Dear Editor,
Given the new dispensation for the governance of cricket in Guyana – albeit temporarily until a new constitution is tabled – women should be included in the new administration of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). Neither the International Cricket Council nor the West Indies Cricket Board has any appreciable female representation on their executive bodies, even though women’s cricket has evolved globally and is attracting considerable attention.
I believe that at least two women should sit on the executive of the GCB, and then the county boards would have to respond and ensure that women were represented at that level as well. I am indeed impressed with the herculean efforts of both Angela Haniff, who continues to excel as the Secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board, and Emily Dodson. They have tirelessly championed the cause for women’s cricket development in Guyana. Ms Dodson was a member of the previously constituted Cricket Development Committee of the GCB and made an invaluable contribution. Unfortunately she became frustrated by the poor response to women’s cricket and the continuing disinterest that has stymied its progress, despite the emergence of a few women cricketers who have gone on to represent the West Indies with pride.
The chairman of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), the legendary Clive Lloyd has publicly expressed support for women’s cricket, and therefore such foresight should be acknowledged by the relevant stakeholders who will govern cricket at the highest level in the future. In Essequibo, women’s cricket is virtually non-existent providing no avenue for the numerous female players to showcase their talent. Instead they are embarrassed when they are abruptly called to play against their counterparts without prior preparation. Only during last year’s senior female inter-county tournament the team was dismissed for a mere ten runs against Demerara. Such a casual approach will only lead to further annihilation of the female players and even worse, spell a hopeless future for those who want to make the game a career.
The female cricketers continue to earn far less than their male counterparts, both locally and regionally, and they are even forced to find suitable venues to play because of competition with the males. Their welfare must be given some serious attention and it has to start from the top, where there are women of worth and repute who can skillfully administer cricket once they are given the constitutional authority. The new GCB constitution should have such a clause ensuring their meaningful contribution to the game.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
