Why must Singh be retuned as GCB head after 18 years as President?

Jan 08, 2009 Sports

Dear Sir,
Last week, incumbent President of the Guyana Cricket Board announced that after weeks of not making up his mind that he would be seeking office for another two years to add to the 18 years he has already served.
I have no problem with his announcement as that is his right and it is up to members of the three County Board to decide.
However, I was a little taken aback by the reasons for his decision, especially the one about his presence and leadership for the upcoming 20/Twenty 2010 World Cup and the England tour to the Caribbean.
One is left to wonder how empty is our leadership cupboard that after 18 years of a presidency the GCB would be in crisis if he leaves. One of the main duties of a leader is to prepare future leaders with vision, passion and commitment to take over from him and carry on his legacy.
Trinidad and Tobago got rid of a President four years ago after almost 25 years and Deryck Murray, his replacement, is doing a remarkable job. Jamaica’s Jackie Hendricks stood down after over a decade in power and the board continues to be run smoothly.
Windward Island got rid of Lennox John after years of his leadership, while Barbados changes Presidents on a regular basis.
Guyana however is being told that the country’s handling of the future tours and the 20/20 World Cup could be affected if we change leadership. Mr. Editor, surely 18 years is too long for any sports administrator to be at the head as over a period of time the vision, the hunger and commitment goes.
Leaders who stay in office too long also tend to surround themselves with people whose main asset is loyalty and not ability. It is not therefore surprising that there is doubt about the future if the big one leaves.
As a passionate follower of cricket and one who has no time for the current politics in the game, it is my hope that the person with the best vision wins the presidency of the GCB and not only because of the 20/20 World Cup and the England tour. Mr. Editor, these tours would be successful but can we allow our local cricket to continue the downward trend that is taking place right now.
Mr. Bish Panday has been with the present board as long as the outgoing president and over the years has proven to be dynamic leader. One just has to look at Georgetown’s cricket over the years under his leadership to see what can be done with hard work.
While I would not tell the county delegates who to vote for, they must not be fooled into believing that everything would fall apart if there is change.
Support from the Minister of Sport or the Director of Sports is not enough reason to return anymore to power. Politicians have their own agenda and should stay out of the business of internal sports organizations.
Let us ask ourselves, why on a regular basis people like Klass of Football, Blackmore of Athletics, McPherson of Basketball and Juman Yassim of GOA are reminded of how long they are in power, but now we are being told that 18 years is not long enough at the GCB.
In closing I would like the following questions to be answered.
1 – Why after 18 years, Mr. Chetram Singh has not gotten a suitable person as an understudy to take over when he leaves?
2 – Why has the Manager and Coach of the National Senior team not been changed despite our continued failures. We only do well when Sarwan and Chanderpaul are around and our performances continue to get from bad to worse?
3 – Is it true that two years ago the National Captain recommended the removal of the Coach on medical grounds and the GCB refused to do so because of internal politics because Berbice votes were crucial?
4 – Why is a cricket official continuing to represent our country and still be involved in the game at the GCB level after he allegedly used close to $1million of Board funds on himself that should have been paid to youth clubs for meals.
Mr. Editor, Cricket is our national game and all must work together to save it from a premature death.
Cricket observer
(Name and
address provided)

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Why must Singh be retuned as GCB head after 18 years as President?

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