Dear Editor,
This response is informed by an article which appears in another publication on the February 19, 2017 purporting to indulge in the character assassination of Alfred Mentore – President of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) – by a few disgruntled members.
Whilst we as members do not hold any brief for Mentore, nevertheless in keeping with principles of natural justice and the tenets of fair play, it is inconceivable that anyone would attempt to degrade another whose track record could withstand the onslaught of those with their own selfish and self-centred agendas.
Indeed Mentore’s accomplishments at the helm of DCC is legion and it is appropriate at this juncture to highlight but a few of his successes;
1. We, for our part, can confirm that Mentore has honoured and maintained the credo of the Club which is the production of National and International players of the glorious game of cricket.
2. Another of his lofty ideals was to foster and perpetuate the core values and principles of the club transforming it into the premier leading club in Georgetown.
3. During his stewardship DCC has won several competitions and its players have represented Guyana in under-15, under 17, under-19 and under-21 tournaments both locally and internationally.
4. Other members were selected to play for the West Indies and contracted to the Indian Premier League and also participated in the “Sagicor High Performer Centre”.
It is instructive to note that Mentore presided over the DCC – centennial celebrations which culminated with a formal “black tie ball” and also saw the production and attending publication of a Centennial Magazine.
Coupled with this, Mentore was continuously involved in the upgrade of the club’s facility and environs and was pivotal in forging strategic alliances with the Guyana Softball Floodlight Cricket Association, resulting in the erection and installation of floodlights around the perimeter of the ground.
Of great significance is the highly acclaimed Youth Programme, together with annual summer camps which have initiated a seedbed function for junior and senior teams at the same time actively encouraging academic excellence in school.
Of note is his policy of formulating partnerships and networking with the Corporate Community to establish linkages with Corporate Brands.
In the realm of finances it cannot be denied that Mentore has contributed millions of his own resources to ensure the viability of the club.
Editor, it is fair to say that the Demerara Cricket Club, with Mentore’s initiative and intervention has grown exponentially and is now a household name among the cricketing fraternity.
Having regard of the foregoing, it is a sad commentary that the not so intellectual authors of the article published on Sunday, February 19, who has not contributed anything of significance to the growth and development of the Club (including some executives) who are only interested in photo opportunities and constant publicity so as to advance their own worth and not that of the Club. These naysayers must be called out for what they are and should be exposed for, if not, they will have sullied the reputation of a successful president and furthermore the high-esteem in which the Club is held.
Incidentally the DCC’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2017 of which due notice was given in the newspapers on February 19, 2017.
Yours faithfully,
Members, Demerara
Cricket Club
