-Berbice Board issues apology
Skipper Travis Dowlin yesterday urged the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to convene an immediate inquiry into “outrageous allegations” about his leadership.
Dowlin’s call came in response to “disturbing reports” about his captaincy raised by both the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), who he accused of an orchestrated effort to malign him, giving advantage to their preferred candidates in the selection process. “I… will always consider it an honour of the highest regard, to be selected to represent my country and have consistently done so without fear, prejudice or favour,” he said in a statement.
In a joint letter to the GCB last month, the two county boards said: “We have heard some very disturbing reports regarding the type of leadership our current national captain has been displaying towards some players, which borders on racialism and would urge that this matter be investigated and dealt with forthwith.” The letter was signed by BCB President Keith Foster and DCB President Bissoondyal Singh.
Secretary of GCB Anand Sanassie had earlier informed Stabroek Sport that the letter was read at the executive meeting of the GCB last Thursday and was referred to the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) scheduled to be held in six weeks time at the GCB Board office.
The BCB yesterday issued a public apology to Dowlin for its “racialism” remark and its implications. “Readers of the letter might form the view that Mr. Dowlin is a racist, which is far from the truth,” the Board explained, while noting that he is widely respected for his performance on and off the cricket field while representing Guyana.
But the BCB added that it still supports the other contents of the letter, which called for a review of the performances of the national selectors.
Dowlin broke his silence on the issue yesterday, saying that he had given the two boards adequate time to provide details of the alleged reports in their letter. According to him, the letter is part of a “sinister and orchestrated plan” by certain members of the boards “to malign my good name and standing, in the hope that their preferred candidates are considered for selection.”
Despite several requests, Dowlin noted that he had not been provided with any particulars. Further, he said he was unaware of any complaints against him by any member of any team which he has represented. He added that he has sought professional advice and intends to protect and defend his name against the “machinations” of the boards.
In its apology to Dowlin, the BCB noted that he has been a faithful servant of national cricket and it placed on record its admiration for his outstanding contribution to Demerara and Guyana’s cricket. “We would also like to express regrets and full apologies to Mr. Dowlin, his family, club and his club mates for any embarrassment caused by the usage of the word “racialism” and wish him the best in the future,” it said.
Dowlin, who is with the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), has played 73 first class matches with four centuries at an average 29.62.
Calls for immediate action in relation to the performance of the Guyana team have come in the wake of the poor showing in the recent WICB regional four-day tournament. Guyana did not win a match.
