A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister for Sport, Jermaine Figueira, has slammed the government for its failure to appoint the members of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
During an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday, Figueira, the former Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Secretary, said he did not think that newly appointed Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., was fully in charge adding that he should seek permission if that was the case.
“The failure to appoint the board members to get on with the business of giving direction for the development of sports is a sorry excuse when we have seen the appointments of many other boards across ministries,” he argued.
“One wonders why this has not yet happened. I implore the honorable minister to seek the necessary permission so we can begin to see some sensible direction for the movement of sports, indoors and outdoors. It is very clear that young Ramson is not in charge, he should therefore talk to the man in charge of his honorific position.”
Another position still to be filled is that of Director of Sport and questioned about a suitable candidate for the critical post, Figueira was reluctant to name a candidate but called for a transparent process.
“I would not venture to propose a name of an individual because that may very well hinder any prospect of that person given such an opportunity. The minister has the prerogative to identify and build his senior leadership team. I would advocate that the minister do ensure that the final appointment is made through a competitive and transparent process.” Although several other sports enthusiasts and administrators are under consideration for the post, Kashif Muhammad is set to be the front runner to replace previous head Jones at the helm of the organization. Muhammad is a notable football administrator following successful years as the promoter of the Kashif and Shanghai Yearend Football Championship, an event which was staged for more than 22 consecutive years.
Quizzed if Muhammad, who is being touted as the front runner for the NSC top post, was the ideal candidate, the Linden native stated, “I do not know Mr. Kashif Muhammad to the extent to make a judgment on if he is the best or ideal candidate for the job. It all depends on what the government’s vision for sports is. I do believe the gentleman being touted is a Lindener who has demonstrated extraordinary skills at sport management, birthing the most dynamic football product in Guyana’s history in his home community and growing that product to an unmatched national event for over two decades. From that perspective many would argue that he has the requisite skills while many will still contend that there are several other skilled and qualified Guyanese who can be considered.”
He added, “I don’t hold the view that what I think or believe will not have much impact on the decision the government will ultimately make, which is not good for Guyana, because I, like most Guyanese, want what is best for my country and I have ideas I believe would add to its development. With that said, I do believe the Director of Sport must be an individual of reputable character and a role model to be emulated. Additionally, one who is acutely aware of the direction of sports in a global perspective and with the realities of Covid-19 that will be with us. That individual must have knowledge of the multiplicity of the various sports disciplines that we are actively involved in and others that we should endeavour to be involved in also. He or she must have the experience and know-how to move the respective disciples for us as a country of just participating to competitively competing with the best in the world.”
According to Figueira, the Director of Sport portfolio has often been saddled by individuals who lack the necessary quality and vision to advance the development of the sporting sector.
“I believe that post has not benefited from the best of what Guyana has to offer for the development of sports in moving it and our athletes to a place where they are given real opportunities and exposure to put Guyana on the map of the world with respect for our sport offerings. Sadly this has often been the case throughout our history and continues to present a major challenge in all tiers of the leadership landscape in Guyana. In the end, one hopes that appointed leaders make the best efforts to consult widely among national and local stakeholders towards the implementation of the best and most viable ideas, and work across divides to transform our beautiful homeland.”
