FAIRPLAY, TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY NEEDED
By George Robinson

My view is based on Paragraph IV: Article 31-8, page 26 of the GFA Statutes 2004 which reads “An election of the Executive Committee of the General Council shall require at least an absolute majority (50% + 1) of all the votes validly cast by those delegates who are entitled to vote at such an election.
In the event the votes cast are equal, a new vote shall be taken; if this vote is likewise equal, an election shall be decided by the drawing of lots by candidates”.

The General Council knew about the presence of FIFA and CONCACAF officials at the elections just two days before, through a news release. The release said the officials were coming in only as observers. This proved to be deceptive. They were actively involved in the proceedings.  It was their interpretation that the slate with the less votes should be eliminated.

Nowhere in the GFA constitution are provisions made for this ruling; I agree that a new vote should have been taken as stated in the constitution.  However, all three candidates should have contested what they called the “run off.”  After the First round of voting there was a margin of 1 and 2,  Joseph (12); Folkes (11) and Roberts (10).  

The second round could have seen Roberts (19); Folkes (7) and Joseph (7) meaning, Roberts would have had a 50%+1 valid votes ending the election process.  In fact, any of the candidates, if given the chance could have gained a majority. However, if this was not achieved after at least two rounds of voting, before eliminating any delegate, a motion to do so should have been approved by council with a majority vote.

The GFA Statutes 2004, like any other Constitution, is the only tool by which the Association's business must be conducted.

The only report presented at the General Council Meeting was that of the President. This was a verbal report and apparently hard copies were made available only to the press.  After listening to the report, one can only conclude that the main problem the Executive Committee faced was that of leadership. The challenges and shortfalls stated in the President’s Report are blatant non observance and non administering of his duties.

To add insult to injury, the President’s Report and Post Election Interviews seem to only focus on “VENGEANCE”

1     A short list of the major shortfalls in his report pages 2 & 3, items; III “The failure to hold …. arbitrary use of power” and IV” The absence of audited financial statements……..One is left to wonder why?”

It should be noted that all the shortfalls listed should have been addressed during the first year in office of the Executive.  Provisions for these are made in the GFA Statutes 2004, Paragraph IV-A. General Council. Article 25 - Annual General Council and Article 26 – Agenda for the Annual General Meeting, also observance of related articles which may apply.

We can recall The Grenada Informer weekly dated 11th February, 2005 a few months after the General Elections and Hurricane Ivan, headlined “GFA battle for supremacy continues.”  Based on the content of the article, we may recall certain council members making alternative positive recommendations, after the embarrassing public outcry as a result of the article.

2   The President’s post election interviews responding to media questions, disclosed information on activities of GFA officials which may be considered criminal offences and advice received from the police. There are no recorded discussions or decisions on these accusations at Executive Council or General Council meetings.  Article 59 and Article 24 - 1(e) must be observed before public scrutiny. We consider this disrespect for the GFA Statutes and Regulations.

3    One of the weekly news papers quoted him as saying, “As for the General Secretary, there was no bidding for the job -- no advertising. It was cronyism where you give a friend a work”.  He went on to say that the constitution clearly states, the person must have financial training. False!

PARAGRAPH  IV – B Article 35 C refers to appointment of the General Secretary

PARAGRAPH  VII Articles 51 and 52 refers to functions of the General Secretariat and General Secretary.

In the absence of properly structured clubs, teams are not properly represented at council meetings. The demographics of players, who represent unstructured or poorly managed  teams, create an environment for abuse of power. Sporting Associations with a strong financial base like the GFA, should seek to develop club structure in the areas of Administration, Finance, Players profile and Fair Play.

The President’s only positive comment was, he now has a slate he can work with.

Will FIFA and the GFA major investment in Human Resources be put on sabbatical for the next four years.