… GCB prepared to work with whoever is at the helm – Bacchus

IT’S a day of decision for the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB). The election to decide who will lead the affairs of the BCB for the one-year term according to what is stipulated in the Cricket Administration Bill, will be held today during the staging of new elections at the New Amsterdam Town Hall from 11:00hrs.

Former president Dhierandranauth Somwaru and Director of Regional Health Services in Region Six, Jevaughn Stephens, are down to square off for the post of president, which is creating widespread interest in the cricketing fraternity.
Dubbed the most critical elections in the history of the board, today’s electoral process has been scheduled following a ruling delivered by Justice Navindra Singh on December 18 last, where he mandated new elections.

Justice Singh’s ruling came after the result of the October 8, 2017 elections was annulled by the Court.
However, the Court Order issued by Justice Singh indicated that an Agent of the Court will convene today’s meeting for the purpose of elections being held.
The Order further stated that the Agent shall verify the presence of the delegates/representatives of the various clubs and associations from the lists approved by the court.

Such verified delegates/representatives shall then vote for a Returning Officer from among all the persons present in the room.
According to the Order, the Returning Officer shall then conduct the elections for the office-bearers of the Berbice Cricket Board.

Meanwhile, both candidates have expressed confidence ahead of today’s poll.
Somwaru, the former umpire, who was elected to office at the last troublesome elections, where he served for less than three months, has been campaigning on several issues that he believes he has delivered during his short tenure.

These include the successful roll-out of Under-13, Under-15-17 and U-19 cricket tournaments, the packed first division season and the resuscitation of cricket in the Upper Corentyne area.
Stephens, meanwhile, believes his plans to move forward are superior to those of Somwaru.

Stephens, being in an administrative position, has shown that he has the capacity to lead and believes that at this point in time he is the more suitable candidate to lead Berbice cricket.

According to what is stipulated in the Cricket Administration Bill, three sub-associations, along with 11 first division clubs have voting rights during the elections .
The sub-associations are: West Berbice, Berbice River and Upper Corentyne, while the first division clubs are Blairmont, Police, Mt Sinai, Fort Canje, Guymine, Rose Hall Estate, Chesney, Albion, Port Mourant, Whim and Kildonan.

Each sub-association is entitled to four voting delegates while the clubs have two voting delegates each. From all indications a 22-12 voting result is anticipated.
Meanwhile, acting president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Fizul Bacchus says the local governing body for the sport is prepared to work with whoever is elected at the helm of Berbice cricket.

Bacchus made the announcement yesterday, adding that the GCB has always lent its support to the development of the game in the Ancient County.
“The GCB is prepared to work with whoever is elected at the helm of Berbice’s cricket. The GCB’s support has been there over the years and it will continue, so whoever is elected on Sunday, we at the GCB will give that individual and his administration our fullest support,” the GCB boss pointed out.

Bacchus added, “The Court had ordered the elections … the Judge issued a Court Order, so I hope that what is stipulated in that Order (Court) must be carried out. I just hope that the process is free and fair, and whoever is elected, the results will be accepted.”