President of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Horace Burrowes says that according to the constitution of the GCF, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) recently installed by member clubs of the GCF is illegal.
Earlier this month, the GCF was reportedly dissolved and replaced by an IMC at an Extraordinary General Meeting held at Olympic House.
At the meeting some nine of the 11 clubs affiliated to the GCF reportedly voted to install the IMC following concerns raised by cyclists and clubs about the performance of the Burrowes executive.
Burrowes said he has contacted the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the Confederation Pan-American Cycling International (COPACI) about the latest development and also sent them a copy of the constitution.
According to Burrowes the two organisations in their replies confirmed that he was the only recognised President of the GCF, adding that he would remain the president until the new elections in 2019.
Burrowes said that he plans to return home soon to deal with the matter.
“I would like to reaffirm my commitment towards the real development of our riders and am seeking to work with persons who are selfless in similar pursuits,” he declared.
According to Burrowes, the meeting at Olympic House was unconstitutional as no member of the GCF executive was present.
“Our rules are clear as day and speaks to who has the legal authority to call such a meeting, I would want to believe that the clubs and its representatives are aware of this.”
However, according to vice president of Carlton Wheelers Malcolm Sonaram, the Council of the GCF…”may call an Extraordinary General Meeting whenever they may think fit. Notice in writing of the objections of such meeting and of the time and place fixed for holding of same shall be given by the Secretary to each member and member club at least seven (7) days previous thereto, except in the cases of emergency when the Council may authorize shorter notice be given’, states 4 (d) of the GCF constitution.
But Assistant Racing Secretary of the GCF and Secretary of Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club, Joseph Britton argued that according to the GCF constitution only the General Council and not the members can dissolve the GCF.
”They have breached the constitution on at least two accounts,” said Britton.
“The members, after holding a meeting, must write the secretary outlining their grievances and intention to hold a vote of no-confidence. The Secretary is the only one authorized to inform the members of a meeting and only the General Council has the constitutional power to call such a meeting.”
Burrowes reiterated that the installation of the IMC was illegal.
”It is very unfair to usurp a person’s elected position, especially when that person is trying his/her very best to develop the state of a sport and in this case, cycling. I am not one to blow my own trumpet but in this instance, I would like to make it known that I took on the challenge of charting the way forward for the sport in Guyana and am committed to fulfilling this commitment,” he said.
Burrowes said heading an organization was not easy and needed
honest and committed individuals who share the same vision and are willing to work as a collective unit in order for there to be some success.
“We have before us a young and talented cadre of cyclists who is looking forward to us, the leaders to chart the way forward for them. They are looking for honesty and sincerity in the way we do business not persons who are prone to steal power by all means necessary.
“As a committed person and now President of the GCF, I have assisted the young riders physically, mentally, and psychologically to maintain and upgrade themselves and ultimately, Guyana. This was done by way of providing cycles, clothing, and training for those concerned.
“No association or federation in Guyana is without challenges. We must do things in the correct manner at all times and be wary of those who are seeking power by all and any means possible,” he said.
Prior to the installation of the IMC, some 40 dissatisfied cyclist had signed a petition demanding the resignation of Burrowes who resides overseas, and his executive.
The cyclists had reportedly stated that they were upset with the state of the sport since the new executive took office over a year and a half ago adding that meetings were not held regularly among other issues.
Burrowes, it was reported, had admitted that the sport was plagued by conflicts which were affecting the sport negatively.
