-after internal turmoil
By Michaelangelo Jacobus
As internal conflicts continue to escalate in the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycling Club (KARCC) has officially requisitioned an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the GCF to address ongoing administrative disputes.
This call comes amidst mounting tensions between GCF President Horace Burrowes and Lieutenant Colonel Mark St. Claire, the Federation’s General Secretary and President of KARCC.
The disputes, which have recently become public, revolve around allegations and counter-allegations of impropriety, breaches of protocol, and constitutional violations. KARCC’s concerns were formally outlined in a letter addressed to President Burrowes, urging immediate resolution to prevent further embarrassment to Guyana’s cycling community.
In the letter seen by this newspaper, KARCC highlighted its right, as an active member of the GCF, to question the state of affairs within the Federation. The club specifically took issue with remarks made by Burrowes in widely circulated voice notes and correspondence to the Confederación
Panamericana de Ciclismo (COPACI) President, which have raised eyebrows within the cycling fraternity.
“The remarks made and the actions taken by Mr. Burrowes necessitate a thorough review,” the letter states, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to the GCF’s constitution. KARCC has proposed that the January 11, 2025, EGM, mediated by the Guyana Olympic Association, be the forum to address these critical issues. However, Burrowes up to press time last evening, was yet to respond or acknowledge KARCC’s correspondence.
The letter from KARCC also invited Burrowes to present evidence to substantiate his claims against Lt. Col. St. Claire. Additionally, the EGM is expected to allow St. Claire the opportunity to defend himself and raise allegations against Burrowes. Central to the discussions will be concerns about the President’s alleged unilateral removal of GCF Executive Body members and his authority to make such decisions.
In response to these developments, Lt. Col. St. Claire expressed his determination to resolve the crisis through constitutional means. Speaking to Stabroek Sport, he stressed the importance of addressing the lack of a quorum within the Federation’s General Council and Executive Body, which has paralyzed decision-making.
“An extraordinary meeting will more or less cause the present body to be dissolved and an interim committee to be formed,” he explained, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The GCF’s internal discord has drawn national attention, threatening to overshadow the Federation’s mandate to promote cycling in Guyana and represent the nation on regional and international stages. KARCC’s letter pointedly notes that any interference from international bodies such as COPACI would only occur if internal conflicts contravened their statutes, leaving resolution firmly in the hands of the GCF.
Additionally, threats allegedly made against Lt. Col. St. Claire in a voice note attributed to Burrowes have further strained relations, with St. Claire reportedly seeking legal advice to address the matter.