T&T Cricket Won't be the Same

(Trinidad Guardian)

In 24 hours, democracy will prevail, after over two decades without a challenger to Mr Alloy Lequay's presidency of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board. I am a firm believer in the democratic process although, at the end of day, I may not get the person I want elected.

No one person should dictate who should be my representative, as has been the trend of the T&TCB over the years.

I have no problem with a president or even a prime minister, whether it's a sporting organisation or a country, having a personal choice, but such appointment should be made with the populists in mind and not the person who is in charge.

The cricket fraternity should be elated at what is to happen tomorrow, not because Lequay is leaving but because the process of an election will finally take place. In all elections, there are persons who vote blindly. Some do so for money or others may simply be fanatics.

I too, have my choice, not because of friendship or an exclusive story after tomorrow's election, but because of these reasons:

• While I have never played the sport, cricket is in my blood and I am sure I?m the West Indies? number-one fan.

• I have read many times that any organisation or business where individuals are not aspiring to be the boss, general manager, etc, that organisation is well on its way to failure.

• And, thirdly, the Caribbean will be host to the World Cup of cricket in four years, and Trinidad and Tobago must put on a show to remember.

Therefore, I want the local organising committee, which is chaired by Mr Ellis Lewis, to channel all their efforts to ensure that every visitor remembers his stay here during the event.

I also want to applaud Forbes Persaud, who would be challenging Anand Daniel for secretary. And let me remind voters, Daniel was not elected when Suren Dhaniram resigned through ill health two years ago.

As a matter of fact, I have never seen a press release signed by Daniel. I only knew he was the T&TCB secretary when he appeared in G-Sports pages two days after TCL honoured the T&T Under-19 cricketers for their regional success.

Lalman Kowlessar is also challenging Baldath Mahabir for second vice president, while Suruj Ragoonath, Don Asgarali and Arjoon Ramlal are seeking positions as executive members.

No one could disagree that this is good for local cricket and, while the term of office is two years, the newly elected persons know that if they fail to serve, no one will ever reign again as long as did Mr Lequay.

Even if Mr Deryck Murray fails to become president, it will not be a disappointment because he has done what no other has done for more than two decades, challenge for the post despite the odds.

One thing is certain, local cricket will never be the same again after tomorrow as many more challengers are waiting in the wings.

* Also see: Where is Ellis Lewis?