The number two, might turn out to be Clyde Butts’s unlucky number. On Wednesday night at the annual general meeting of the Georgetown Cricket Associa-tion (GCA), it was twice unlucky for the former West Indies off-spinner in his bid to head the GCA.

Butts was trumped once again by Insurance Broker and former West Indies Cricket Board Director, Bishwa ‘Bish’ Panday by two votes.

Panday, who was nominated by Harold Dhanraj and had that nomination seconded by Alfred Mentore, edged Butts by a 20-18 margin in what was a close, heated and fiery election.

In an invited comment with Stabroek Sport, Panday expressed his gratitude to those whose votes had enabled him to continue his work with the GCA.

“It was a very close race and I am very happy to be re- elected. I have started a programme of activities and wanted some more time to conclude that programme. I am looking at developing the Association and taking cricket in the Georgetown area to another level. I also want to thank all those who supported me,” said Panday.

He added that he had no problem working with the executive body despite the new faces.

“These are people that I know; they are all people of merit. There is no doubt when it comes to the ability of Clyde (Butts). Also Leo Ramalho, Shawn Massiah and Lyndon Wilson are all good people who would have the interest of Georgetown cricket at heart. Also I am friends with them all,” he added.

Butts and Mentore will serve the GCA in the capacities of vice presidents, whilst Shalim Baksh, Harry Parmesar, Dennis Wilson and Adam Harris were all re- elected to serve in their respective posts as secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer and public relations officer.

The latter three were re-elected unopposed.

The GCA’s executive body has four new faces also including that of managing director of Noble House Seafoods, Ramalho, who is the new marketing officer replacing Beverly Harper, who did not seek re-election.

Transport Sports Club’s Massiah is the new Competitions Committee chairman while Guyana Police Force athletics club coach, Lyndon Wilson, will serve as assistant secretary.

Prior to the elections, Panday thanked his executives and the clubs for their support during his eight months in office and promised that once re-elected, he would endeavour to promote cricket in Georgetown to the best of his ability along with his executives. That pledge, it seems, struck a chord with the electorate.