Dear Editor,
The indefatigable Chetram Singh, whose tenure as the President of the Guyana Cricket Board spanned almost two decades of selfless and dedicated service, deserves no less credit as an administrator than the celebrated cricketer who is adored on the completion of a century. His recognition by the government in the form of a national award is quite fitting, and will be treasured as a mark of his many accomplishments during his distinguished career. That career contained flashes of brilliance, elegance in and out of the conference room, calculated humour and an abundance of patience in dealing with situations as complex as the Duckworth and Lewis system. His patience is once again being put to the test as a consequence of the rivalry between the two factions of the Demerara Cricket Board, which remains a key component of the Guyana Cricket Board, and this at a time when he has indicated his desire to retire. My wish to recognize Mr Chetram Singh’s leadership at this time, however, is curiously a result of somewhat similar developments in the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA). The CEO of that association was forced to resign after being in the post for just six months, amid claims that discord was rife among the executives, and that he had been continually forced to explain the bitter division and negativity of the JCA. He lamented the disfunctionality, the constant bickering, the leaking of information, and the picking on any issue that would highlight divisions within the association. The President of the JCA had the same tale to tell and was even opposed to having opposition members as part of the JCA.
Critics of the Guyana Cricket Board have unjustifiably attributed the present unstable state of the board to the alleged poor leadership of Mr Chetram Singh, as though our situation was unique. The rich legacy of Mr Singh must not be forgotten, as he has been able to carve his own niche in the history of the administration of cricket in this country. It is a proud record that includes five consecutive regional under 19 titles; the emergence of our international icons in Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan; the inclusion at one time of six Guyanese in the West Indies team; support for Roger Harper as West Indies senior team coach and that of Edward Nichols as a Test umpire; and the realization of the GCB hostel, that is modern and which adds to our cricketers’ professional preparation, even during the rainy period. His leadership, though undiplomatic at times, was rarely threatened, thus signalling the immense confidence that his colleagues had in him. My own little privileged, but limited association with him came as a result of playing inter-county cricket for Essequibo, and later on as an official of the ECB. Two events occurred that confirmed his love for the game; the first I applauded, but the second gave me initial doubts. The first instance happened almost twelve years ago, at the Wales Community ground, where Essequibo was challenging Demerara in a senior inter-county, one-day encounter. I believe that it was the first such match to have been played at the ground and as such, the excitement of the fans was quite obvious. However it rained heavily that day and play seemed impossible until Chetty arrived. He duly assessed the conditions and then ordered the groundsmen to throw gasoline onto the pitch and burn it. That was the first time I saw fire on a pitch, (except for when Raon King and Colin Stuart were firing leather at me), but the innovation worked and play was eventually possible. The result was a foregone conclusion, but I was pleased that Chetty had made the fans happy. The second scenario was only last year when Essequibo battled Berbice in the senior four-day inter-county match at the Blairmount Community ground. Again the rain intervened, but this time it was most of four days. Play was only possible on the first day, after which none occurred for two consecutive days, with the remote hope of play on the final day. The pitch was secure, but the outfield was soft, particularly in areas around the boundaries, with Essequibo being the fielding team at the time. We arrived at the ground on the final day and were promptly told that Chetty had instructed that the boundary ropes be adjusted so that play could take place. At that stage as well, Berbice was a mere twenty runs away from gaining first innings points, and they were anxious to play. It was against the regulations, but as fate would have it, there was more rain and the match was eventually abandoned without a result. I doubt, however, that we would have followed his instructions, even though as I reflect on it now, I know he was sincere in wanting cricket to be the winner, even if it meant bending the rules.
Now that his departure is imminent, it will most certainly create a void in the administration of cricket in Guyana and will test the character and flexibility of the new president, who will need the strength and assertion that Chetty so skillfully possessed. The nation owes a debt of gratitude to him, and even though he was firm in stating that his spell is over; his knowledge and wealth of experience must not be diminished, but instead be treasured. He deserves now to be the patron of both the GCB and the WICB as a lasting tribute to an administrator extraordinaire.
Yours faithfully,
Elroy Stephney