Sanford Penalised by Antigua Police

West Indian cricketer Adam Sanford is being penalised by the Royal Antigua & Barbuda Police Force for playing club cricket in Barbados.

Sanford, who was omitted from the West Indies recent tour to India, took up an offer to play seasonal cricket for a club in Barbados. Sanford, who was given permission by a senior officer of the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda, travelled to Barbados for a month in late September.

He was asked to stay for the rest of the Barbados domestic season and communication from the club?s management was sent to Antigua & Barbuda's Commissioner of Police, Truehart Smith.

But a source said Smith only became aware of Sanford's absence from duty when he received the communication from the club in Barbados.

According to sources close to the cricketer, he was ordered to return immediately to Antigua & Barbuda. He did as he was told and he was transferred immediately to beat and patrol. The sources added that orders given to stop paying Sanford's salary was carried out, forcing him to apply for vacation leave to cover the period he was absent.

Other junior officers are questioning the double standards, which exists within the police force. Sources say a woman sergeant of police, who for nearly two years has not done any official duty, is still getting full pay. It is reported that she is currently in Jamaica seeking medical treatment.

The officers are calling on the Police Welfare Association, the Public Safety Minister, and the Police Service Commission to look into matter surrounding the treatment being meted out to Sanford. The officers said it is an injustice to the cricketer.

Minister with Responsibility for the Police Steadroy "Cutie" Benjamin explained he was unaware of that development but has pledged to do everything in my power to make certain the situation is rectified.

"We as the government have taken the position that we will do everything in our power to assist in the development of our sports personnel in Antigua & Barbuda and one of the ways in which we can help is to encourage and to assist persons in their development, That includes the provision of time off with pay to enhance their development. I shall ensure that Mr. Sanford is given all the privileges afforded to talented persons in accordance with the government policy."

* SOURCE: Antigua Sun.