The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) said the issues raised in a letter to the press published recently were intended to cause controversy, in a blistering response aimed at setting the record straight.
ECCB Secretary Judister Rampersaud said R Henry’s letter titled ‘Who are these people called the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB)’ showed its author to be uninformed. He said too questioning the status of the West Demerara and East Coast Demerara Boards is ludicrous.
In addressing some of the issues raised in the letter Rampersaud said one of the premiere facilities, La Bonne Intention, was unavailable while Enmore could only be used occasionally. He said many of the communities are hard-pressed to maintain their grounds and the inclement weather has also affected the maintenance of grounds.
Rampersaud also said his Board had many achievements this year including successfully hosting the Hand in Hand competition. The board has also participated in a number of competitions including the Schools U-15 competition hosted by the Georgetown Cricket Board; selected the U-17 squad to participate in the DCB competition and the East Coast U-17 squad that played a successful match against a touring Trinidad and Tobago U-17 team. He added that the Presidents Cup sponsored by ECCB President Bissoondial Singh, is the only round to be completed. Additionally, the Carib Beer Twenty 20 semi-finals and finals will be held soon under floodlight adopting a carnival atmosphere.
As regard accountability and training of youths 85 youngsters participated in the ECCB’s two-week Annual August Academy. It has been held seven times. Concerning the sacking of Rabindranauth Seeram as a selector, Rampersaud said if the Demerara Board after reviewing his performance found any shortcomings it is within their mandate to make such a decision.
Regarding Captain Travis Dowlin’s relinquishing his captaincy just before the Berbice encounter and and his failing to play against Essequibo, Rampersaud said that actions are mind-boggling.
He said Dowlin had accepted the responsibility of captaincy and as such he should have written to the DCB outlining his recent action.
Another contentious issue according to Rampersaud, was a statement in the press referring to certain selections Roderick Lovell and his selection of youngsters. He said both Rajindra Chandrika and Steven Jacobs will soon be 20-years-old so there was no reason barring them from being included. He also said Twenty 20 matches are not subject to a particular age group and that youngsters should be given equal opportunities.
As regards acting Chair-man of Selectors Pritpaul Jaigobin, Rampersaud said he is able and can engage any other Demerara selector.
He said too current Chairman of the National Selectors Claude Raphael never played competitive cricket but has been fulfilling his mandate.
