T&TCB's Murray abdicated his responsibility

Movement for Change, the team hoping to replace the Deryck Murray-led Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), at the upcoming elections on October 31, yesterday lashed out at its opponent at a press conference at Hotel Normandie. One of the group’s speakers, former Minister of Sport, Manohar Ramsaran, accused the Murray-led administration of seeking membership to the International Cricket Council (ICC). “There is no place for the WICB in his plans. Rather than playing his role in the WICB and trying to help resolve the matters, he has abdicated his responsibility. Rather than close ranks with the WICB and speak to WIPA and other stakeholders to find a solution, he has decided to go alone,” said Ramsarran.

He also indicated that Murray’s refusal to attend the regional body’s annual general meeting, stemmed from his failure to get support from former West Indies fast bowler Joel “Big Bird” Garner, on a move to oust the Julian Hunte administration. “We are here to ensure that T&T is represented by a board that not only seeks the country’s interest but also to ensure the West Indies Cricket Board is here to stay and make us proud,” said the former sports minister. Murray was also accused of going against the constitution by giving membership to ten new clubs in the south zone and upgrading Tobago to a zone from a associate status. Ramsaran said such a move should never happen around election time since it may give the wrong impression.

West Indies director and TTCB’s executive member Dr. Allen Sammy, who is also part of the team seeking change, said once his group took office on November 1, there will be a number of changes which will benefit the clubs and players. “One of the areas to be targeted will be to expand insurance coverage to include every player, umpire, immediate player/support staff, curators and selected administrators for the entire season.” Also speaking was Baldath Mahabir who produced a number of documents in which payments were alleged to have been made to current members of the Board and called for an explanation. Asked to comment on what was said at the press conference, Murray explained his organisation was never looking to move away from the WICB. Regarding the AGM, he said all parties, including members of the Movement for Change, were aware of the reasons why he did not attend the meeting.

Murray said his administration has always looked to widen the scope of participation in the sport and hence the inclusion of new clubs and zone.
Movement for Change has not named its slate to contest the elections since the zonal elections have not been completed.

Kevin Sunich
Trinidad Guardian