GFF presents five-year strategic plan to Minister Norton

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde led a delegation last Thursday that met with Minister of Social Cohesion, George Norton, to present the GFF’s 2018 calendar of activities and briefed him on upcoming developmental plans of the Federation.

Among the key items discussed at the meeting held at the Ministry’s Boardroom was a pitch for the Minister’s support in bringing together the relevant Governmental agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the launching of a first-ever GFF/FIFA/GOG National Primary and Secondary School Football League.

The project, which is expected to be funded by FIFA to the tune of USD$250,000, is a landmark initiative that will be positioned as part of the national youth programme. To this end, GFF’s Technical Director Ian Greenwood and School’s Development Officer, Seon Bristol, outlined the key features of the programme to the Minister.   

Additionally, Forde in his presentation, shared the GFF’s strategic five-year plan and outlined the Federation’s desire to partner with the Government of Guyana (GoG).  A key feature of this partnership was Government’s support for the GFF Elite League through the provision of employment opportunities for players.

This, it was stated, will contribute to the greater development of the players by providing them with a livelihood through skill acquisition and increased earning capacity, which will ultimately be beneficial for the country. 

Among the other issues discussed at the one-and-half hour meeting were GFF’s interest in partnering with the GoG in the development of community grounds across the country, including school grounds, and exploring opportunities to use football as a vehicle for the dissemination of social cohesion messages. 

The Minister, in response, congratulated the GFF on the initiatives tabled and progress made to date relative to national football development. He committed to providing material support to the initiatives tabled including the areas of ground development administered by the National Democratic Council, facilitating tax concessions on identified needs, using football as a medium to promote social cohesion, and engaging stakeholders to achieve the issues discussed. 

At the conclusion of the meeting, Forde presented the GFF’s Annual Report and Audited Financial Report along with some FIFA memorabilia to Dr. Norton. 

Among the other GFF personnel in attendance were First Vice President Brigadier (ret.) Bruce Lovell, Executive Committee Members Dion Inniss and Keith Ojeer, General Secretary (ag) Rennella Bourne and Communication and Public Relations Officer, Debra Francis.  

The Ministry was represented by Melissa Dow-Richardson, Assistant Director of Sport (Policy), Brian Smith – Assistant Director of Sport (Administration) and Natasha Singh-Lewis, Technical Officer.