BCA clears air amidst rumours of planned industrial action and mistreatment of President Dame Sandra

Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Dr Roland Toppin has denied reports of planned industrial action by employees leading up to or during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

Additionally, Dr Toppin has also dismissed rumours that the BCA was planning to mistreat President Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, her son and her guests during the international event that will be co-hosted by the Caribbean and the USA from June 1 to 29.

Kensington Oval will host nine matches, including the final.

His comments have come following messages being circulated on Whatsapp over the weekend, where it suggested that industrial action was being planned by employees at the BCA in response to questionable decisions made by one of its managers in relation to the World Cup.

The widely circulated messages claimed that workers at the BCA were being unfairly treated and dislocated.

They also claimed that the Special Branch or the Aide Camp would not be allowed to accompany the President into the President’s Suite, and neither would her son nor any guests be allowed entry.

However, in a statement which was issued today by Dr Toppin, he staunchly denied the accusations.

“It has been brought to our attention that a text message is being widely circulated via the WhatsApp medium in which it is alleged, inter alia, that there is impending industrial action being contemplated by the members of staff of the BCA, and it is the BCA’s intention to treat the President of the Republic of Barbados, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, her son and guests in a disrespectful manner during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in June of this year.

“The BCA wishes to make it absolutely clear that there has been no contemplation of industrial action by the BCA’s staff in the recent past nor is there any threat of the same leading up to, or during, the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches which are scheduled to be played in Barbados next month,” Dr Toppin assured.

“The BCA further disassociates itself from the blatantly erroneous information presented in the WhatsApp message inclusive of the matters in relation to Her Excellency, Dame Sandra Mason, President of the Republic of Barbados. The BCA gives assurance to the public that the usual respect and courtesy will be extended to Her Excellency and her guests at all times during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches scheduled to be held in Barbados next month.”

Dr Toppin also hinted of taking legal action against those found responsible for circulating the messages.

“With respect to the other allegations which have been published in the WhatsApp message, the BCA will undertake investigation to ascertain the facts and will act accordingly,” he added.

randybennett@barbadostoday.bb