Letter to the Sports Editor...Essequibo Cricket Board remains an integral arm of the GCB

Letter to the Sports Editor…Essequibo Cricket Board remains an integral arm of the GCB

Feb 26, 2012 Sports

Dear Editor,
The tabling of a new constitution for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) through Parliament will become a reality via the Government initiated Clive Lloyd led Interim Management Committee (IMC).
While I support same and for the benefit of the legalizing of the Parent body, it would be demoralizing and conspicuous should the Essequibo Cricket Board’s voting rights be limited in contrast to the other two counties.
Reference is made to Stabroek News article ’IMC CONCLUDES PUBLIC SEMINARS’ dated 2012/02/21 which refers to Essequibo’s lackluster performances on the field as a catalyst for a review of its equal constitutional rights on the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).
Is such an idea not as similar as reviewing the West Indies Cricket Board’s rights on the International Cricket Council (ICC) due to the team’s dismal and sporadic performances, hence their current ranking?
It is inconceivable that such a thought will be elevated beyond a mere hypocritical comment that will normally erupt from a consultative process as was expressed at the IMC’S final discourse in Berbice.
I join with Mr. Clive Lloyd however, in recognizing the impressive efforts of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) in managing the affairs of cricket in the Ancient County.
The Essequibo Cricket Board though, must remain as a vital pillar and strength to the Guyana Cricket Board and not only on the field but equally off as well.
Many Essequibians would have served with distinction on the executive arm of the GCB that includes Mr. Beni Sankar who for years was financially generous to the game and the Board. He also served as a former Vice President to the body and a WICB director; positions to which he dedicated his effortless energies and wisdom.
Others of notable repute include Alvin Johnson, Fizul Bacchus, Asif Ahmad, and Hakim Khan, all of whom portrayed professionalism in executing their voluntary, yet noble duties. Yet the ECB it seems remain unrecognizable for its contribution.
I hope that the constitution instead will provide for the ECB to have selectors on both the junior and senior panel of the GCB which will at least minimize the fear that the Essequibian players continue to endure.
To illustrate my point is to recognize the total disrespect for arguably one of Guyana’s finest batting talent in Dinesh Joseph who could not have worn national colours even at the pinnacle of his rich form when he crafted a masterful century against Reon King and Colin Stuart in a senior Inter County match in 2008.
Any Essequibian cricketer worth his status and excel against Berbice and Demerara must be considered in a league above his counterparts. Dinesh Joseph was and he remains a tragic loss to Guyana’s cricket (what about the failures of our current national opening batsmen?) Instead a century against Essequibo revives the career of recycled players from the other counties!
There are other cases of complete and bizarre irrationality as is the case of Trevor Benn who was dropped from the national squad without playing a match; similar treatment that was also meted out to Jaimini Singh a few years ago. The fate has been different at the junior level which indicates that the talent is evident.
In fact it has always been the case until Essequibo is mysteriously being seen as a controversial territory that will need an international tribunal to resolve its apparent cricketing complexities and not the selectors!
I therefore implore the IMC to be rational and considerate in dealing with the affairs of the County of Essequibo so that instead of constitutional electioneering reforms, there can be a level playing field for the players that will include moral, financial and technical support.
I was involved in a cricket development meeting with Mr. Roger Harper, who unequivocally had volunteered his expertise to conduct coaching sessions in Essequibo and I hope it is still his desire to do so.
Essequibians are proud of its product and the passion for the game remains strong, even in the remote areas, including the Pomeroon.
Any attempt to minimize its contribution nationally by virtue of constitutional changes with regards to its voting rights, will be a psychological detriment to the players and administrators of Essequibo and by extension the Guyana Cricket Board.
Elroy Stephney

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Letter to the Sports Editor…Essequibo Cricket Board remains an integral arm of the GCB

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