GCB responds to Sarwan’s allegations

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has responded to Ramnaresh Sarwan’s allegations against the Guyana Cricket Board, its chairman of selectors and selection committee.

Below is the full text of the response: It has come to our attention through various media outlets, that Mr Sarwan has made some very serious allegations against the Guyana Cricket Board, its chairman of selectors and selection committee.

The GCB would like to state clearly [that] it believes in the integrity of the selection process and its chairman, Rayon Griffith.

The GCB received communication from Mr Sarwan on November 12 indicating he was confident he would be injury-free by December 2. This was passed on to the chairman of selectors.

The Carib/Pepsi T/20 Big Smash competition was designed to provide opportunity and preparation for cricketers. At no time was Mr Sarwan ineligible to play.

Mr Sarwan’s suggestion that he is working on “match fitness” in Canada during winter is baffling.

On December 4, 2011, during the final of the competition, Mr Sarwan telephoned Mr Griffith and engaged in behaviour now attracting the attention of the Guyana Police Force.

At 16:15h, on December 5, 2011, one day after the squad was selected, Mr Sarwan forwarded an email containing what he purports to be a medical report.

(see attachment) This “document” originated from Mr. Forrest Nelson, a personal trainer who has a degree as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA).

The presentation of this document as a medical report by an assistant physical therapist is viewed as unethical and possibly illegal.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Degree programme prepares individuals to work in the healthcare field under the direct supervision of a physical therapist in a variety of settings.

The behaviour of Mr. Sarwan subsequent to his non-selection to the Guyana Amazon Conquerors team and his continued attempts to influence the selection process and abuse to Executive Members have caused grave concern at the Guyana Cricket Board, and we are in the process of instituting disciplinary measures.

At the time of this release the Guyana Cricket Board has met the WICB deadline for submission of [its] squad list for participation in the T20 2012 tournament.

Mr Sarwan’s medical report from Mr Forrest Nelson

My name is Forrest Nelson. I am a therapist at Memorial West Hospital located in Pembroke Pines, Florida. I have had the privilege to treat Ronnie Sarwan for a back pathology for approximately six weeks. Initially Ronnie presented with radicular pain into his right buttocks region. Ronnie received Physical Therapy that consisted of manual techniques, independent soft tissue mobilisation, manual and self-active mobility, dynamic and static stretching, strengthening exercises and beginning plyometrics.

Ronnie currently presents without radicular symptoms. He has shown the ability to accept high level strengthening exercises, functional mobility exercises, and sport specific activities without evidence of back or radicular symptoms. Ronnie has demonstrated an ability to tolerate stress that would appear comparable to his sport.

Best Regards, Forrest Nelson B. S, P. T. A, A. C. E P. T