…lauds AG, Minister of Sports for passing Act

By Clifton Ross

EAST Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC) vice-president Lalta Gainda is fully endorsing the recent passing of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act (GCAA), adding that the rule of the law must be respected as the fraternity gears up for possible elections.

The East Coast has been plagued with a number of legal battles and tussle among sub-committee clubs namely the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) and the ECCC, a main contributing reason for them not unlocking their full potential despite having more grounds that any other club or association in Guyana, coupled with a star-studded batch of players.

Gainda, who is also a Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) executive holding the post of Marketing Manager, told Chronicle Sport during a recent interview that he was happy to see the Act, which has been a subject of discussion for a number of years; being activated last Tuesday.
With fresh elections on the horizon for the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) respectively, the ripple effect will touch the local sub-committees with the ECCC being one of those association who according to Gainda, is prepared to work along closely with whoever is elected for the betterment of East Coast and Guyana cricket overall.

“First of all I want to thank Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandall and Minister of Sports Charles Ramson Jr. for finally bringing some closure to this issue and passing the cricket act. I believe this is the right way to go and I also strongly believed that the rules of the law must be respected”. Said the ECCC Executive.

Adding that the journey now beings for cricket in Guyana with the passing of the act, Gainda further stated, “I’m extremely happy the act has been passed but now it’s about respecting the remainder of the process. It’s also important to comply with whomever the elected Ombudsman will be as we head into elections and the other side has to pass the scrutiny of that future Ombudsman”. He noted.

Gainda said the ECCC, formerly known as the East Coast Cricket Board of Control before it was legally changed following court battles with the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB), has huge plans post-elections and post COVID-19; as it relates to development and tournaments.

“East Coast has a lot of positives, apart from politics, we have more clubs and grounds than anyone in the country. We just need better management because every village has a ground and my plan is to ensure that every club in every village on the coast becomes more vibrant and active”, Gainda said.
Also, with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be unveiling their NEW mini, multi-purpose complex stadium at LBI, Gainda has confirmed that the facility will be the new home for both the ECCC and the community’s LBI Cricket Club.

He said the facility is a massive boost to the East Coast, having such a state-of-the-art ground at their disposal as they can now host tournaments under floodlights, which he said will be on par with that of the Guyana National Stadium.

He further explained that in the days to come the Committee will also publicly release their Performance and Accomplishment Reports for the period of 2015-2020. Regarding the future as it relates to COVID-19, the cricket executive said they will be keeping things on a pause until further word from the country’s Task Force.
“In cricket its usually about 11 to 15 persons grouping at a time so it’s impossible for us to try anything cricket without breaking the Covid-19 rules. No way we can host cricket and not adhere to rules so right now we are basically in a Sit & Wait mode, waiting until the COVID-19 Task Force gives the necessary permission”. He ended.