Letter to the Sports Editor The UCCA Interim Committee was creation of the BCB 2012 administration
Jan 06, 2018 , https://www.kaieteurnewsonline...2012-administration/
Dear Editor,
I refer to a letter published in the Kaieteur News on Jan 3, 2018 and the Guyana Chronicle on 4th January 2018, supposedly highlighting the state of affairs of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) and MISLEADING the public with numerous lies that would only seek to benefit the so called “Berbice Stakeholders Group”. To date, no one from this phantom group dared to reveal themselves in public, even though their main aim is the development of cricket in Berbice. These persons, or phantoms, prefer to sit in the dark and spit poison on others who are obviously determined to lift the level of cricket in the Berbice area.
Mr. Editor, I wish to state the facts as they exist to be checked. In 2012, an interim body was formed in the Upper Corentyne Area, to supervise the affairs of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association, although Dr. Rishi Thakur and a group of over 20 clubs already had the Association functioning. This interim body was installed by the then Administration of the Berbice Cricket Board. One would ask the question, “Why was there a need for an interim body when the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association was a cricketing body that existed many years prior to 2012?” Persons like myself and Mr. Roy Baijnauth served the Association well, but the Berbice Cricket Board at that time, had plans of their own. An interim body, comprising of persons handpicked by the administration, would serve to eliminate any opposition to the BCB from the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. Hence an interim body was installed: Dennis D’Andrade- Chairman, Sydney Jackman- Vice Chairman, Winston Roberts-Secretary, Vicky Bharosay- Treasurer, and its main function was to register Clubs and do the groundwork for an election of the UCCA within 2-3 months. This was in 2012, and even if accepted, no elections were held for 5 years.
Many letters were exchanged in the press, one notably claiming that the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association never existed, another to which the Professor Thakur responded, all available online to be viewed. Dr. Rishi Thakur is available to provide the history on this injustice when it was declared that the proceeds from a fund raiser would be used to facilitate a political campaign of the party then in power.
The years passed, and the so- called interim or steering committee continued to rule the roost in the Upper Corentyne Area and began to call themselves the elected executives. No further objections were made by the then administration of the BCB since this handpicked group of gentlemen served their interests well. Donations were collected, but competitions were not played outside of a few festival games where the proceeds were pocketed. There is one instance where a popular businessman who had sponsored a competition demanded the return of his money since the steering committee had no plans of executing the tournament.
In November 2017, the Clubs of the UCCA, finally fed up and tormented by the dormancy of the game in the area and the fiasco that the self- appointed Executives created at the BCB Elections, clubs gathered themselves together, and aufait themselves with their Constitution. The Constitution allows for the Clubs to call a meeting to sort out the affairs of the Association; and they did. Notices were sent out for Clubs to attend a Meeting and on December 7th, 2017: that meeting was held to elect members who would serve as Executives of the UCCA. That was the ONLY election held in the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association since 2012 and was attended by more than 90% of the clubs. The Clubs voted and elected their representatives.
Lo and Behold, the steering Committee has now come out of hiding to educate the public thru the Berbice Cricket Stakeholders Committee. The Stakeholders Committee is now stating that the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association held an election on September 27th, 2017 and the following persons were elected: Dennis D’Andrade- President, Sydney Jackman- Vice President, Winston Roberts-Secretary, Chatrapaul Lionel- Treasurer. Mr. Editor, aren’t these the same persons who were on the steering committee in 2012 and were tasked with organising an election 3 months after? The truth of the matter is there was no election. Who were invited? Who voted? Was it published? Why are the Cricket Stakeholders Informing the Public of this and not the “elected executives” of the steering committee? The steering committee was knocked off its horse when the Clubs held the election on December 7, 2017.
I wish to inform the members of the Public of the following:
a) Between 2012-2017 the only election that was held in the Upper Corentyne Area was the one held on December 7, 2017. The following are the elected Executives of the Association: Hamant Jagdeo-President, Chaitram Persaud- Vice President, Vadanand Sugrim- Secretary, Mahesh Dharry- Treasurer, Lakram Lathman- Asst Sect/Treasurer.
b) No election was held in September 2017, since no Club nor cricketer in the Upper Corentyne Area is aware of such an event. Clubs in the area have not received any notice of meeting, so who voted? And how could the steering Committee members elect themselves to serve.
c) 24 clubs are currently participating in our T20 competition sponsored by Roy Baijnauth, former president of UCCA, BCB and prominent businessman.
The residents and clubs in Upper Corentyne must step out and speak. Dr. Rishi Thakur was right is 2012 but no one listened. This nonsense must stop. We do not line up for charitable donations and we are capable of managing our affairs.
I have been a part of the Upper Corentyne team for many years and had to do everything to ensure we participate in the BCB competitions. I have the proof and am prepared to present them to the Judge.
I am aware that very few persons can get a letter published in the Guyana Chronicle. I will try anyway.
UCCA # 1 Supporter
Team Member
UCCA Executive