WICB issues more threats to Guyana Government after withdrawing 3rd Test match

Georgetown : Having unilaterally decided to remove the ongoing Guyana-New Zealand test match from Guyana, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has issued yet another threat, this time to exclude the country’s under-19 team from the regional games.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon disclosed that in the same correspondence in which the threat was issued, the Board also attempted to disassociate itself from any intention to belittle President Donald Ramotar and or to show disrespect to him or his administration.

 “The removal of the match has denied Guyanese the opportunity to attend and participate in test cricket…the WICB would have us believe that these extreme measures are quite appropriate and they are appropriate for their undefined charges of Government interference in cricket and cricket administration. These charges are based in their misconceptions on the parliamentary enacted Cricket Administration Bill,” the Cabinet Secretary said.

The Cricket Administration Bill is aimed at improving accountability and transparency of cricket in Guyana. It also grants corporate status to the local cricketing body, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

Dr. Luncheon said that a well-considered response by the WICB is yet to be received in relation to the Government’s earlier offer for the Board to forward a list its concerns, particularly as it relates to the Bill within 14 days.

 “WICB really think they are untouchable, they really think that regional governments exist to do their bidding and follow their dictat where cricket is concerned, that is bad for them but it is even worse for regional cricket.” He said.

This will be one of the burning issues that will be taken by President Ramotar to the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in July. 

WICB