Bassarath loses the VP position; CWI will elect a new VP in September
ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – Cricket West Indies (CWI) will hold elections for the office of the Vice President on September 20, 2024. On Thursday, August 8, 2024, at a Board of Directors meeting, in consideration of the recent judicial pronouncement from the High Court of Guyana concerning the challenge to the Vice President’s election initiated by the Guyana Cricket Board, the decision was made to have the re-elections as soon as possible. This decision means that Mr. Azim Bassarath has vacated the office of Vice President for CWI.
Commenting on the Board’s position, CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow said, “This situation presents an invaluable opportunity to strengthen the CWI Memorandum and Articles of Association. Over time, policies and frameworks will always be tested. As a Board, we must remain open-minded and committed to evolving in all aspects; this circumstance is a testament to such fact,” said Dr Shallow.
The CWI President continued, “I am particularly grateful for the level of cooperation and professionalism in which Mr. Bassarath has handled this matter, and therefore extend my gratitude to him for such.”
Pursuant to the CWI Articles of Association, a Special Meeting of Members will be convened on September 20, 2024, for the sole purpose of electing a new Vice President.
On 5th August, 2024, High Court Judge of the Supreme Court of Guyana, the Honourable Mr. Justice Navindra Singh ordered and declared that
the election of Azim Bassarath as Vice President of Cricket West Indies Inc. (CWI) at the election held on 25th March, 2023 was null, void and of
no legal effect being contrary to the Articles of Association of Cricket West Indies and the laws and rules governing elections.
The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in January, 2023 nominated Azim Bassarath for the position of Vice President of CWI in accordance with
the Artiles of Association of CWI Inc. GCB later withdrew the said nomination prior to the election. The said withdrawal was done in
writing and was premised on certain reports/information received by the GCB in relation to Mr. Bassarath’s conduct as President of the
Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board.
Messrs. Bassarath and Nichols and CWI were named as Respondents in the High Court Action and notwithstanding that they were served with
the proceedings in May, 2024 and June, 2024, they did not file any Defences or applications prior to the first Court hearing on 5th July,
2024. The High Court, on an oral application made by Mr. Sanjeev Datadin, Counsel for CWI, Bassarath and Nicholls, granted further time
to file any applications which they may wish to do but again they failed to do so within the timeline fixed by the Court. The hearing of the
matter was adjourned to 5th August, 2024.
Further, that neither Mr. Bassarath nor Mr. Nicolls filed any defence or applications of their own. The Learned Judge also noted that neither CWI, nor Mr. Bassarath nor Mr. Nicholls were present at the hearing on 5th August, 2024 despite the fact that they could have joined the hearing virtually.
A few hours after the High Court ruling, CWI issues a press release which stated: “In a case filed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in the High Court of Guyana challenging the election of Mr Azim Bassarath as Vice President of the Cricket West Indies, the Court ruled this morning in favour of the GCB.
The case was brought against Cricket West Indies Inc., Mr Bassarath, and Mr Gregory Nicholls, the Returning Officer, all of whom were named as Respondents in the Action. Through Counsel, the Respondents contended that the Court was without jurisdiction to hear the matter and that disputes of this nature should be resolved through arbitration. On the contrary, the Court decided it had jurisdiction and granted the orders sought by the GCB.
The respondents respectfully differ with the Court’s ruling. Consequently, CWI has instructed its legal team to immediately file an appeal and will await the decision of the appellate Court.”
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