‘Dinas’ calls for Independent Committee for TTCB election

In an email addressed to the secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Arjoon Ramlal, signed by Dinanath Ramnarine and copied to members of the TT CB executive, members of the TT CB Board and members of the National League Committee, stated, “On August 22, 2016, we sent you a letter in your capacity of Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TT CB) requesting an urgent meeting on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 01:00 pm. Our overwhelming reason for doing is our concern about the fairness of the upcoming TT CB elections and the need for an independent group to oversee the electoral process especially because the present TT CB executive members are likely to contest the various positions and that therefore demands that the elections are fair and totally transparent. In addition, as you are aware it is our stated position to contest the elections in the various zones and at the TT CB level.” The email added, “We also raised the issue of the 12 undemocratic and illegal outgoing votes held by the present executive. Your failure to respond to us unfortunately indicates that the TT CB is intent on pursuing a course of action intended to put Trinidad and Tobago cricket in disrepute.

Seeing that you have not responded to us, denied us the opportunity of a meeting, we are now proposing another meeting on Monday September 5, 2016 at 10.00am on the same subjects. In the meantime we would urge you to consider the appointment of an independent body to oversee the elections the members of which can come from the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago and/or the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. This way the perception of, or potential for, interference by the incumbents can be minimised if not entirely eradicated.

In addition, we would wish to address all the following issues some of which we have previously drawn to your attention and others we deem urgent: 1.The matter involving UTT ’s non-inclusion in the National League electoral process.

2. The refusal of the TT CB to call a meeting to amend the Constitution as requested by the North, South and South-West Zonal Councils in accordance with Article 13 and Article 29 of the TT CB.

This matter involves the 12 illegal, unfair and undemocratic votes by the Executive and Nominated Members.

3. The recent plan by the East Zonal Council to ban two clubs for a six-month period which, in our view, is unfair, politically motivated and constitutes a breach of natural justice.

4. The unfair treatment of members of the Central Zonal Officers.

5. The intention by the Executive to allow election dates in the various zones to clash to gain an unfair advantage.

6. Breaches of the TT CB’s Constitution.

As you are aware, the electoral process has already started and several of the candidates are extremely concerned that your failure to meet or appoint a mutually agreed independent committee to oversee the elections is deliberate and leads us to expect the worst.

Should you fail to respond, meet and act in a fair and transparent manner we will reserve all rights to take any action permitted by law.”