Without political interference, perhaps there would not have been a key change to the constitution of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) which was ratified on Thursday evening by the General Council.
This is the opinion of incumbent President of the association, Kalam Juman-Yassin.
That key change is an age limit cap of 70 to its office bearers.
Juman-Yassin, 76, told this publication yesterday that “The GOA has always remained apolitical and it is a shame that there was political interference. I think if there was none by the Minister, the associations would have voted otherwise,” he declared. The General Council which is made up of its affiliates, voted 29-13 via a secret ballot in favour of instituting the new rule which was one of the recommendations of GOA’s parent body, the IOC.
One of the 13 votes was by Juman-Yassin himself who is the head of the Guyana Fencing Federation.
This new rule within its constitution, will directly impact the long standing President of the GOA from running for the top post again.
The ratification of the constitution essentially prevents Juman-Yassin, who has been at the helm for the past 26 years from being reelected.
The longest serving sports administrator in the country’s history however, conceded that he accepted the decision made by the voters.
“I accept the decision made by the associations, I have no quarrel about it.”
The former Chief Magistrate further told this publication that no bridges were burnt on his behalf and he respects the stance taken by the General Council. Juman-Yassin, who has devoted a third of his life to the key stakeholder in sport, and also as an executive in the national associations governing boxing, tennis, and cricket, stated that if ever he is called upon to serve in perhaps an advisory role by the GOA, he will answer the call.
The decision by the GOA’s umbrella bodies will now determine in large part the direction sports locally will undertake for next four years and beyond as electoral elections of the GOA is imminent.
