Dear Editor,
Kindly permit me to respond to an article titled “Guyana Darts Association have always encouraged fund-raising among our affiliates” which was a response to my letter published in your columns. Prior to my letter, the GDA did not know me, but am extremely happy they do now, because I’ll be here to encourage them to work harder. The GDA at no time refuted my claim that the team went to Chile without support from the Ministry or the GDA but went on to say that the funding from the National Sports Commission came after the team left for Chile. Equipped with prior knowledge as to the dates of these competitions, it’s evident the GDA’s incompetence in making timely representation on the team’s behalf is glaring.
To date, the players that represented Guyana in Chile have not receive any assistance or partial reimbursement from the GDA, despite boastfully acknowledging receipt of funds from the National Sports Commission for that tournament. For the love of this sport, Sudesh Fitzgerald pawned his car to ensure his participation in Chile. Editor, in a recent social media post (Face-book), which I have attached, Sudesh Fitzgerald who is well known in the darts fraternity, attested to the very facts exhibited by me. The GDA should focus more on its purpose rather than its defensive stand to justify its failures. Editor, my letter was one that was not attacking, but stating facts emanating from an investigation I conducted. Also, from my initial investigation, it was revealed that the team represented Guyana in Germany only received support after an agreement was reached by and between the players and the GDA, that 40% of their winnings after expense, will be given to the GDA.
The GDA boasts of being the driving force behind the development of Darts for decades and in the same breath saying, “they are a very small orgnisation and scarcity in numbers”. This is an indication of little or no development strategy for decades. It’s hypocritical to say you are championing development for decades, yet Club Foreign Links which was established in July 2023, and is the only club with all its members affiliated with the GDA, and to date has not received recognition from the GDA. Instead of trying to justify its inefficiencies, the GDA should focus on its membership with the World Darts Federation that has been in arrears. I wish the GDA well in its endeavors and trust it will realize its purpose.
Sincerely,
Mustafaa Azimullah