The Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion normally a quiet area visited by a few club members for a round or two of drinks is expected to be transformed into a hive of activity tonight when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) stages its Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 17:30h (5:30pm).
High on the agenda will be the election of office bearers with the race for the presidency overshadowing voting for the other positions.
Like last year, the race for the presidency will boil down to a two-person race and, according to reports, present head of the GCA, Bishwa `Bish’ Panday who has made himself available for re-election will once again face a stern challenge from former Guyana and West Indies off-spinner and current West Indies selector, Clyde Butts.
At last year’s elections held back in June, Panday defeated Butts by a 21-15 margin and seems very optimistic about returning to the post.
“I did set myself some goals with regards to cricket in the Georgetown area. Some of them have been realized and I am very optimistic about being re-elected to complete same as I endeavour to revitalize cricket in Georgetown,” Panday said in an invited comment to Stabroek Sport yesterday.
“To date, the GCA has run off three (First and Second Divisions, Over-40) competitions and launched another (Under-15) last week. We have also sought and got sponsorship for an Under-19 competition as well as our presentation ceremony which will be held at the conclusion of all our competitions. This (completion of competitions) could have been done earlier but for the weather as well as the unavailability of grounds,” Panday added.
Panday has exercised faith in his present executives and has asked them to stand by his side as he seeks the vote of confidence from the clubs under his stewardship in his efforts to continue the work he has started.
Butts, on the other hand, is out of the country and could not be contacted for a comment. He has been appointed manager of the West Indies U-19 team which will contest the International Cricket Council (ICC) Youth World Cup tournament in Malaysia next month.
