President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde on Friday announced that the next course of action in the FIFA Forward project is “completely up to FIFA right now.”
“So FIFA is doing their part we have done our part as you guys may have heard before it is completely up to FIFA right now to get things going so they understand how important it is to get that project up and running,” Forde stated.
Forde made this statement at the GFF Headquarters, Campbellville in response to questions surrounding the development of Guyana’s first Goal Project and comes on the heels of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to Guyana only last month.
Also, the GFF boss confirmed that there is no change in the expected deadline for the commencement of works at the site which is located at Providence, East Bank Demerara.
“The schedule we have is between the first and second week of June, that’s where the projection is pointing so we are still hopeful we can meet that schedule,” Forde stated.
According to the man at the helm of local football, there is also no change in the contractors who have already been identified but there “are still a few things that are being considered and worked on.” While he could not speak definitely on the issue, he reiterated the importance and readiness the GFF is stressing on to get the project up and running.
Wayne Forde, Gianni Infantino and Minister Nicolette Henry at the turning of the sod at Providence in April
Under the Normalisation Committee, the GFF and the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council signed an agreement that saw the local governing body for the sport receiving a 30-year lease for the 8.5 acres Providence Community Centre Ground.
In 2015, construction firm, Dwain Ferdinand and Home Designs and Engineering Associates inked the contract to begin the preparatory work for the project while international Contractors, Greenfield have been identified for the installation of the artificial turf.
The Head of the international football body went on to commend Forde, saying that “Wayne is doing a good job with his team; they are thinking big, they are dreaming big, but what is most important is that they are putting it in practice, they are acting and that is important for the Region and that is why we are proud to be here and be helping.”
“Let me just say at the outset here that I’m extremely happy to be here in Guyana today with you for this important ceremony, which will actually, I’m convinced will change the landscape of football in this country but not only football, it will contribute a great lot to the whole society because we know about the values of football, what football can move,” Infantino stated.
