Dear Editor,

IT WARMS my heart to see the media highlighting the plight of the disadvantaged in this country. As a Buxtonian and an ardent cricket enthusiast, I just couldn’t resist penning this letter. It seems that the infighting that occurred over the years at the East Coast Cricket Board level and the Demerara Cricket Board level has left one question unanswered: What has become of Buxton Cricketers?Throughout the years, those cricketers have shown what it means to rise above adversity. They have travelled far and wide throughout this country when teams have refused to visit their ground, and have recorded more-than-credible performances against several teams.

However, for some reason, Buxtonians are not worthy of playing for the East Coast teams, nor are they worthy of being selected to Demerara/National trials to stake a claim in the national team. It has gone to such an extent that one of the most accomplished athletes of this village (Buxton), a cricketer at heart, plies his trade in the football arena, instead of being solely committed to cricket.

The only reason Clive Andries is playing cricket, from my estimation, is due to his passion for the sport., Whether or not football is playing, he makes the time to play, and contributes extensively to the success of the Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Team, whether by bowling his off-spin or unleashing his Andre Russell-style of brutal innings on opponents.

Due to the neglect of these cricketers, it seems there isn’t the desire, like in years past, to do the necessary training etc.; because the reality is that the chance of selection is not there, or has not been there for whatever reason, over the past 3 years; especially since the fracture in the Demerara, Guyana and East Coast Cricket boards.

Admirably, the team continues to churn out credible performances; a case in point being the ‘A’ team winning 4 out of their last 5 games. Just imagine what can be accomplished if they are motivated by a level playing field, equal opportunities and the necessary support.

Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club had to have been doing something right over the years, because they have produced outstanding CXC & CAPE performers, graduates from the University of Guyana, graduates from GTI, and also graduates from CPCE. And to this date, none of their players has been associated with criminal activity.

The question has to be asked: When will the time come for these cricketers to be given a fair share of the proverbial ‘cricket pie? Only God knows. One thing is for sure though: throughout all the adversities faced by this cricket club since its existence in 2000, these cricketers have continued to play the sport they love so dearly.

As a Buxtonian, I must say thanks to all those persons who have played or are playing for the Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club, and to those persons or entities that have contributed in whatever way — small or large — to the development of the sport in this village.
Regards,
MARVIN CATO