President of the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) and vice-president of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Alvin Johnson is undecided whether he will contest the presidency of the GCB on January 25.
Speaking to Stabroek Sports yesterday Johnson, whose own area board elections are due on January 11, said he was unsure whether he will contest the post following confirmation by incumbent Chetram Singh that he will seek re-election to the post he has held since 1991.
Singh, who had earlier told this newspaper that he himself was undecided, has apparently made a decision and will compete for the post in what might well turn out to be a two-person race between himself and GCB secretary Bish Panday.
Singh’s decision has apparently been influenced by the support he has received from Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Neil Kumar.
Both Kumar and Dr. Anthony had voiced their feelings on the matter at the GCB’s Annual Awards Ceremony held on December 19 last year stating that it was their wish that Singh carry on until 2010.
Kumar had lauded Singh and the rest of the GCB executives pulling off a successful leg of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 which involved matches held at the Providence Stadium.
Singh has also been asked to stay on following the country’s successful bid to host matches of the ICC 20/20 mini World Cup in 2010 and in light of England’s upcoming tour of the West Indies which will see Guyana hosting two one-dayers later this year.
Johnson, who is seeking a fourth term as ECB president, said he will sit down with the other members of his executive over the next few days before giving a commitment as to whether he will contest the GCB presidency.
Johnson said that his board elections will be held at the Parika Market Centre from noon to 1pm on Sunday adding that one of the reasons why he was seeking re-election was to see the completion of the hostel and indoor and outdoor facilities that adjoin it for the cricketers in Essequibo.
The project, which received the blessings of the GCB, and funds from the Stanford Organisation, is almost complete.
The hostel and adjoining facilities are being built on the northern side of the Anna Regina Community Development Centre Ground.
