DEAR PRIME MINISTER GONSALVES and other like-minded persons, the word “victimisation” is not to be confused with “punishment” or “disciplinary action”.
You know it as well as I and many, if not most, other well-thinking West Indians do.
In your case, however, you have tried to, successfully so far, convince Caribbean media and their readers and listeners that these words are the same and mean the same. For reasons that remain curious, they are not the same and do not mean the same thing.
Let us grant, without reluctance, that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is structurally inept and has been for many years.
Let us accept, without reluctance, that the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) showed its incompetence in the recent matters and is weighed down under a pocket of greed negotiated previously under different leadership.
Let us accept, without reluctance, all these and other major failings over many years.
Fine. Granted. Agreed. Has, should have been, and needs to be dealt with, with overdue urgency.
You also know, as well as I do, that the Patterson report could not have been so authored if the most honourable CARICOM gentleman had not already departed office from a position akin to the one you currently hold. Think on that.
You also know why its fundamental point has not been implemented. You, more than almost anyone.
The “India 14” should be punished as a part of disciplinary procedures for actions.
Thankfully, this has started for “cricketing reasons” by those few, but very wise and clever leader(s), who know by experience that what occurs off the pitch is as important as that which applies at the crease. The two cannot be separated.
Victimisation has no part in the debate.
– PATRICK TERRELONGE