By Elroy Stephney

SCORES of Essequibians have expressed delight after learning of the news recently that West Indies fast bowler Ronsford Beaton has been cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to resume bowling after he was previously banned for a suspect bowling action.

Beaton, who was born in Montserrat but grew up in Essequibo, is revered in the county for his fast bowling prowess. He seamlessly rose through the ranks representing the national team at the Under-19 level and was subsequently selected to the West Indies Under-19 World Cup side.

He was later selected in the senior Guyana team then for West Indies ‘A’. After that he gained a senior West Indies one-day cap, playing two one-day internationals against New Zealand last December. Beaton also featured in the Bangladesh Premier League and is a member of the Trinbago Knight Riders in the current Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport after the announcement, Dave Chaitram, a resident of Reliance where Beaton resides, disclosed that he is relieved and overjoyed by the news since he is a role model for the community and has inspired many due to his meteoric rise within the sport.

He further stated, “Beaton will return to the game stronger mentally and will enjoy greater success with his remode;led action”. Another cricket enthusiast from Anna Regina was high in praise after learning of the good news. She was always hopeful that Beaton would pass the test and return to the centre stage where she enjoys witnessing him in action on the television.

Meanwhile the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) through its executive body has extended warm wishes to Beaton stating that the revival of his career will have no boundaries as he seeks to join the greats such as the late Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose as the beacon of fast bowling supremacy in the Caribbean.

The statement also called on the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) as well as the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) to swiftly ensure that Beaton receives the best post-guidance technically and secures a better relationship between him and the Boards.

The statement came in the wake of disturbing comments made by the acting president of the GCB and president of the ECB, Fizul Bacchus, who was dismissive about Beaton’s attitude at the time when he was reported by the ICC.

His comments were widely condemned. Notwithstanding, Essequibians are faithfully rallying behind their star sportsman and for him to successfully re-enter the international arena without delay.