CWI says election of vice-president Bassarath was fair and transparent

-GCB says otherwise, gives Bassarath 14 days to resign or face legal action

Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday said that it stood by the validity of the election process where Trinidad’s Azim Bassarath was elected vice president of Cricket West Indies (CWI).

Bassarath was elected vice president at the Annual General Meeting on March 25, 2023 when Dr. Kishore Shallow was elected president.

However, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in a letter to CWI earlier this month, questioned the legality of Bassarath’s election since, according to the GCB, it had withdrawn its nomination of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president prior to the elections and since two nominations were required, Bassarath’s election was illegal.

“The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) had, at the subject meeting, submitted a letter and made clear its position that it had withdrawn its nomination of Mr.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),” the GCB stated in its letter to CWI.

“That the process was allowed to continue constitutes in or opinion, a flawed and illegal election of Mr. Bassarath,” the GCB added.

However, CWI, in a press release yesterday which acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), said that it was standing by the election of Bassarath.

“CWI 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 release stated.

However, the GCB said that it had requested from CWI, information pertaining to the legal basis by which the election of Bassarath 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.”

The GCB stated that at a virtual meeting held September 21, 2023, the GCB again restated its position that Bassarath was illegally occupying the post of CWI vice president 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,” the GCB’s letter stated.

According to the GCB at a meeting of its executive, it was decided that the body would demand the resignation of Bassarath.

“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 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, “the GCB letter stated.

Meanwhile, CWI said that the election was conducted in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of CWI.

“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 recognizes 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 emphasizes 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,” the CWI release stated.