ONE of the fundamental issues in good governance is a periodic change at the helm notwithstanding how good or committed the incumbent is. I believe Mr. Chetram Singh has been President of the Guyana Cricket Board now for about 19 years having defeated Mr. Norman Mc Clean in the early 1990s. If my memory serves me correct at the time there were whispers about financial improprieties at the time along with an autocratic culture perhaps related to Mr. Mc Clean’s military background and perceived political connections.
However well meaning and dedicated Mr. Singh is, he should have demitted office and allowed fresh blood to infuse new thinking and hopefully renewed vigour. All national boards and High offices must have checks and balance in their constitution to prevent any one person from being in charge for more than two terms of office. I believe that Mr. Bish Panday occupied position of Secretary for a very long period of time and even though I understand that he recently demitted office the same applies to this most important position. Personnel should be changed after two terms. We should remember familiarity breeds contempt.
In regards to the allegations of financial impropriety, given the importance of cricket, the President must authorise an independent audit immediately by a reputable audit firm or individual capable and qualified to undertake this task with a wide terms of reference to definitively pronounce on fraud and other misuse of funds. Thereafter, any one found culpable should be dealt with the full force of the law.