Lloyd to make Guyana home

Ever since the 60-year-old former hard-hitting batsman indicated his intention to run for office last week, concerns have been raised about his eligibility for the post. The WICB rules clearly state that at the time of nomination, the candidate must be residing in the region and it is a well known fact that Lloyd has made his home in England since retiring from Test cricket in 1985.

However yesterday, President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Chetram Singh in an exclusive telephone interview stated that Lloyd has declared his intention to return to his homeland to fulfill the WICB election stipulation. "I just a while ago spoke to Clive and he told me that he is coming back to Guyana because he is serious about being elected to the presidency of the West Indies Cricket Board. The eligibility concerns are not a problem anymore," said Singh yesterday.

Singh, who was also nominated for the WICB presidency several years ago but had to withdraw because of his ties to legalised gambling — he is the owner of a betting shop in Georgetown — said Lloyd is the owner of a house on Crown Street in Georgetown.

"He has had this property which he maintains close to the Bourda Oval since he was living in Guyana. He said he is quite willing to come to live in Guyana if elected to the presidency," said Singh.

The Guyana Cricket Board official said that he has also recieved a letter from Lloyd stating his intention to accept the position if selected which will be sent to the WICB with an official nomination letter from the GCB.

Singh said that with three weeks to go before the new deadline for nominations, efforts by the GCB for a seconder for Lloyd has been ongoing and he remains confident that one will be found.

"At this stage everyone is a candidate. We have been hearing names like Ken Gordon, Pat Rousseau, Clarvis Joseph, Dave Cameron, Deryck Murray. But I expect the four major territories to put forward serious nominees," said Singh.

He said the process of elimination will begin and he expects at least three top nominees to face the ballot when the executive of the WICB meet in the Dutch territory of St Maarten on August 7 to pick their new president.

"When it comes down to the top three Lloyd’s name will be there," Singh said confidently. However, he said that ideally there will be consensus among the regional cricket representatives to avoid a potentially divisive and bitter fight for the post.

"I don’t see the need for a fight for the presidency," said Singh.

He believes that Lloyd, the most successful West Indies captain in history has the ideal background on the field to inspire the regional team back up the international cricket ladder.

"We are all hoping he can make a difference as we are at an all-time low in terms of reserves, finance and our relationship with the West indies Players’ Association. Lloyd has the credentials to handle the cricket part," said Singh.

He said in his opinion, the vice-president should be experienced in finance to see the region through a successful World Cup in 2007.