Zugzwang! Displaced GCF President, Executives trade words

The Guyana Chess Federation has uncharacteristically stepped into the limelight with a brewing controversy among their Executive body.
Last Thursday, October 27, 2022, it was announced via missive that the GCF would have a new President assuming office, following a vote by the Executive body. However, no clarification was made in that GCF missive as to why President Frankie Farley was ousted from his position by way of vote.
Farley’s checkmate came almost a week later, when he accused the current Executive body of wrongdoing. According to Farley, he has filed a claim with the International Chess Federation (FIDE), ironically on the very day that the GCF announced Anand Raghunauth as the new President of the Federation.
Farley and the GCF would apparently continue trading pieces in the media, as the Federation, in its retort on Wednesday, has accused Farley of wrongdoing, and, by extension, has justified why he was voted out of his position as GCF President.
While the GCF remains steadfast in its position, it has noted that it would await the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission’s determination on the issue.

Below are the full statements from each party:
The GCF initial statement:
“The Guyana Chess Federation wishes to inform the public and its chess community that Anand Raghunauth, former Vice President of the GCF, is now the new President of the GCF.
“This decision was taken by the Board of the Federation by way of majority vote at its recent board meeting to fill the vacancy.
“The board will undergo some restructuring in the near future, (when) a new director is expected to be named.
The GCF wishes to thank former President Frankie Farley for his tenure of the last three years, and (wishes) him every success in his future endeavours.
“Anand Raghunauth will hold the post of President until the next Annual General Meeting in September 2023, when the election for the new governing body is scheduled to be held.”

Farley’s statement:
“I, Frankie Farley, duly elected President of the Guyana Chess Federation, GCF, wish to inform the public and the Guyana chess community that I have officially notified the International Chess Federation, FIDE, of the illegal and unconstitutional actions by four board members in their attempt to undermine the president of the Guyana Chess Federation.
“I consider these board members’ actions to be null and void. My claims were filed on October 27th 2022 with the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission against the respective board members of the Guyana Chess Federation.
“The actions by these specific board members are disturbing, and can have far reaching implications for all federations if they are allowed to go without consequence. Many federations in the region, as well as the Continental body, are already aware of these activities by members of the GCF Board, and are looking on in interest and disbelief to see how these concerning matters will be addressed. I have already engaged my lawyers, who will be taking all the necessary actions to protect the Constitution of the Guyana Chess Federation.
“Rest assured that I will continue to function as president of the Guyana Chess Federation, and remain yours in service while awaiting the final decision of FIDE.”

GCF’s most
ecent statement:
“The Guyana Chess Federation Inc. wishes to inform the chess community and the general public that, by way of a majority vote at a reconvened Board of Directors meeting, vacated the position of director and President of the Guyana Chess Federation Inc. that was being occupied by Mr Frankie Farley.
“A motion was approved by majority decision, (5 for, 1 abstention and 0 dissents) to remove Mr. Farley from the Board of Directors of the Guyana Chess Federation Inc., as well as from holding the office of ‘The President of the Guyana Chess Federation’ with immediate effect on October 20th 2022.
“This motion was passed pursuant to clause 6 a (iii) of the GCF’s Constitution. This action was deemed necessary by the Board, given Mr. Farley’s flagrant breaches of his responsibilities as set out in Clause 8 c (vii) of the GCF’s Constitution (“To abide by and carry out the instructions of the Federation”). The latest example of these failures was his decision to participate in the recently held CCA Assembly in Costa Rica despite the clear and unambiguous decision of the Board not to attend or participate in the Assembly.
“Mr. Farley was suspended from acting in the capacity of the President of the Guyana Chess Federation to give him time to present information on how his overseas trip was funded and the identity of the person who paid for his airfare and hotel accommodation. It should be noted that Farley had admitted to a third party funding his trip.
“Mr. Farley failed to fulfill his commitment to provide the board with the relevant source documents to prove how the expenses for his trip (were) paid, so as to allay the grave concerns that the funding of his trip may have constituted breaches of the FIDE ETHICS CODE, inclusive of those set out in Articles 6 (E), 6 (F), 6 (H), 7, 8 (B – 8.8).
“Since the matter is before the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission, the GCF prefers to withhold any further comments until the Commission has made its findings, and would encourage Mr. Farley to do the same.
“The Board of the Guyana Chess Federation stands by its decision. Mr. Farley’s belief that he is still the President of the GCF is unfortunate. The GCF has made great strides in taking chess to another level in Guyana, and we would like to continue to provide the opportunity to the chess players, young and old alike. We would like to assure the public that the Guyana Chess Federation Inc. is functioning and continuing to provide a service to the chess players in Guyana.”
Farley was first elected as President of the GCF back in August 2019, and served a two-year term. He was later re-elected as President in November 2021. On that occasion, the GCF can be quoted as saying “…under Farley’s stewardship, the GCF has been proactive in hosting tournaments, especially for the younger crop of players, by utilising online mediums.”