Level two certified cricket coach, Winston Smith cries foul at treatment meted out to him by local cricket authorities, saying he is not being afforded the opportunity to coach any significant youth or senior teams because of various questionable reasons deriving from personal attacks and politics in the sport.
According to Smith, sinc
Winston Smith
e he went public about short payments made to him by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) subsequent to the GCB Jaguars Franchise League three-day tournament he has been removed from coaching any of the franchise League teams.
“After the issue I spoke to GCB Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart who told me I would no longer be with the Upper Corentyne Franchise, instead I was informed by Stuart that I will take up duties with West Berbice Franchise. It was strange to me because coaches are usually assigned to teams closer to them. The one day version of the Jaguars Franchise League was slated for December and when I was ready to travel to West Berbice I was told that someone by the name of Hardcourt was named to replace me.”
He alleged that the individual (Hardcourt) does not possess the level two coaching certificate and it has to be a personal attack on him for speaking against ill-will of the GCB.
Smith acquired his Level 1 coaching certificate on December 31, 2004 and his Level 2 in 2008. He was also involved in a senior coaching programme conducted in Trinidad and Tobago by Anthony Howard.
He feels the higher authorities are abusing their power and victimizing him and many others who have become opposition against most of their actions.
Smith, who is a Police Sergeant stationed in Berbice said he is the only level two coach among the current crop, who is yet to coach an inter-county or national team at the junior or senior level.
Colin Stuart
The Sergeant, who has done work under experience and highly regarded local coach Michael Hyles, has over the years conducted annual cricket academy at Rose Hall as well as the now defunct Berbice Cricket Academy. He has also done worked with clubs from Moleson Creek to Mara.
Smith was accredited the same time as Julian Moore, Guyana U-15 coach, who he said is enjoying his career because of higher influence.
When contacted Stuart said GCB is not solely responsible for the selection of coaches for any franchise. He said the GCB Cricket Committee and area representatives select coaches.
Speaking on behalf of the cricket committee, the TDO said Smith’s name is often considered, however, it is not solely their responsibility to select a coach since they work along with area representatives.
There are several level two coaches in Guyana, who are not actively involved in coaching at a top level as revealed by Smith. The circumstances surrounding their absence are uncertain. However, with the absence of these coaches it is expected that those who are showing interest would be considered.
If the interest of cricket and players’ development is the main concern by the cricket committee and area representatives, then it will be interested to see what qualifications these coaches possess, who will be coaching teams in the remaining GCB tournament for 2017.
