Persecution, marginalisation and discrimination. All of the above possess a certain synonymity and can be used to illustrate a narrative.
In Guyana, the aforementioned trio is culturally endemic and unfortunately, sport is not spared from such an unwanted affliction. To speak out against or question the status quo, as is one’s own fundamental as well as ethical right, is tantamount to insubordination.
But it seems normal in Guyana for such acts to be accepted and even normalised. After all, Guyana is a backwater kingdom, a ‘Banana Republic’ governed by suits, whose self-importance is as misguided as their intellectual upbringing and authenticity. Sport and football to be specific, is not immune to the machinations of such ‘geniuses’.
The selection of the Golden Jaguars team for the resumption of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers has led us down this path of exploration, following the absence of several notable stalwarts and emerging stars.
Jeremy Garrett, Ryan Hackett, Nicholas MacArthur, Curtez Kellman, Neil Danns, Sam Cox, Callum Harriott, Anthony Jeffrey, Terrell Ondaan, Quincy Adams, and Trevon Lythcoth are some of the names who did not make the trek to the Leeward Island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
While the absence of several of the aforementioned names is questionable and contentious… especially UEFA Champions League Playoff-bound Danns, the non-selection of Garrett and Captain Cox has created a whirlwind of suspicion as to the perceived reasons for their nonappearance from the travelling cadre.
One would hope that Garrett was not excommunicated because of his willingness to speak out against clear injustices which plagued the locals during the preparatory period.
Even from a tactical perspective, no coach worth his proverbial salt can deny the quality of the former Chase Academy standout and U20 captain, as he is among the best, most experienced, and most versatile defenders in his age group.
His exclusion seems to be somewhat politically influenced like the exclusions of fellow U20 stars Nicholas MacArthur and Ryan Hackett.
Garrett had spoken out against the establishment questioning the money that was allocated for players to train.
The GFF had initially stated that local players received reimbursement for transportation for training sessions [at the National Training Centre at Providence] during the preparation phase for the opening of two FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, with Georgetown players receiving GY$300 per session, while those from the East Coast Demerara and West Demerara received GY$400 each. Players hailing from Linden and Berbice were reimbursed the sum of GY$3,000.
However, the GFF had raised the travelling amount by GY$100 for players from Georgetown, East Coast, and West Demerara environs, while the amount for players dwelling in the areas of Berbice and Linden remained the same. As such, the Georgetown, East Coast, and West Demerara players are now given GY$400, GY$500 and GY$500 respectively.
This is nothing short of laughable but even in the comedy that is the Golden Jaguars programme and the GFF, the fact is that the players have a right to seek betterment, fairness and respect in the execution of their duties.
Despite being the true ambassadors of the sport, the players are relegated to the realms of entry-level workers, whose patronage is dependent on their football masters.
But then again should we expect any better from the current football administration, which has shown the propensity to foster and encourage policies and practices that might appear to be oppressive.
Remember this is an administration that for years did not afford the Lady Jaguars team, the most successful unit in our footballing existence, match day fees. They offered an excuse when their shameful actions were exposed.
Let’s not forget this is the administration that is yet to discipline a former executive in the form of Keith O’Jeer for his inappropriate behaviour, a matter which transpired since 2018.
Meanwhile, Cox, the poster boy of the programme for several years due to his captaincy portfolio, was also summarily axed by the management team, a core of individuals who seem more equipped to ply their trade at the ‘Circo Romano’.
Although Cox’s ability may be argued amongst the football masses, his commitment to the cause cannot and should not be questioned.
However, one wonders if his exclusion can be put down to the fact that he also spoke out on behalf and in representation of the locally based players for the ‘crumbs’ being served on a platter as their travelling allowance to the Providence facility.
Let’s not forget, the players were given pittances to toil every day in a bid to represent the flag. Call it what you will, but the GFF should be ashamed of itself for this act.
No level and/or amount of sophistry from the power brokers and football emperors could ever give credence to such Orwellian behaviour. Sports in Guyana seems to be the first cousin of politics.
