President of the West Indies Cricket Board yesterday ended speculation that he would intervene in the Guyana situation by reiterating the WICB’s support for the Guyana Cricket Board.
“The WICB has always stood firmly behind its member and stakeholder the Guyana Cricket Board, and all decisions taken in the past, regarding the situation in Guyana, were taken as decisions of the West Indies Cricket Board,” Cameron read from a prepared statement at the Providence National Stadium last evening.
The WICB, under former president Julian Hunte, has always maintained that they recognize the Guyana Cricket Board as the sole authority to govern cricket in Guyana despite the rift that exists and the fact that the 2011 and 2013 elections were widely considered to be illegal because of the non participation of a number of county boards.
However, there was a belief that Cameron would revisit the issue once he was elected president.
Cameron yesterday though hinted that the Guyana government and the GCB had effectively ended the dispute.
“I am very much relieved to see that the GCB and the Guyana government found common ground to final resolution of outstanding issues. It is through this type of cooperation that the Guyanese public can once again enjoy regional and international cricket,” he stated.
Cameron said he was extremely pleased that regional cricket has returned to Guyana.
“I am pleased to be in Guyana and I am even more pleased that cricket has returned to Guyana,” he said.
During the briefing, Cameron, who was elected to the WICB’s top post two weeks ago also spoke on a wide range of issues.
Cameron praised the local stakeholders for hosting the successful round of the Regional 4 Day and Super50 game versus the Combine Colleges and Campuses team.
“On behalf of the WICB I wish to place on record our thanks to the Guyana Cricket Board for hosting the matches on our behalf” said Cameron.
”I wish to thank the Government of Guyana as well for their efforts and contribution on ensuring that regional cricket has returned to Guyana.” Cameron said that it was now time to move forward. “The Guyana Situation has certainly gone on for much longer than anyone would have desired and we must now put that behind us and move forward as one united cricketing family. We must look to the future and commit our efforts toward moving Guyana’s and West Indies Cricket forward”. The Jamaican businessman added “. I am very much relieved to see that the GCB and the Guyana government found common ground to final resolution of outstanding issues. It is through this type of cooperation that the Guyanese public can once again enjoy Regional and International cricket on home soil”.
Cameron stated that under his leadership of the WICB he looks forward to an inclusive approach with all stakeholders. He also pleaded for good sense and the best interest of cricket to prevail.
“I urge the governments, the corporate sector, the media and the cricket loving public to hold us accountable but also to lend us your support as we strive to build and develop our regional game”.
When quizzed on the financial state of the WICB Cameron replied:
“The financial statements are posted online, I encourage everyone to look at it but however the future is not entirely bright, there are challenges ahead.” Cameron said that the Pakistan tour of the West Indies was not in jeopardy and noted that there are ongoing talks between the two boards. Questioned on future plans for cricket legends, Cameron did not go into specifics but however stated that “plans are in place for the West Indian Legends of Cricket.”
