I AM hoping that there is a newspaper that has the courage and foresight to think outside the box and take on board the challenge to persuade the Government in Guyana (incumbent), that the time is now rife for our Nation to pursue an Independent path regarding Cricket.As you know this is the people’s sport in Guyana. For some time now our Test Cricketers have been humiliated, our Government ignored, and our cricket loving people made to suffer by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Members of the WICB are a law unto themselves, and in my opinion these are the destroyers of West Indies cricket.

My question is this, if we can field an athletics team for the Olympics, then we need to firm our beliefs that the time is now right for Guyana to seek registration for International Test Cricket Status. Bangladesh came from obscurity and is establishing themselves; so can we.

Our country can boast major cricketing talents in the past and at present. Many Countries now play three test match series. We have three Counties. We have a Sports Stadium that is worthy of international standing. We have International hotels to boot, but most of all we can fill our cricket grounds with fanatical fans to make the venture economically viable, with sponsors, television rights, etc.

So, what is holding Guyana back from going this route, and here we must, if we truly believe that we are an Independent Nation on the Rise, we must take our destiny in our hands.

We need someone, a media of standing that can generate sufficient passion and drive to launch this campaign for Guyanese Cricket, for the long suffering Guyanese Cricketing Fans, and for our independent nation.

WILLIAM RAMNARACE (UK)