiful game with the newly elected president, Christopher Matthias. He has from the embryonic stage of his involvement in the sport, shown he can deliver the desired change for the betterment of the game.
This defining moment has been a long time coming and at the election, despite all the inner workings, plots, mistrust and deceptive moves displayed by some on election day, nothing could have changed the direction of the leadership.
I must say it was refreshing to see the great interest shown by individuals from different geographical locations and work disciplines who desired to lead this institution. Some I know had made many sacrifices and would have fought long and hard on the campaign trail for the top post. For this I commend them all. I look forward to seeing if those individuals will be willing to work, to assist and give their unyielding support to the newly elected body to bring our football up to the standard they spoke of during the historic period. Or will they be on the sidelines with clasped hands waiting with glee for mistakes to happen, just to say, I told you so!
Many, I believe, will use their right to express opinions and will make criticisms, but I ask for those views not to be capriciously, vengefully, or wantonly expressed without any rational basis for the benefit of football development.
With the rugged potholed road and an enormous debt left by the previous administration, we all need to be cognisant and conscious of the difficulties that lie ahead for the newly elected officials. Certainly the road will be long, the climb will be steep and the goals of the new executives may not all be achieved in the first six months or even a year, but I’m hopeful and of the firm conviction that the team will turn around football in the correct direction.
I am sure there will be setbacks and false starts. Many will not agree with every decision or policy the president and his executives will make. Let us be realistic in acknowledging that every problem will not be solved. But I’m confident in the leadership and character of Mr Matthias to always be honest with all stakeholders about the challenges they are confronted with.
So in this new dispensation, let us all summon a new spirit of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder for the good of the game.
Congratulations to Messrs Christopher Matthias, Collie Hercules, Ivan Persaud and all the other executives of the Guyana Football Federation, and good luck in carrying out your mandates for Guyana’s football.
Yours faithfully,
Jermaine Figueira
Executive Member
Upper Demerara Football
Association
