Horace Burrowes will be at the helm of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) for the next four years.
The former cycling champion and founder of the United Bike Shop was elected president of the GCF on Saturday when the body held its AGM at the GOA’s headquarters in Kingston.
Burrowes, will now take over from past president Cheryl Thompson, who was nominated on a slate put forward by the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club.
Eleven affiliated clubs of the GCF were represented by one delegate each and they voted 6-5 in favour of Burrowes compared to Thompson, who will now lead the GCF until 2019.
Cyclist, Paul Choo Wee Nam overcame Malcolm Sonaram 6-5 in the second round of voting for the first Vice-president post. Choo Wee Nam and Sonaram each earned five votes in the first round with Mark Conway securing the other vote.
The second Vice-president position will be filled by Andrew Arjoon of Team Evolution after he secured six votes. Okel Arthur received five.
Jerry Allicock of Team Coco’s was voted in as the third Vice-president, after snaring six votes to Sonaram’s five.
Maria Leung, Rosanna Sookoo and Hassan Mohamed were elected unopposed to the positions of General Secretary, Treasurer and Racing Secretary respectively.
Mohamed was the only person from the previous administration who was re-elected.
Moments after being elected to the helm, Burrowes addressed the congress, stating that an ocean of positive changes are in store for the sport.
The US-based Burrowes promised to work along with the clubs to ensure the growth and development of cycling locally. He also extended an olive branch to the past executives to work in partnership with the new GCF administrators to wheel forward.
Prior to the election of office bearers, the President, Secretary and Treasurer Reports were presented.
Several concerns were raised by members of congress, key among them, the financial records of the GCF since 2011.
Past Treasurer, William Howard, recommended that a forensic audit be conducted. The new incumbent has recognized the need to put the federation’s finances in order.
