Cricket official cleared of improper conduct

Last December, on an online website, it was reported that the complaint was made during a regional youth tournament and the TT CB agreed to refer the matter to their Disciplinary Committee.

The official was placed under suspension until the issue was resolved by the local governing body.

The TT CB, in a media release issued yesterday morning, stated, “based on the National Disciplinary Committee’s report received on February 6, we were informed that there was a consensual and amicable resolution to the matter.

“However, the National Disciplinary Committee in exercising its due diligence, closely examined the circumstances in which the consensual and amicable resolution was reached and is pleased to indicate that same was reached voluntarily.

The National Disciplinary Committee has accepted the resolution and so to the TT CB Executive.” During an interview yesterday, TT CB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Suruj Ragoonath, when asked if the official was cleared, replied, “the fact is that nothing has been proven. Based on what they’ve said, the fact that they have made a recommendation, we are going with that.

“As far as the future is concerned, that is for the Board to decide. Now is about the healing process.” Asked if the official will be allowed to resume his duties in local cricket, Ragoonath responded, “that is left to be decided.

“The first thing was for us to deal with the issue in itself and to make sure and offer assistance to the parties, as we stated in the release, and then take it from there,” he said.

“But we’re not about to rush in to anything.” However, the ex-Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies opening batsman declined to elaborate on the phrase “consensual and amicable resolution to the matter”.

Ragoonath noted, “once the Disciplinary Committee meets on a matter, they would make their pronouncements and relay their decision to us.

We don’t get into the nitty-gritty of to how the decision was arrived at.

These are professional men, trained in their field and we respect their decision.” The disciplinary committee was headed by former police officer William Jeffrey and includes Ingrid Maxwell (ex-police), Don Asgarali (businessman), Noel Robinson (former national team manager), Ajay Maharaj (attorney at law) and Erica Ramkissoon (magistrate).

The TT CB, in their media release, expressed its “sincere thanks to all stakeholders and members of the public for their understanding and cooperation in this matter and for respecting the principle of due process.”