Re-migrant businessman Frankie Farley captured a majority of the votes in last Sunday’s Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) election and is now the new president of the organisation. Farley defeated attorney James Bond, who had led the GCF for the past two years.
During his two-year tenure, Bond achieved much. Guyana was able to secure a FIDE Master (the qualification prior to becoming an International Master) in GTT’s Anthony Drayton, as well as a seat on the Ethics Committee of the World Chess Federation in chess player and attorney Yolander Persaud. Guyana was also exposed to the elaborate Chess Olympiad and the GCF hosted local tournaments.
So, how did Bond lose his portfolio as president? A major criticism of Bond’s tenure was that because he was securely locked to his profession as an attorney, he could not spare the time to engage chess fully. For example, when the Berbice Chess Association was established, Bond was unable to attend. Farley represented him and subsequently maintained a vigorous relationship with the Berbicians.
Unsurprisingly, the Berbice faction turned out to be the backbone of the election for Farley. They voted for Farley comprehensively. That, I believe, was the mammoth turning point of the election.
Some persons were noncommittal as to their choice, while others knew whom they wanted representing them. One man said he was torn between supporting the two candidates, and consequently, did not attend the election. The election was carried out smoothly without a hitch. No votes were spoilt.
The GCF wishes to thank John Lee of Demerara Bank Ltd for officiating as the returning officer at the election. John has been conducting elections for the GCF for a number of years. The members of the new executive for chess in Guyana are:
1. Frankie Farley – President
2. Professor Gomathinayagam Subramanian – Vice President
3. Aneesa Maryam Hussain – Secretary
4. Davion Mars – Treasurer
5. Loris Nathoo – Fundraiser (Director)
6. Rashad Hussain – Tournament Director (Director)
7. Anthony Drayton – Chess Trainer (Director)
8. Krishnanand Raghunandan (Committee Member)
9. Steve Leung (Committee Member)
10. Maria Varona- Thomas (Committee Member)
11. Nellisha Johnson (Committee Member)
The GCF is the governing body for chess in Guyana. The election process was fair, transparent and democratic. President Farley now has a golden opportunity to demonstrate the manner in which he can spread chess to all of the regions of the country.
