Copyright trinidadexpress
Long-serving cricket administrator Azim Bassarath is set to begin what will be his final consecutive term as president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) when the organisation stages its elections today at the National Cricket Centre (NCC), Balmain, Couva. Bassarath, who was first installed as TTCB president in 2009, was returned unopposed ahead of this year’s poll and will now continue at the helm for a sixth straight term. However, under the amended regulations, this will be his last consecutive stint in charge before he must step aside for at least one four-year term. The new provisions, which came into effect for the 2021 TTCB elections, extends the term for executive members from three to four years and limit the president to no more than two consecutive terms. While Bassarath’s return was uncontested, today’s election will see battles for some of the other executive posts—most notably the treasurer’s position, which will be one of the key contests of the day. Incumbent Stephen Ramkissoon, who was appointed following the removal of Kiswah Chaitoo, is being challenged by Richard Ramkissoon (no relation). Both candidates have a background in finance with Stephen affiliated with TTCB Club of the Year Woodland Sports and Richard being the owner of Central Sports Cricket Club. Ramkissoon (S) said he is grateful for the confidence shown in him so far and believes his experience and accounting knowledge will stand him in good stead if he is returned to the post. “First of all, I want to give a big thank you to the TTCB for having confidence in me to take up this role,” he said. “I am confident that I will be returned to the position. I have been in this position for a while and I have some knowledge in the field of accounting. It is always a challenge and I am up for it, and I am going to ensure things are done in accordance with best accounting practices.” And general secretary Altaf Baksh will move up to the role of first vice-president, after being nominated unopposed to succeed Arjoon Ramlal, who opted not to seek re-election after years of service as Bassarath’s deputy. Attorney-at-law Henry Chase will take over as general secretary, also unopposed. Among the other contested positions, incumbent Kerwin John faces a challenge from Rajendra Mangalie, chairman of the Red Force selectors, for second vice-president, while Avinash Suruj and Parasram Singh will vie for third vice-president. Six candidates have been nominated for executive member positions: Ann Browne-John, Mitra Ragoonanan, Frank Simmons, Ravi Teeluck, Dr Anand Rampersad, and Sharaz Mohammed. The elections will be overseen by the TTCB Elections Committee, chaired by Ronald Simon and comprising Ammar Samaroo, Hayden Mitchell, and Renuka Ramoutar. Voting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Annual General Meeting at 3 p.m., where the elections results will be announced and ratified. Members of the media have been invited to observe both the voting and counting processes. The TTCB electorate for the 2025 vote consists of 45 voting representatives, including delegates from zones, affiliates, Premier League clubs, and special general members. Giving an update on the elections, TTCB Elections Committee secretary Ammar Samaroo said: “Everything is on stream perfectly. The election build-up has been smooth and the process very transparent without any kind of major hiccups so we are expecting a smooth voting process tomorrow (today).”
