-demands clubs back up accusations
Saying that Travis Dowlin has been unjustly accused, the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) is demanding that two county boards provide evidence supporting allegations of racism they made about his captaincy.
In a press statement, the GCA yesterday blasted both the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB), saying they acted irresponsibly by publicising “unsubstantiated” allegations without seeking any explanation from the parties involved. It urged both boards to provide evidence supporting their claims as soon as possible. “Such allegations in our society should be handled carefully and sending a copy of an unsubstantiated allegation is not the best approach,” it said. “It appears no consideration was taken for the possible effects these unsubstantiated allegations will have on the players, clubs and cricket in general,” it added.
The GCA was at the time responding to concerns raised by the BCB and the DCB in a joint letter to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) last month, in which they said they had heard “some very disturbing reports” about “the type of leadership our current national captain has been displaying towards some players, which borders on racialism.” The BCB on Thursday issued a public apology to Dowlin over the use of the term “racialism,” though it said it stood by other issues raised in the letter.
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, where the national side failed to win a match.
Dowlin has outright denied the allegations, while urging the GCB to launch an investigation. He also accused the two boards of an orchestrated effort to malign him.
The GCA, which is the governing body for cricket in Georgetown, yesterday registered its concern, especially since the situation involved a player who represents one of its affiliate clubs. GCA President Alfred Mentore is also head of the Demerara Cricket Club, for which Dowlin plays.
Emphasising that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards racism, the GCA said it has begun its own inquiries and after preliminary discussions with Dowlin it said he had been unjustly accused. “Notwithstanding, we urge that an independent investigation be conducted that will provide clarification and closure to these allegations,” it said, adding that Dowlin has expressed his concern about the possible effects these unsubstantiated allegations will have on the lives of his wife and children.
The GCA emphasised that it was not saying such allegations should not be investigated, but noted that it was disturbed by the approach by the county boards. “It is disturbing that the GCA had to learn about this serious allegation through the media and not from the Boards,” it added.
Dowlin broke his silence on Thursday, saying he had given the 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. Also, he said he was unaware of any complaints against him by any member of any team which he has represented. He said 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’s and Guyana’s cricket.
