Good comes out of press box ruckus

The chaos currently engulfing the Gerry Gomez Media Centre at the Queen’s Park Oval will have a happy ending after all. It is understood that the West Indies Cricket Board will soon appoint a Corporate Communications Officer. So we can expect for the one-dayers next month, a man will be sent to do the job boys have attempted unsuccessfully to do for the current Second Test match between the West Indies and England. Following the loud protests of sports writers concerning the allotment of seats on the second tier of the media centre, self-styled WICB Liason Officer Imran Khan, a Guyanese has produced conflicting reasons for the placement of local journalists at the back.

These changing explanations by Khan and his assistant Andrew Sealy, could make even Lord of the Rings seem like reality. The latest information yesterday (it changes like the weather) is that the WICB is not to blame, but instead officials in Trinidad and Tobago. However Donnna Cox, representing the local Board has reportedly said that she initially set aside 20 seats for the local media (print and electronic) but this was changed by Khan who reduced that number to six. Now sportswriters, fuming at what they believe is “unfair” and “arrogant” behaviour by the WICB officials are optimistic that the new Corporate Communications Manager will bring objectivity and fair-play to the organisation’s dealings which would be like a breath of fresh air. With a bit of luck, the new appointment, a seasoned Trinidad and Tobago former journalist with international experience in politics and regional affairs, is certain to have a low tolerance for nepotism, ineptitude and hypocrisy.

So he should be allowed the opportunity to make the necessary changes where they are required without any interference to level the playing field and give sports writers the respect and consideration they deserve. Sports writers share the responsibility when the West Indies team fails as they record the exploits of the cricketers on and off the field. And when they are prevented from doing their jobs well, the officials who are selected to help develop the game but create barriers instead are doing a disservice to the game and regional unity. We anxiously await the new WI Board media point man.