Dear Editor,
PLEASE permit me to respond to an article in the November 15, 2017 edition of the Kaieteur News under the caption: “Non-playing clubs should not vote at elections, Berbice Cricket Board in good hands,” with the writer who signed as Berbice Cricket enthusiast ending his article by stating that the Berbice Cricket Board “is on the move.”

My immediate reaction was that these statements are misleading and untrue– “placing a fresh rose on a dead pig”-. Is the writer aware of the fact that 10 individuals are due to re-appear in court on December 18th, 2017 to answer charges that allege, that they failed to carry out the instructions of the court to conduct free and fair BCB elections and instead had an election which was allegedly rigged, among other charges? Is he aware of all the incidents including the fact that the opposing presidential candidate and several clubs were allegedly disenfranchised?

These individuals are a resigned Guyana Cricket Board President, two paid directors of Cricket West Indies who serve as secretary and treasurer respectively of the GCB, the recently-elected president of the BCB and six members of his executive committee.
In addition, the BCB has hastily organised a Second Division competition without sponsorship, with numerous teams excluded and those included are being asked to pay $ 20,000 each as umpiring fee. The competition is in chaos.

In his article, the writer also alleged that the GUYMINE club has not played cricket for 30 years, a statement which leads me to believe that he may not have been in Berbice for at least 30 years, and may not be a Berbice cricket enthusiast as he claims.

His statement against Jainarine Hardeo, an individual of impeccable character who has served both the BCB and the Berbice Umpires’ Association as an administrator since the 1970s, and was honoured by the same GCB in 2014, confirms my belief that he is out of touch with Berbice Cricket. It is crystal clear that ‘the administration of Berbice cricket is not in good hands and Berbice cricket is not on the move.’

What is even more amazing is the fact that whilst attaching us, he mentions the name of His Honour, the Judge in the cases, yet he was not bold enough to sign his name to his article.

Regards
Albert Smith
Former Chairman, National and County Selection Committees
National Coach
Former Administrator BCB