Organisers say politicization of sporting activity by WIN ‘disrespectful, disappointing’

The organisers of the ‘Queens of the Pitch’ cricket tournament have condemned the politicization of its sporting activity by We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – a political party led by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed – on Sunday.

The activity, which was held in the village of Wikki Calcuni in the Berbice River, was marred by controversy after Mohamed and a group of about a dozen supporters including Mark Defrance of a New and United Guyana (ANUG) turned up uninvited to campaign at the event.

The organisers described it as both disappointing and disrespectful.

“While public figures are welcome to enjoy events as patrons, the attempt to politicize what was intended to be a peaceful, sport-centered gathering was disappointing and disrespectful,” the managing committee said in a statement last evening.

It added that reports indicate that WIN’s entrance “was neither coordinated with organizers nor respectful of village protocols, including a disregard for the authority of the Toshao”.

The Village Toshao Kevin Seegolam told the News Room on Sunday evening that the campaign team led by Mohamed and Defrance turned up uninvited to the village to campaign at the event and refused to leave when he asked them to.

“They were not invited. I asked them to leave – they refused,” the Toshao said.

Under Guyana’s laws, the Amerindian Act of 2006, anyone – especially political figures – must first seek permission from the Village Council to enter Indigenous communities for political work.

“He [Mohamed] never sought permission, never got permission, and still refused to leave when told,” Seegolam explained.

He said that if Mohamed had done things properly, it could have been different: “Any political person who wants to come must do it the right way – write to the Council, get approval. Don’t bully your way in.”

The organisers of the tournament also sought to distance themselves from WIN, and the controversy the party brought to the event.

“We wish to make it explicitly clear that the Queens of the Pitch Competition is in no way affiliated with the WIN party, and we firmly distance ourselves from the disruption and disorder that occurred during the event,” the managing committee said in a statement last evening,” they said.

Most of Mohamed’s supporters who accompanied him, Seegolam claimed, were outsiders. “It wasn’t our people – they brought in people from outside,” he said.

In a repeated appeal, Seegolam urged all politicians to respect Indigenous communities: “If you want to campaign here, respect us. Seek permission and follow the law. Don’t just show up and expect to do as you please.”