ECCB elects office-bearers, ratifies updated constitution

Elections of office-bearers of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) were held on Friday, 19th February 2021 at the LBI Pavilion, ECD after a notice was published by the 16 affiliated clubs calling for the elections in order to address the absence of a functioning East Coast Cricket Board.
However, 2 of the affiliated clubs were absent from that engagement.
The following persons have been elected to positions in the East Coast Cricket Board: President, Ashmul Ali; 1st Vice President, Lalta Gainda; 2nd Vice President, Beemraj Ramkelawan; Secretary, Jitlall Jowharilall; Treasurer, Yeuvraj Khemraj; Asst Secretary/Treasurer, Davindra Ramtahal; Marketing Manager, Quancy Cummings; Committee Members: Atamdeo Persaud, Ramnarine Chatura and Chatterpaul Balkissoon.
The updated Constitution of the ECCB was also unanimously ratified by the affiliated clubs. Members were concerned that, over the years, some clubs have played no cricket but continued to be included in the business of the ECCB only at the time of voting. The constitution was revised to adjust and provide for voting members, and to regularise some recent changes to coincide with requirements for notices etc, and also to adhere to new requirements of the Cricket Administration Act and the revised DCB Constitution.
ECCB President Ashmul Ali reminded members of their obligations, and addressed current issues affecting cricket on the East Coast and nationally. He said many want to hold office but do not function, leaving the work to be done by a few. Members were alarmed that a Demerara Cricket Board election was fixed for 11:30 AM on the very day, suggesting that someone was trying to bypass legitimate clubs from having a say in regard to cricket administration on the East Coast.
Member clubs claimed that imposters were presenting themselves as representatives of ECCB.
A decision was also taken by a few of the members to challenge the Demerara Cricket Board elections in court, as it was convened without an Ombudsman verifying the eligible clubs and representatives of ECCB.
The Executives promised to labour assiduously to continue the work of the East Coast Cricket Committee that had carried the mantle of producing players, because of the constant applications to the court on the issue of which name can or cannot be used on the East Coast to play cricket.
It was emphasised that 90% of the clubs on the East Coast of Demerara must be able to handle their affairs. The ECCB is currently hosting an under-15 competition, but has pledged to stage a T20 tournament shortly.
Vice President Lalta Gainda, who has been a sponsor of youth cricket on the East Coast for the past five years, has promised to continue this and other developmental initiatives.