FOLLOWING the announcement of an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to administer the game of cricket for a six-month period by the Ministry of Sport last Thursday, the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) has offered its commendation to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony. Below is a full excerpt of their congratulatory message:
The East Coast Cricket Board is convinced that the entire Guyana, all the territories of the Caribbean and the University of the West Indies are aware that the so-called Guyana Cricket Board is a national disgrace.
It is significant to observe that while the West Indies Cricket Board is cognisant that cricket in Guyana is in turmoil, it continued to turn a blind eye.
However, the Regional Board is adamant that Chris Gayle, one of the world’s outstanding contemporary cricketers, will not be considered for selection unless he issues an apology.
Ms Angela Haniff who brought legal action against the executives of the Guyana Cricket Board for scandalous elections held on July 10, 2011 has exposed the shame in which cricket bodies have been functioning.
The Honourable Chief Justice, Ian Chang, clearly stated that since Guyana has a Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport the subject Minister has the authority to initiate an Interim Management Committee until such time the full Legislature must and draft the relevant laws which will make the GCB answerable.
Pretipaul Jaigobin, the former charismatic Assistant Treasurer, in his attempts to expose the clandestine schemes of the GCB, was almost blinded by the worst physical assault in the history of Caribbean cricket and the WICB was mute, while his scars present permanent evidence of the injustice meted out to him for his exposure’s role.
Now that the Minister has acted by establishing the Interim Management Committee he also struck a master blow by naming Mr Clive Hubert Lloyd CBE, the most successful West Indies Captain ever, to act as Chairman.
The other distinguished members of the IMC are: lawyer Edward Luckhoo, former Minister Anthony Xavier, former president of the Guyana Cricket Board Norman McLean, Accountant Harry Parmesar and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King.
During their short tenure only good can be anticipated.
The opposition parties during the November 28, 2011 election campaign were preaching against corruption and cronyism and when Parliament convenes next month, the East Coast Cricket Board urges all to cooperate to rid Guyana of this national malady.
We would like to sincerely commend the Honourable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank C S Anthony and his Ministry for acting professionally to bring sanity, creditability and proper administration to the largest game in Guyana.
We would also like to wish Mr Clive Hubert Lloyd CBE and his Committee well. The East Coast Cricket Board stands committed to aid this interim process which can only foster the development of our national sport.