Dear Editor,
The race for the presidency of the Guyana Cricket Board is interestingly poised at the moment, and the three serious contenders are continuing to run a clean race – no doubt each of them has the conviction he will claim an overwhelming and undisputed victory at the polls on January, 30, 2011. I can only predict that with the inclusion of Usain Bolt there would have been a front runner. What is contentious at this stage, however, and should be seen as a legitimate concern, is the constituency of the aspirants. The trio are from the county of Demerara, and at present the election for that county is in legal limbo, quite in contrast to the operations of Berbice and Essequibo, the two other counties. This situation must be expeditiously concluded for the benefit of preserving the image of the contenders as being worthy, competent and having the full confidence of the cricket fraternity, the other executive members and the officers who are employed with the Guyana Cricket Board.
All of this notwithstanding, there is need for the establishment of a cricket academy. There must be a catalyst for excellence in any endeavour and cricket is no different. Our immediate history has shown the difference between mediocrity and professionalism. In this case there was our cruel exposure on the international stage at the just concluded Champions League in South Africa, where professional preparation was the key (on and off the field), but where there was too little too late. It seems as though history will repeat itself, as Guyana embarks on another attempt to qualify for the next edition in India. The Guyana Cricket Board has got to recognize that the cricketers representing this country are just a step away from representing the West Indies, and therefore their preparation at all times should be in sync with international standards. I was appalled to listen to a particular coach openly gossiping about the mental incompetence of a promising young cricketer, whose conduct overseas was condemned in the manager’s report. He may not be the only one that cannot comprehend basic instructions or have the confidence to express himself constructively, all because of low self-esteem and the failure of the authorities to recognize same and provide the requisite guidance. His more learned colleagues, some of whom are well below his league, saw the funny side of it and further exacerbated the calamity.
The mere mention of an academy seems to be a difficult pill to swallow, primarily from the perspective of cost, hence the unwillingness and lack of vision on the part of the authorities to formulate a blueprint for consideration. It is, however, the only way to go forward in addressing our cricketers’ needs, both from a personal and a professional standpoint. They need to be equipped technologically and scientifically, while the academy should have the tools of an effective and progressive institution, so that it does not seem as if our cricketers are on Mars when battling overseas. We simply cannot continue to complain that the pitches are too fast in Barbados or South Africa is too cold or (yet to come) that India is too hot. Professional preparation is the key and an academy is the answer.
May I suggest that the Guyana Cricket Board can begin by selecting the best prospective young cricketers from the three counties ranging from under 15-19 who will utilize the GCB hostel for one week in every month for six months, of course taking into consideration the players’ educational commitments and the organizing of youth inter-county tournaments. The relevant resource personnel will be acquired in the various fields so that the players will be exposed and can even confront complex situations with some degree of competence. It is not too late – or is it too early for the incoming president to contemplate?
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney
