Former General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Diedre Davis, has finally broken her silence on her termination following a decision taken by the Wayne Forde-led Executive Committee.
While the GFF is keeping a still-tongue on Davis’ termination, the former ‘GS’ and one of the few females in world football in such position, today (July 21) issued a release in her attempt to shed some light on the rationale behind her being ‘axed’.
See below, a letter to the Editor from Ms. Diedre Davis – former General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation:
Given the recent history of events within global and regional football, I understand and appreciate the scepticism that exists regarding my termination of services from the Guyana Football Federation(GFF).
With no formal correspondence from the Federation, it is understandable that many stakeholders- Members, Media and the general public have many unanswered questions.
On Wednesday June 22, 2016, I was notified by the President of the GFF, Mr. Wayne Forde of the Executive Committee’s decision to terminate my services with immediate effect. Moreover, I was informed of “operational lapses” which were attributed to my inability to lead the Secretariat in a manner that was expected by the Executive Committee.
At no time during the tenure of the Executive Committee was I informed or given a warning notice on my purported deficiencies and unsatisfactory performance as required by Section 11 (4) of the Guyana Labour Laws. It is in this regard that I would consider my termination in bad faith and unjust.
Over the last year and five months, I have had the privilege to work with many football stakeholders, including the Normalization Committee, to whom I extend my appreciation for providing me with the opportunity to be a part of a series of monumental changes within Guyana’s football history.
To the Members of the football fraternity, I express my humble appreciation for your cooperation and look forward to hearing many more positive stories about the way you go about influencing lives of young people across Guyana using sport as a vehicle for discipline and other life skills.
The staff of the Secretariat will always hold a very special place in my vault of professional engagements. Thank you for your dedication and hard work despite the many challenges faced.
Prior to my departure from the GFF, I applied and was selected by FIFA to participate in the second FIFA Women’s Development Programme 2016/2017.
The nine-month programme is intended to empower the next generation of female football leaders across the globe. I have received notification from FIFA that I will continue my participation in the Women’s Development Programme as scheduled.
It is my hope that during and upon completion of the programme, that I will lend my expertise and training to the growth and development of football in Guyana, and in particular women’s football.
I am humbled to have served in the capacity of General Secretary of the GFF and I am hopeful that all the work that has gone into the restoration of normalcy and development will continue with all stakeholders working together for the good of the game.
Diedre Davis
