| 26th September, 2011 Mr Rommel Hughes, MSC President Anguilla Cricket Association P.O. Box 1082 The Valley AnguillaDear Mr HughesRe: Financial Assistance for the Anguilla Cricket Association Please refer to the above caption. I am deeply saddened to inform you that the Executive Council (EXCO) has rejected the request of the Anguilla Cricket Association (ACA) for the sum of EC$26,614.OO to effect its participation in the Leeward Island Cricket Tournament. The latter will be primarily held in St. Kitts from 27th September to 10th October, 2011. |
| I want to make it perfectly clear that on every occasion, I have done everything within my power to further the interest of the ACA and, by extension, the young people of Anguilla. There can be no doubt that EXCO’s refusal to assist the ACA will have a deleterious impact on the growth and sustainability of cricket in Anguilla in particular, and in the region in general.Sports tourism is undoubtedly critical to the economic development of the region, Anguilla being no exception. It is a path that Anguilla must follow because it can result in the island earning millions of dollars due to the participation and exposure to such events. In April 2003, in Barbados, Omari Banks became the first Anguillan to play for the West Indies cricket team. Not only did he perform well, but his presence made Anguilla known to millions of people, and potential investors, worldwide. The marketing of Anguilla on the international stage could not have been financed by such a small island.No one must underestimate the important role of cricket, especially in West Indian society. It is now offered as a discipline at the undergraduate level at the University of the West Indies. Chesney Hughes and Jahmar Hamilton, two Anguillan cricketers, are now incessantly knocking on the West Indies cricket door. The matches in St. Kitts will enable these talented players, along with the other highly skilled members of the team, to display their prowess through participation in such events. It will also avail them of recruitment opportunities, especially in England. Given the serious nature of EXCO’s decision not to assist Anguilla’s cricketers, and to avoid any doubt in the mind of the general public, I am writing to His Excellency, the Governor, Mr. Allistair Harrison, requesting that he carefully, legitimately and legally remove the confidential and protective clothing of EXCO’s decision, dated 22nd September, 2011. The reasoning behind this request is that the people of Anguilla must have the right to know the position taken by each member of the Executive Council and the reasoning behind such a position. The colossal damage that would be caused to the development and sustainability of cricket in Anguilla justifies such openness, transparency and accountability. I continue to pray that patriotic Anguillians and responsible entities will seek to fill the breach that has been caused by such a cruel, heartless and harmful decision. Yours sincerely, Hon. Edison Baird, MA |
