DIRECTOR of Regional Health Services in Region Six, Jevaughn Stephens, stepped forward yesterday as a candidate for Sunday’s presidential election of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), emerging as the first open challenger to former president Dhierandranauth Somwaru.

Stephens’ decision is likely to split the votes, and at the same time will pose a serious challenge to Somwaru, whose candidacy has offered a focus for criticism at a time when the game in Berbice lacks the diligence in administration.
Stephens believes his plans moving forward are superior to those of Somwaru, and as such has taken apparent aim as favourite in the race.

“Obviously if elected it will be a challenge for me since one thing that is hard to comprehend is change. I will be new to the administration of the BCB, but I do believe my plans are ‘more’ superior to those of Somwaru,” he said during an exclusive interview.
The Regional official said if elected, he will shift most of his attention to the grassroots level, especially the school system where there is the foundation for a bright future.
“I believe a lot needs to be done for cricket in Berbice. If you look over the years not much has been done for cricketers, especially at the grassroots level.

The school system is another issue. The first division system is also another issue, so if elected the overall level of the sport will be looked at with the aim of carrying Berbice cricket to a new level,” Stephens opined.
However, Stephens is of the opinion that the input of all stakeholders will be vital for the revival of the sport in the Ancient County.
High Court Judge Navindra Singh, ordered new elections on December 18 last after the result of the October 8, 2017 elections was annulled by the Court.

The elections in which Somwaru was declared the winner were tarnished with widespread irregularities from majority of the clubs and sub-association members.
They had claimed that the elections then were not held in keeping with the Cricket Administration Act, which subsequently led to the filing of legal proceedings.
Sunday’s elections will be held at the New Amsterdam Town Hall from 11:00hrs.