President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Julian Hunte has written Minister of Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony reiterating his board’s support for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and requesting a meeting over the government’s replacement of the GCB with an Interim Management Committee (IMC).
In a letter to Dr. Anthony, Hunte wrote:”I noted in your email that the government has established an Interim Management Committee (IMC) and information provided in relation to composition and agenda of work,“ Hunte wrote.
“I have also noted your reference to the GCB as the ‘previously recognized Guyana Cricket Board’ and the constituent Boards of the GCB as the ‘previously recognized Boards’”, he added.
Hunte said wile the WICB was not opposed to any government investigating the affairs of a member board, the dissolution of a member board was not in keeping with the independence of cricket administration.
“The WICB cannot accept the interference of the Government of Guyana in the administration of cricket in Guyana and certainly cannot accept the dissolution of the recognized GCB.
“For the sake of clarity, the WICB is not opposed to any government investigating the affairs of a member board in order to ascertain whether any criminal offense has been committed, including fraud, dereliction of directors’ duties (including fiduciary duties) or contravention of any relevant legislation. “However, we believe that the dissolution of a member board is not in keeping with the spirit of ensuring the independence of cricket administration and avoiding governmental interference,” Hunte wrote.
According to Hunte the WICB had previously expressed the view that the government should not act to replace the GCB with the IMC but instead act in an advisory capacity.
“I am also informed by the GCB that they have expressed the same view to you and have offered to work in parallel with the IMC and yourself to address the issues and concerns that you have with cricket administration in Guyana.”
Hunte referred to a December 30 conversation with Dr. Anthony when a request was made that the Government of Guyana be given an opportunity to make a presentation to the WICB.
“The WICB is delighted to discuss the situation in Guyana and to seek an early resolution,” Hunte wrote adding…”however, it will be with the understanding the WICB recognizes the GCB as the sole legitimate authority for the administration of cricket in Guyana. “In addition, the GCB is the only body that can organize or request the sanction of official cricket in Guyana.
“You should also note that it is the GCB which has the responsibility to prepare and sanction of representative teams for participation in regional tournaments.
“I look forward to your confirmation of a meeting where these matters can be discussed,” Hunte ended.
