Dear Editor,
I have been an avid cricket fan and supporter of the Guyana Cricket Board for four decades.
Mr Chetram Singh has served the board on a daily basis for the last sixteen years. His quest to become President of the West Indian Cricket Board failed for one and only one reason, he was the proprietor of a betting service registered as Goodwood Racing Service, and it was feared quite unreasonably, that his business would accept bets on cricket matches.
I can say, without fear of contradiction, that Mr Singh has never accepted a bet on the outcome of a cricket match or any ancillary bets thereof, although he has been over the years requested and cajoled by punters to do so. Mr Singh’s contribution to cricket in Guyana and the West Indies has been monumental, and I believe he should be given the highest award Guyana can offer, together with a street or a stand at the stadium bearing his name. I have carefully studied the records of all the gentlemen who have shown an interest in succeeding Mr Singh as President of the Guyana Cricket Board. The record of Mr Bishwa Panday by far outdistances those of his possible rivals. No member of the Georgetown Cricket Club can deny that Mr Panday, who has served in almost every capacity on the main committee of management and administration of the club for more than 25 years performed his duties ably, with dedication and foresight. I recall being in the company of international cricket commentators and the late Mr Neil Singh, then President of the club, when Mr Tony Cozier, looking over Bourda grudgingly said, “This is probably the best kept ground in the Caribbean; who is the person behind it?” Our late President called Mr Panday who was not far away, and told Mr Cozier “Speak to him.”
Mr Panday’s service to the Guyana Cricket Board as Secretary is impeccable. He was respected and well liked by members of the West Indies Cricket Board, and deputized for Mr Chetram Singh when required to do so. He had for many years ago advocated the hosting of international matches at grounds outside of Georgetown; this was realized during his service on the Guyana Cricket Board. I recall on one occasion when international matches were being held at Uitvlugt and Enmore on the same day, Mr Panday traversed miles of road and a bridge at least three times to solve problems that had arisen on each ground. His frequent personal trips to Cheddi Jagan International Airport to ensure the arrival of the cricket gear of international players which Caribbean Airlines had left behind was equally impressive. Mr Panday has already etched his name in the successful promotion and management of both local and international cricket and, as I see it, his election as president of the Guyana Cricket Board can only augur well for the future of the game in both Guyana and the West Indies.
Yours faithfully,
Jainarayan Singh
