GCB demands resignation of Bassarath as CWI Vice-President
- CWI confident “election process was fair and transparent”
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is calling for the resignation of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Vice-President Azim Bassarath from the post, questioning the “legal basis” of the March 25, 2023 elections at which the Trinidadian cricket administrator was elected.
On October 4, 2023, the GCB dispatched a letter to CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow outlining that at the said meeting in March, it made clear its position that it had withdrawn the nomination of Bassarath for the post.
That the process was allowed to continue, the GCB opined, constitutes a flawed and illegal election of Bassarath.
Should Bassarath fail to resign within 14 days of the October 4 letter, the GCB said it “will resort to legal recourse.”
The GCB letter was signed by Secretary Ronald Williams and cc’d to the CWI President, Vice-President, Member Directors and Non-Member Directors.
Meanwhile, CWI, in acknowledging receipt of the GCB letter, expressed confidence “that the election process was fair and transparent, and was conducted with due regard for the rights, views and opinions of all shareholders of CWI Inc.”
See below the GCB letter sent to CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow on October 4, 2023 titled: ‘Cricket West Indies Annual General Meeting and Elections of March 25, 2023’
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) had, at the subject meeting, submitted a letter and made clear its position that it had withdrawn its nomination of Mr. Azim Bassarath for the post of Vice-President of Cricket West Indies (CWI).
That the process was allowed to continue constitutes, in our opinion, a flawed and illegal election of Mr. Bassarath.
The GCB had on previous occasions requested of CWI information pertaining to the legal basis by which that particular election was held. Also, we had expected to have been provided with copies of the legal opinions on this matter that the CWI contends it had received.
During the virtual meeting held on the morning of September 21, 2023 at the request of CWI, the GCB once again unequivocally and unwaveringly stated its position that Mr. Bassarath was illegally occupying the position of Vice-President of CWI and must demit office in order to facilitate a new and legal process.
Unfortunately, nothing of consequence came out of the meeting as there was no consensus reached on this contentious matter.
As a result, the GCB summoned an urgent meeting of its Executive Members at 05:30pn of the very day (September 21, 2023) to discuss and decide on the GCB’s next course of action.
The Executive Members, having carefully considered this matter, have unanimously decided to demand the resignation of Mr. Azim Bassarath from the position of CWI Vice-President.
Should there be non-compliance within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter, the GCB, as a responsible and progressive shareholder of CWI, will resort to legal recourse as advised by our Attorneys and issue a press release accordingly.
See below statement by Cricket West Indies, posted on its website, in response to the GCB letter of October 4, 2023
Cricket West Indies (CWI) acknowledges the receipt of a letter from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) dated October 04, 2023, expressing concerns about the validity of the election for the post of Vice-President held during the Annual General Meeting on March 25, 2023.
The Board is confident that the election process was fair and transparent, and was conducted with due regard for the rights, views and opinions of all shareholders of CWI Inc. Such was the case, that at the conclusion of the election process the elected Vice-President received congratulations and commitment of full support from ALL shareholder members.
The Board of Cricket West Indies has thoroughly examined the matters raised by the Guyana Cricket Board and wishes to assure all stakeholders that the election for the post of Vice President was conducted in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the organisation.
CWI recognises the importance of transparency and fairness in all its operations, including elections, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity.
Notwithstanding, the Board continues to engage with the GCB, seeking an amicable resolution to the matter. CWI values its relationship with all member boards and emphasises the need for unity among the shareholders and by extension the cricketing community.
The Board implores the members of the GCB to put the interests of cricket above all else. CWI remains focused on its mission to promote and develop the sport in the region, and it is in the best interest of all parties to resolve this matter amicably and expediently.
