Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Chetram Singh ended months of speculation when he told Stabroek Sport yesterday that he will not be seeking re-election at January’s Annual General Meeting.
Singh, 61, who is also a West Indies Cricket Board Director, said that he will not be elaborating on this position at the moment but around December 15 or 16.
According to Singh, he will be submitting a comprehensive report which will reflect his 19-year tenure at the head of the GCB, which has been plagued with serious problems.
Singh told Stabroek Sport he wanted to end all speculation and these would be his final days in office. With this announcement the door is wide open for other candidates unless Singh decides to make a last minute bid as was the case last year.
And from all indications from Singh and some other sources in the GCB, it was relayed that “it will be his last year.” According to the sources the persons who are interested in the post are current Marketing Manager of the GCB Ramsay Ali, Vice President Bissoondial Singh and former GCB General Secretary Bishwa Panday.
Still, some sources said that Singh has left his own legacy in the sport of cricket and administration of the game in Guyana. However, many refused to elaborate further on this issue.
Another source indicated that one of the factors that influenced Singh’s decision was his health. Twice during this year Singh travelled overseas to seek medical attention. Apart from that there was major conflict on the board.
The executive body had to meet with Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony to seek to repair the image and credibility of the GCB. During this year also there were allegations of financial improprieties, which were highlighted by Assistant Treasurer Pretipaul Jaigobin, who also suffered a vicious acid attack on his way home earlier this year.
Jaigobin had alleged that the attack was cricket-related since he was outspoken on some of the wrongs that were being perpetrated by a few. Police have not charged anyone for the attack. Meanwhile, Jaigobin yesterday said that he is unsure whether he will be running for a position in January. He said that he will be observing in the run-up to the elections who will be contesting positions and then he will make his decision on the issue.
Jaigobin declared that he will not serve on the GCB executive unless some persons are removed from office. He indicated, however, that he will not be calling any names.
In next year’s elections nine persons from each county will be voting and according to a source it is hard to determine where the loyalties of some of the members lie, especially since the Essequibo and Demerara boards also have different factions operating.
