Gally: Beenhakker is not the answer

Indeed I have been bombarded by members of the public to say something. I have nothing personally against Leo Beenhakker. But he is not what we need at the moment. Let us not make the same mistake like we did with Otto Pfister, looking for short term solutions for problems that are deeply rooted in our football.

I offered my services in a technical to our new President which he suggested should be free of charge. Is he planning to offer the same to Beenhakker?

I thought it is time I should share thus letter I sent to the Honourable Prime Minister in October 2011 to which I am yet to receive a reply. I also sent to all Heads of Political Parties of the People's Partnership Government. I believe her hands were previously tied with her former Minister of National Security but I think she should be free to take action and to ensure proper governance at all levels where public resources are to be used.

I believe my letter (see below) was relevant then as it is now.

Yours in football
Gally 


Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar
CASE SUBMITTED TO THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

I  wish to refer to your brilliant contribution to the budget debate on 17th October, 2011 in which you made reference to your  government’s commitment to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the individual human rights and in particular to the issues of merit, ability and integrity as the foundation on which citizens are expected to be treated by the State.

I felt encouraged by your words that all citizens should be treated equally and that citizens with the ability to contribute to national development should be given the opportunity to do so as stated in the manifesto of the People’s partnership government. It was on this basis that I felt I would be given a fair hearing and that attempts would be made to bring closure to years of discrimination and victimization I have endured at the hands of the former Vice president of FIFA and a member of your government for upholding my values of honesty, integrity and complete dedication to the development of football in  Trinidad and Tobago.

After more than a year of meeting with officials of the commission and being assured that the matter was being addressed , I was tricked into coming into the office and ill-treated by persons at the commission who informed me that they were given instructions from higher authorities that they should discontinue any action on my matter. I was so hurt by the treatment I felt that I would not get any redress if I pursued the matter further since it appeared to me to be politically motivated.

However on hearing your contribution to the debate on October 17th , I have gotten renewed confidence that as my Prime Minister, you would not allow such discrimination to continue. I still feel that I am continuing to face discrimination and victimization as I have been continually bypassed although I have expressed my interest on many occasions publicly and to officials of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) to assist in any area where there is a need (and there is a lot that needs to be done) by persons of less merit and ability, many junior to me whom I have trained earlier in my career but who lack the experience, and are given opportunities to contribute at national level. I feel proud that many of them were developed by me but I still see areas that are lacking in which I could advise.

I feel hurt by all the injustice done to me in the past, opportunities lost, reduced income  and grossly underutilized when compared to my experience and knowledge and value I could bring to the football table. I feel comforted and encouraged by so many nationals of all ages, races and social standing whom I meet on a daily basis and who thank me for my contribution and express how they long to see me playing a role so I could bring back the excitement and happiness they felt when I was involved.

It pains me to see the level we have fallen and how mediocre we have become when I have to sit and watch a 73 year old foreigner , highly paid, I understand it is to the tune of over 300,000. per month whom while experienced I do not believe can inspire and raise our level as I could since I have done it before when football was in the dumps in 1987 and I know I could do it again.

Honourable Prime Minister, I appeal to you to bring this discrimination and victimization to an end in the interest of national development when our country needs transformation as you have committed to do  and to uphold the values of transparency, and good governance  as stated in the People’s manifesto and on which the people of Trinidad and Tobago gave a mandate under your leadership.

I look forward to your urgent consideration of this matter. A copy of my CV outlining the various national awards and recognition I have received for my service to my country is enclosed.

Yours sincerely,
Everald Gally Cummings, H.B.M;C.M.T.