Dear Editor,
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) it appears does not have the confidence of the cricketing fraternity in its present form since it is devoid of two thirds of its constituent members (Berbice Cricket Board and Demerara Cricket Board). The argument that has been advanced to counter same has been the return of international cricket to Guyana. Indeed, this is a welcome relief for the Guyanese public and this was evident in the large attendance during the Pakistan tour and the current CPL tournament. This notwithstanding, an organization as critical as the GCB cannot function effectively and in the best interest of the players without a harmonious relationship among the main stakeholders ‒ the county boards. In fact most of the national players are being produced by the BCB and DCB at all levels. Recently, the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) could not assemble a full squad to participate in the female inter-county tournament and players from Georgetown had to be substituted. This is not the way to go especially when there is talent throughout the Essequibo Coast, yet the ECB has been negligent and totally dismissive of female cricket.
To think that the ECB is at the forefront of cricket administration at the GCB suggests and obsession with power rather than good governance. I was surprised to have been selected as a member of the Cricket Development Committee of the GCB, an offer I declined because of governance issues, yet I couldn’t receive an offer from the ECB where I would have served better, especially with the limited resources in the region. I have witnessed the various levels of inter-county tournaments over the last two years, and sadly the manner in which the teams have been selected and even more importantly the lack of intensity and conviction of the players has been a source of bewilderment. The organization of these tournaments has been consistently poor and sends the wrong signal, especially to the young players who need a sense of direction that will propel their career towards success.
I hope that the under 15 player who was selected to represent his country but was denied the opportunity because of the failure of the administration will secure counselling so that he remains interested in the game and his future. Such a level of mediocrity must not continue to endanger the game. It is therefore in the best interest of the stakeholders that there should be a level playing field, which I am convinced can be achieved through the successful passage of the Cricket Administration Bill. Good and effective governance by a constitutionally elected body is required. The current GCB is not representative of such principles and should also embrace the bill for the better administration of cricket in Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
