– Several GCF members distance themselves from comments
Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Vice-President Nigel London has tendered his resignation from the entity following controversial remarks made during a Facebook Live broadcast where he responded to comments made by the public on the closure of certain parts of the Heroes Highway for the recently concluded Caribbean Championship.
The digital broadcast occurred on Monday after the conclusion of the Caribbean Cycling Championships on Sunday.
In his resignation letter, which was affixed with his signature and dated yesterday, London stated that his decision to step away from the entity stems from the fact that he highlighted the preference that was given to the Diwali motorcades over the Caribbean Championship.
He further stated that African Guyanese in culture and sport are discriminated against, declaring that it is unthinkable for individuals to support the closure of several carriageways for a cultural event but object to the blocking of fewer roads for cycling.
Although several individuals voiced their displeasure on social media at the closure of specific parts of the Heroes Highway, which heavily impacted the flow of traffic since alternative routes were required, London took umbrage at the remarks during his broadcast, stating that certain cultural activities, events, and groups were given preferential treatment.
He noted that as many as eight roads were closed to facilitate cultural festivities, while only two lanes were closed to traffic for the Caribbean cycling event.
London said: “During the emancipation period, not a single roundabout was decorated! However, for Diwali, Phagwah, Eid, etc, there were billboards and roundabouts highlighting the same. Was this an accident?
“In this sport, the cyclists who dominate are predominantly African. How have they and their interests in terms of safety been treated? I refuse to be silent in the face of injustice and discrimination”.
Due to his controversial remarks, where he lambasted the authorities, several members of the GCF, via statements, distanced themselves from his utterances, stating that it does not represent the personal views of the individuals and what they stand for.
Those officials were Mark St. Claire (General Secretary), Maria Leung (Assistant Treasurer), and Dr. Hector Edwards (Vice President).
