Georgetown, Guyana - Concerns with the administration of cricket topped the discussion on Wednesday evening when the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) series of town-hall meetings made its stop in Guyana.
WICB President Whycliffe “Dave†Cameron and Vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan, after brief opening remarks, fielded questions from the audience, the majority of which were centred on the current situation regarding the numerous court battles involving the various county boards and officials of those boards.
Claude Raphael, a former Director of the WICB, suggested that only way to solve the problems that face the game locally is the hosting of “free and fair electionsâ€, which he claimed has not been held since 2009.
His remarks were met with rapturous applause. He also raised the issue of the Berbice Cricket Board not receiving a subvention from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), which he said is being run by a group of individuals, who were not properly elected.
East Coast Cricket Board Competitions Committee Chairman, Raymond Barton, requested clarity on what constitutes disapproved cricket, as, in his opinion, that has been occurring in Demerara. He also highlighted that some clubs within his jurisdiction are being marginalised when it comes to assistance from the GCB.
President of the GCB, Drubahadur, and Secretary Anand Sanasie, who chaired the proceedings, also heard from the floor that the GCB is not being recognised as a legal entity.
Former West Indies all-rounder Roger Harper recommended that the WICB executives meet with the respective county boards instead of government, since there is where the problems lie.
Cameron, in responding to the concerns, noted that he had a meeting with Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, under whose ministry sport falls, and they have been able to craft a way for Guyana’s cricket.
While he did not divulge much details of that meeting, Cameron said the burying of “personality issues†and having a desire to move forward in the interest of the game may be the best solution.
Having matters held up in the courts did not find favour with the WICB head, and he hinted at possible mediation, which was suggested by attorney-at-law Emily Dodson.
Dodson, who kicked off the question and answer session, was vocal in her quest to have women’s cricket being given more focus and attention at the regional level. She highlighted the need to have age group cricket for females, as in the case of the males.
Dodson was also keen on having the female cricketers receive attractive remuneration packages and contracts, just as their male counterparts are enjoying at certain levels of cricket. Cameron highlighted that the WICB currently has 10 females on retainer contracts.
Other issues that came to the fore were the sacking of Shivnarine Chanderpaul from the Test team, the High Performance Programme which has replaced the Sagicor High Performance Centre, the Professional Cricket League Four-day competition, West Indies’ IPL players’ availability, WICB’s subvention to the GCB and the MOU/CBA for players.
