GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):
Guyanese legislators "drowned partisan actions under this new spirit of cooperation" and unanimously passed the critical Sunset Legislation paving the way for the nation to host matches during next year's Cricket World Cup, despite lingering concerns over exorbitant fines.
Former Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister, Bernard DeSantos, of the ruling People's Progressive Party Civic, whose minor amendment to the statute was also accepted without opposition, said the decision taken to host the event was momentous and "unlike anything we have undertaken in the past."
De Santos wanted Clause 55A to include an alternative of imprisonment not exceeding nine months as an alternative to the fines for offences committed.
Culture, Youth and Sports Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, who piloted the key measure in highlighting the importance of the game to region, noted: "Cricket is an integral part of the Guyanese ethos, and indeed the ethos of the Caribbean."
Anthony said the unique bill required lots of effort by drafters although "it is not eternal and will end at a prescribed date."
He praised opposition legislators whom he said collectively "drowned partisan actions under this new spirit of cooperation."
Anthony admitted, though, that while some of the bill's provisions threatened to erode the rights of Guyanese, these anomalies were recognised in the legislation and the aggrieved could seek redress in the courts.
Guyana is expected to host some 37,000 visitors for the Super Eight, second round, Group C matches scheduled to be played between March 27 and April 12.
Excessive fines
The main opposition People's National Congress Reform legislator, Clarissa Rhiel, said the measure should have catered more for the culture of cricket lovers here.
Rhiel is concerned about the exorbitant fines in the bill for offences such as the encroaching on the field by spectators, and violating traffic arrangements.
Sports Minister Anthony assured that the laws were not meant to be punitive "but to act as a deterrent," and such provisions had to be accepted as they were as a standard requirement in the cricketing world.
Meanwhile, Vice-President of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, will arrive in Guyana today on a two-day visit to participate in the dedication of the Providence Cricket Stadium funded by his government and sign several agreements with the Guyana government.
The US$25 million stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara, and south of the capital, was built to be used for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
While here, Shekhawat is expected to sign bilateral agreements on cultural exchange, the establishment of a resource centre at the University of Guyana, and a US$2.1 million accord to install traffic lights in the capital city.
