Guyana Football Federation (GFF) boss Wayne Forde affirmed that he wants to witness the completion of the ongoing National Training Centre (NTC) and Durban Park infrastructural projects as the reasons for seeking reelection and that he is uncertain of the implications of the third term statute inside the entity’s constitution. With the elections slated for December 9, the buzz in the football fraternity over the last couple of weeks has been largely about a ‘third term statute’ that has been amended and instituted in the GFF Constitution under Forde’s administration.
According to Article 36(4), “no person may serve as president for more than three terms of office (whether consecutive or not). All other members (including any vice president) of the Council may serve for no more than three terms of office (whether consecutive or not). Any partial term of office of more than 24 months shall count as one full term”.
However, on August 27, 2022, Forde and GFF General Secretary Ian Alves signed off on the amended statutes, which include an annexation (point 2) that reads, “The term limits as defined in Article 36(4) of these statutes shall only apply as from the elections of the members of the Council, which shall take place following the adoption of these statutes.”.
This has been widely regarded as Forde cleaning up the slate of his previous two terms in office, hence paving the way for a possible additional three terms if he is successful in the impending electoral process. However, Forde has stated that he is unsure of the implications regarding the amended statute, paving the way for an additional three terms. Hence, the current GFF head has said that he is conferring with legal minds to clarify that issue.
In the meantime, Forde noted that he has heard that his challenger, Franklin Wilson, is using the controversial amendments overseen by the incumbent as one of his main pillars in his campaign.
Amid the growing tension in the football community, Forde told Stabroek News that he is tired of the GFF office and its responsibilities. He explained that if he is unsuccessful come December 9, he will not spend an hour more than is needed in his capacity as GFF President.
He explained, “I want to see these projects (NTC and Durban Park) out because a lot of effort and hard work has gone into them.” He further opined that if there is to be a change, there will be people without the requisite experience and knowledge of the various machines needed to execute the projects coming into office, which might negatively impact the completion of those said projects.
