09-08-2013, 09:57 PM
I am making this statement in response to an earlier post in this thread from Derek Howie and also in response to an email from Robin Moore.
I want to make it absolutely clear I have total respect for my opponent Hamish Glen and for all the others that are standing for election.
I needed help with my bid for election and Ian Brownlee was kind enough to help.
Chess Scotland
Presidency
C.V. & Manifesto
What are your main goals for the next 12 months?
I think that it is important that work is started to clarify not only the constitution, but the roles of the President and Directors. The description of the Presidents role is crucial as there has to be clearly defined parameters as to what he/she can or cannot do. Recent events have proved this in my view.
I also want to clarify who is responsible for the day to day running of the Association. Council must remain the supreme decision making body for chess in Scotland, but the association has to still function as a body on a day to day basis.
A working party has to be formed to reform our constitution.
One Idea worth considering is the introduction of voting by email. This could cut out the need for proxy voting.
What are you going to do to increase the chess playing in Scotland?
2/ This is a very difficult one to answer. I think we must constantly publicise the inclusiveness of chess and a sport that can be played on an equal basis regardless of age, gender or disability.
Do you have any plans to improve CS's relationship with Holyrood?
3/ I have to admit that I do not know much about much about this topic. I think that my international role can be of service to the Association though, as our affiliates in the IBCA, have dealt with national and state governments when organising events on our behalf.
Do you have any plans to mend any of the fences that have been broken over the past 12 months?
4/ There has to be a process of reconciliation in my view. There is a clear need for this in Chess Scotland. If Chess Scotland wants to go forward, we have to all work together for the good of the WHOLE Chess community. I am fearful that the recent spats particularly on the noticeboard have been damaging to the whole of our community. I am not convinced that people realise this when posting.
In order for Chess Scotland to go forward, the above paragraph has to happen in particular. CS will not move forward until it can stop its infighting.
I held the post of Home Director for 3 and half years. I resigned the post because of a decision I made in regards to the Richardson Cup. I made an error and resigned to protect the integrity of the post. The post is more important than the occupant. I also try to do my job in a most impartial way
I am currently the Secretary General of the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA). I have completed 5 years in this post which is a very senior one on the international stage. I am now in my second term as I was re-elected unanimously in Chennai in 2012.
In my work for the IBCA, I have been involved in the organisation of the following,
World Junior Braille championships in Sweden in 2009
World team Championships in Romania in 2010
World Braille Championships in Serbia in 2010
World Junior & European Braille Championships in Rhodes in 2011
14th Braille Olympiad in India in 2012
Pan American Braille Championships in Argentina in 2012
World team Braille championships in Spain in 2013
World Braille Championships for Women and also the Junior World Braille Championships due to start in Belgrade, Serbia on the 21/8-1/9 2013
I have also helped two young players one in Aberdeen through Sheila Emery and the father of a blind kid in Hamilton by providing braille sets free.
I have also donated a number of Sets to Chris Hampton to help him set up a chess club for the blind in Edinburgh.
When I say I will do something, then people can be certain that I will do my utmost to do it.
My emphasis is to bring both sides together
I want to make it absolutely clear I have total respect for my opponent Hamish Glen and for all the others that are standing for election.
I needed help with my bid for election and Ian Brownlee was kind enough to help.
Chess Scotland
Presidency
C.V. & Manifesto
What are your main goals for the next 12 months?
I think that it is important that work is started to clarify not only the constitution, but the roles of the President and Directors. The description of the Presidents role is crucial as there has to be clearly defined parameters as to what he/she can or cannot do. Recent events have proved this in my view.
I also want to clarify who is responsible for the day to day running of the Association. Council must remain the supreme decision making body for chess in Scotland, but the association has to still function as a body on a day to day basis.
A working party has to be formed to reform our constitution.
One Idea worth considering is the introduction of voting by email. This could cut out the need for proxy voting.
What are you going to do to increase the chess playing in Scotland?
2/ This is a very difficult one to answer. I think we must constantly publicise the inclusiveness of chess and a sport that can be played on an equal basis regardless of age, gender or disability.
Do you have any plans to improve CS's relationship with Holyrood?
3/ I have to admit that I do not know much about much about this topic. I think that my international role can be of service to the Association though, as our affiliates in the IBCA, have dealt with national and state governments when organising events on our behalf.
Do you have any plans to mend any of the fences that have been broken over the past 12 months?
4/ There has to be a process of reconciliation in my view. There is a clear need for this in Chess Scotland. If Chess Scotland wants to go forward, we have to all work together for the good of the WHOLE Chess community. I am fearful that the recent spats particularly on the noticeboard have been damaging to the whole of our community. I am not convinced that people realise this when posting.
In order for Chess Scotland to go forward, the above paragraph has to happen in particular. CS will not move forward until it can stop its infighting.
I held the post of Home Director for 3 and half years. I resigned the post because of a decision I made in regards to the Richardson Cup. I made an error and resigned to protect the integrity of the post. The post is more important than the occupant. I also try to do my job in a most impartial way
I am currently the Secretary General of the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA). I have completed 5 years in this post which is a very senior one on the international stage. I am now in my second term as I was re-elected unanimously in Chennai in 2012.
In my work for the IBCA, I have been involved in the organisation of the following,
World Junior Braille championships in Sweden in 2009
World team Championships in Romania in 2010
World Braille Championships in Serbia in 2010
World Junior & European Braille Championships in Rhodes in 2011
14th Braille Olympiad in India in 2012
Pan American Braille Championships in Argentina in 2012
World team Braille championships in Spain in 2013
World Braille Championships for Women and also the Junior World Braille Championships due to start in Belgrade, Serbia on the 21/8-1/9 2013
I have also helped two young players one in Aberdeen through Sheila Emery and the father of a blind kid in Hamilton by providing braille sets free.
I have also donated a number of Sets to Chris Hampton to help him set up a chess club for the blind in Edinburgh.
When I say I will do something, then people can be certain that I will do my utmost to do it.
My emphasis is to bring both sides together