Latest update December 31st, 2024 3:30 AM
Latest News
GCC makes second attempt at AGM
Facing the possibility of a takeover by a local corporate entity, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will today try again to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to discuss key club issues, and – more than likely- the recent $US30M offer to change the face of the club as it has been known for more than 150 years. Last week’s AGM adjourned prematurely when it failed to attract a quorum of 50 members to make it legal.
While the proposal by New GPC’s Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop has been withdrawn, antennae are still high about the possible intervention. The executives of the cricket club have stated that it is not for sale, and have informed that they did not approach Ramroop over the proposal, nor did they meet with New GPC directors or intended to make any decision without the consultation of the membership.
Questions are expected to be raised over Ramroop’s multi-million dollar proposal. Several club members are doubtful that the attempt to acquire the facility is over.
Bourda cricket ground
Nonetheless, they say that at the end of it, decisions to be made would only be viable once it is in the best interest of the longstanding, world- renowned GCC ground.
The Cricket ground was opened in the late 1800s and staged its first test match some 93 years ago. It is also known for the world class cricket that was played there by arguably the best.
Executive member Leslie Ramalho says that the proposal seemed probable and legal advice was sought on the matter. He said however that the club never met with Ramroop and therefore could not hold discussions over the optimum benefits for the club. He added further that the GCC, in any discussions, would not have done so arbitrarily, but moves would have been made to assemble a strong negotiating team; of more experienced and senior members to comb through what Ramroop was offering. Ramalho reiterated that he had no problem with Ramroop’s proposal, “as long as the club stood to enjoy maximum benefits.”
But another club member, Khemraj Ramjattan told Kaieteur News that he was unwilling to support Ramroop’s multi-million dollar offer to upgrade the GCC. Ramjattan said he would not support a monopoly ownership of the internationally known cricket ground and opined that the developers, for example; the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), stallholders and other cricket-related outfits affiliated to the ground’s development should have first preference in any handing over and subsequent ownership of the facilities, while recognizing that the ground and the pavilion need rehabilitation.
Ramroop renounced his offer to the cricket club citing among other things a leak of the “confidential” proposal. New GPC had proposed to raise the level of the grounds and improve drainage; extend the playing areas in keeping with new regulations to accommodate cricket, football, athletics and other sports; construct a world class restaurant, entertainment and reception facilities and to a build a bigger parking area.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sometimes the best of leaders fail
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Jimmy Carter’s presidency fell victim to global and domestic upheavals. His single term... more
Breaking the Chains of Poverty: A need for political will
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The year 2024 has underscored a grim reality: poverty continues to be an unyielding... more
Weekend Cartoon
