In my lead caption and “story”, it’s former Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe I mean. Retired, but certain not tired, Mr. Slowe has been appointed to the best Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Security detail as its head.
Another recognition and tribute to Guyanese expertise amongst those still at home right here. Because I’m a Paul Slowe fan of sorts I feel entitled to ask him a few question, if not “put him on the spot”. (Oh, you could add “gambling” to the lead caption too.)
Paul’s “portfolio” should include such responsibilities as player security, crowd control, officials’ safety, profiles of accommodation and venues, intelligence from the international cricketing authorities, player’s past “reputations”, local boards’ relationship with local security agencies, etc,etc.
From my listing you’ll easily delect that it’s merely my layman’s take on Mr. Solwe’s remit. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) must have had good reason to choose the ace Rifle – Shooting Marksman and former Police First Division Cricket All – Rounder to be its Chief of Security responsible for both fashioning the Region’s Cricket Security/Policy and implementing same. Recall he’s had first – hand experience for both World Cup Cricket and Carifesta 2008 here, both international events coming off as virtually incident – free.
Slowe Fire…
But the fire – test of Paul Slowe’s portfolio comes not merely in securing our persons and cricket infrastructure. I submit that these days International Security Chiefs must contend with, yes, terrorism, a la Pakistan and Mumbai. They have to watch cricketers either intimidated into, or volunteering for spot – fixing and other forms of cricket gambling.
Sport is no longer just sport! Unfortunately! Greed, dishonesty, individual avarice and corporate corruption, all attend what should be, fair straight forward international competition. Security Chief Slowe was a senior policeman in Guyana, up to recently. What good groundings to deal with corruption, thievery and security, at the Caribbean level. But look out for Small Island chicanery and Trinidadian and Jamaican criminal technique Commander.
My layman’s, questions: How do you protect Cricketers’ gear from hotel to airport – to hotel? So that illegal narcotics are not secreted in them for Priority Travel? Would you dare to monitor calls to and from Cricketers? Do you check on Cricketers’ backgrounds in the little islands and Big Countries, before they “made the team?”
Do you know of any suspicious characters involved in Guyana’s cricket? Now that we are known as a Cocaine Trans – Shipment Port of Call? What? You can’t respond to me? Because of “Security Reason”? Here’s a double Tip Sir: Ask the ICC which current West Indies players are on its list for various reasons and secondly contact former Pakistani wicket – keeper Zulquarnain Haider the extent of gambling in Asian Cricket and its implications for innocent players, their families and general well – being. Best wishes, until…
Ogle International at Easter
It’s only as I nearly this paragraph I realised that this piece falls on Good Friend 2011.
A premier day of observance, reflection, thanks and celebration in the Christian Calendar, the Day commemorates the Predicated Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is believed by Christians that Divine Sacrifice will absolve and redeem the faithful who have fallen short of the numerous behaviors demanded of the devoted.
Not religious, myself I pay tribute to my early Christianised upbringing and to the Christians’ bedrock. They have to believe in the Execution and Jesus’ triumph over death – or their faith is shallow. Reflect please.
I promised last Friday to pay tribute to those who fly from Ogle, Timehri and numerous hinterland aerodromes, to transport people and goods to every portion of what is truly Guyana. I wrote of how the vastness of our forests below makes you feel so vulnerable above in those little planes in Guyana skies.
So my tribute to all pilots who navigate our airspace to access our mighty land and river space. (I even met our only active female pilot a few days ago.)
I am disappointed ever disturbed, that all is not well, reportedly, at our second International Airport at Ogle, East Coast, Demerara. It seems that there is a bit of a monopoly at this Private – Sector – Run Port – of – Entry, which is actually a sensitive public facility.
The local airline with the largest fleet wants to expand for the local market but Ogle’s Authority seems to be stymieing their objectives.
In cases like these perhaps some national or neutral agency could broker some compromise. Let there be space for all. I want to really see Guyana. At reasonable and affordable cost! Let’s pay a little more attention to the developments at Ogle International.
Really Ponder…
Should politicians get involved in Regional Cricket. One Guyana Journalist justifies that. She says the politician/ministers represent the tax payers whose money builds the stadia/discuss!
Suppose there is massive blackouts on Polling Day 2011?
Name five (5) high – profile count cases you hear little about these days.
Coming next Friday: David’s Veterans, volunteers, scrutineers – and Gecom.
Thanks to Geoffrey, the elementon “rebel”. For his contribution to Guyana Calypso. Rebel had a wedding – Ceremony – like Semi – Retirement Do last Saturday.
Thanks “Mattie – Big – Man!”
’Til next week!
(Comments? allanafenty@yahoo.com)
