HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon said yesterday that Cabinet has found appalling the recent decision by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to deny this country’s hosting of the test match against New Zealand later this month. 

Speaking at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, in Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, he said more appalling was the “arrogance” with which WICB President Dave Cameron dealt with Guyana’s President and his Cabinet.
Furthermore, Luncheon said most appalling is the support the Guyanese directors apparently provided during the WICB recently held board meeting that influenced such an “unacceptable” outcome for Guyana.
“The West Indies have recognised the role of cricket, the role it has played, is playing in the region’s commitment to its integration. Here we have a regional institution that insensitively acts in this indecent, high handed and reckless fashion, issuing ultimatum to a regional government.
“The Cabinet of Guyana records its absolute rejection of the WICB behaviour, particularly as one comes to understand and appreciate the full picture.Guyana enjoys cricket. Guyana supports cricket. Taxpayers’ dollars contribute to the development of the sport in Guyana.

Their motives
“Who are these Guyanese directors and what were their motives in contributing to the WICB’s terrible decision? Is there silence, their failure to repudiate that decision to be taken as evidence of their support, their connivance with the WICB in foisting this unconscionable blow to Guyanese cricket lovers?”
Luncheon said Cabinet has vowed to “resolutely” defend Guyana’s interest in his matter now and in the future.
A few days ago, the WICB announced the relocation of the third Test between West Indies and New Zealand from Guyana, citing failure to bring resolution to an ongoing dispute within the game in the country and the recent passing of the Cricket Administration Bill in the National Assembly.
In a release, the WICB said they had serious reservations about the Bill which they say thrusts the administration of cricket in Guyana from an independent body to the Government of Guyana, viewing such a move as undesirable and inconsistent with International Cricket Council (ICC) tenets.
However, the Government of Guyana subsequently rubbished the claims made by the WICB.
Written By Telesha Ramnarine