Karran Ramsammy was on Sunday returned to the helm of the Whim Cricket Club (WCC) when the body held its elections at the Whim Community Centre Ground, Berbice.
The club last held an election in January 2018, with that term expiring in January 2019. However, the body failed to hold an election until Sunday. The vote was conducted by Assistant Secretary of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Ameer Rahaman, under the observation of a representative from the Whim Mandir.
The contest for the presidency saw Ramsammy securing seven votes while his opponent Peepy Charran secured three votes. Despite the defeat, Charran will serve as vice-president of the WCC.
Also elected to the executive were Tony Sookraj (Secretary), Tameshwar Harrinarine (Treasurer), Deven Venkian (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer) along with Dennis Sookshine, Kundal Deonarine and Ravi Lawrence, who will serve as committee members.
Ramsammy, in his address, was enthusiastic about working hard for the development of the club and urged the new executive to prepare for rigorous work to bring the WCC to glory.
Speaking to this publication on the heels of his reelection, Ramsammy said that he expected a larger turnout but suggested that a wedding in the community attracted some of the members.
He went on to add that it is his intention to firstly secure funding via donations for the painting and general clean-up of the centre, as well as ensure proper bins and garbage disposal measures are in place.
In terms of events, Ramsammy indicated that a domino and darts competition is in the pipeline along with a general village fun day as one of the first fundraising activities.
Ramsammy related that currently, the main issue plaguing the WCC was the punctual cutting of grass since the club does not have its own machinery and rely on the Neighbourhood Democratic Council to have it done.
Meantime, the president highlighted the need to attract more youths to the club as a deterrent from a negative lifestyle but admitted that it is challenging to deal with some who often don’t turn up to practice and lack basic disciplinary traits.
Ramsammy was also optimistic of working along with the BCB and acknowledged the support for its President, Hilbert Foster, which included donations of a bicycle, batting gloves, water pitcher, score books, school bags and trophies.
Foster, after the elections, encouraged the new executive to always strive for the highest standards. He also committed to be available at all times to offer advice if needed. The BCB President also pledged to make a financial donation of $10,000 to launch the club’s fundraising efforts, to donate five trophies for the club first ever awards ceremony and to provide coaches for practice sessions.
