Startling revelations

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

It would appear that the St James Football Association (StJFA), which has been rocked by several controversial matters in recent times, could be in for yet another bout of discontent based on some startling revelations recently made to the media by vice-president Bryan Miller.

In a release dated July 25, the no-nonsense Miller, in a belated response to concerns raised by affiliates at the StJFA's annual general meeting last November, said that following investigations he had uncovered evidence to suggest that there was merit to the concern about a lack of proper accountability within the operations of the StJFA.

In speaking specifically to the StJFA's controversial decision to rent the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) playing field to board members to operate as a car park, for their own personal gain, during the 2010 staging of Reggae Sumfest, Miller said that investigations had revealed questionable accountability issue.

"With regard to whether or not there was misappropriation of funds, I think I would be right in saying that there was none," said Miller. "However, what is very evident is that there was lack of proper management of the affairs of the StJFA with respect to the overall matter."

In support of the affiliates' position that, instead of using the revenue-generating capacity of the UDC to enrich board members, the funds should have gone into the board's coffers, Miller said that the current admini-stration has taken a solemn decision to adopt the position of the affiliates.

"The decision of the present board is that any use of the UDC playing field as a car park for future staging of Reggae Sumfest, or any such major event being staged at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, will be done by the board," said Miller. "This is with a view to seeing to the continued protection of the playing area ... and all proceeds from such a venture will be pumped into the implementation of youth football programmes within the parish."

During the controversial use of the UDC playing field as a car park in 2010, the playing surface was extensively damaged, which resulted in a major public backlash and calls for the resignation of those involved.

As a consequence of that controversy, the then president of the St James FA, George Evans, while admitting that his instructions regarding the conditions under which the field should be used were disregarded, took responsibility and tendered his resignation.

Unsubstantiated

On the matter of the lease arrangement with the UDC for the use of the playing field, which affiliates were told was being paid by a board member as part of the deal to use the facility for parking during Reggae Sumfest, Miller said no evidence was found to substantiate that claim.

"In my research, I have been told by board members and two past presidents that the agreement to allow the designated board member to use the field is a long-standing one," said Miller. "However, no one has been able to produce any documents to substantiate from how long this arrangement has been in place. Additionally, no money was paid to the UDC for the year 2010."

Miller's forthright revelation has not gone down well with some board members, who believe that overzealous sports journalists with ulterior motives are manipulating him. However, Miller could well have the last laugh, as the implicated board members could face disciplinary actions.