Former Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Treasurer and Vice-President of Netrockers FC Jermaine Figueira said while his club was not invited to the association’s recent press briefing, he believes the association was wrong to flout the decision taken at the GFF congress.
“I resigned from the association not knowing what would have been the outcome of the Congress because I believed the association’s decision to defy the congress was not a prudent one and moreover it was a violation of the congress/constitution,” Figueira said in an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport.
Questioned why his club wasn’t represented at the UDFA press briefing on Tuesday at the Critchlow Labour College, Figueira said, “Our club was not a feature of the UDFA’s contingent because we were not invited and that was probably because that delegation is aware of what Netrockers stands for.”
“Our club believes [that] the power which you possess is but one side of the coin; the other is responsibility. There is no power or authority without responsibility and he who accepts the one, cannot escape and evade the other,” he added.
According to Figueira, Tuesday’s revelations “showed a pure demonstration of blind loyalty. Many of the players of those clubs who were not sanctioned and who have a love and passion for the game aren’t au fait with all the facts and the genesis of this unfortunate situation.”
Citing Article 12 of the GFF constitution, Figueira said the responsibility entrusted on the UDFA executives is enshrined in the GFF constitution, to which they are signatory.
“Those powers and responsibilities are guided by rules, regulations and statutes that must be respected at all times,” he said. “Parliament passed motions and make laws that we all at times are not in favour of but by law, you have to respect it.”
Further, Figueira said, “We in this region are fortunate to have a cadre of football enthusiasts with the love, passion and the know-how to fill any vacant post and keep the association alive. The game of football is bigger than any mishaps or misfortunes and that has to be proven time and time again.”
“I am however saddened by the revelations of the congress because these gentlemen I know personally have a desire to see the sport develop. The president (Sharma Solomon) has served the association for more than a decade and sadly he will be remembered for being banned,” he added. “But I believe the calibre and character of his leadership will be tested and proven with respect to how he as the ‘Regional Chairman’ will help to see the sport develop in the region….”
