TTCB elections on January 16

THE TT Cricket Board (TTCB) will finally be holding their election of officers on January 16, from 6 pm, at the TTCB office, located at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva. The decision was taken on Saturday at a special meeting held by the TTCB.

The election was originally scheduled for October 2016, but a six-member National League group comprising Dinanath Ramnarine, Daren Ganga, Samuel Badree, Clint Pamphille, Anil Kamal and the late Camal Basdeo was granted an injunction which stopped the process from taking place. The group challenged the TTCB constitution which they said favoured the incumbent executive as it allowed it 12 outgoing votes for elections.

However, on December 17, 2018, the claim by the six-member group was dismissed by Justice Jacqueline Wilson who refused to intervene as umpire in the local body's grievances.

TTCB president Azim Bassarath confirmed yesterday that there will be no AGM (Annual General Meeting) on the day, but simply the election of officers for the Board’s executive committee.

“That’s the only item on the agenda,” said the TTCB boss.

Asked if he is aware about any nominees for the various posts at the election, Bassarath responded, “The only person I know interested so far is Ramnarine.”

But speaking to Newsday yesterday, the former Windies spinner said his only interest currently is advocating for a proper governance structure.

Asked if he will be challenging again for the post of presidency, Ramnarine said, "We haven't discussed any of these issues as yet. Our issue has always been proper governance. If you have a proper governance structure then it doesn't matter who runs the board."

Ramnarine reiterated the constitution will again be a major stumbling block as the outgoing votes will be too great a hurdle to overcome.

Bassarath, who has been at the helm of the local cricketing governing body since 2009, said he is yet to decide if he will seek re-election.

“If the Board members want me to go back, I would go back,” he said.

Reflecting on the 26-month-long court matter, Bassarath said, “Definitely (it) stymied some of the progress that we wanted to make with some of our programmes. It was difficult to approach sponsors to come into cricket to assist with programmes and competitions.

“As that has been finished with, we are hoping that people are going to come on board and corporate Trinidad and Tobago will assist us to do what we can for our cricket.”