GOVERNMENT will be tabling the long-awaited Cricket Bill in the National Assembly, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, announced at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President on Friday. The HPS said that following the example of sister-CARICOM countries, particularly Trinidad and Tobago, legislation in the sector is not so much about Government’s involvement, but rather it is about regulating the standards that deal with operations.

He said that on the basis of legislation being introduced by the Administration, one should not make the assumption that it is about Government trying to become involved.
The Cricket Bill is modelled after existing legislation enacted in Trinidad and Tobago.

Turning to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and its disregard for Guyana’s judicial rulings, and its insistence to recognise the discredited GCB, the HPS said, “They have left the door open for a new dispensation to develop, particularly the Cricket Bill and its schedule that includes a constitution for the GCB. In essence, we are thinking that the WICB wouldn’t conceivably be saying to Guyanese and the administration… we are running cricket in Guyana the way we feel like.”

He added that the mutual efforts between the WICB and Guyana continue in some clear-cut understanding that some acceptable resolution can be arrived at.

The GCB was characterised as unaccountable and irresponsible after its wrongdoings, including financial irregularities, were exposed. This led to Government moving to the High Court, which resulted in a ruling by the Chief Justice, essentially stripping this body of all authority. (GINA)