December 17, 2002

Re: Sulieman Benn

Sulieman Benn has been included in the group of players selected for the final trial match before selection of the Barbados squad for the 2003 4-day regional tournament.   Mr. Benn was excluded from the original 56 players invited to take part in the just concluded Arawak Cement tournament after he became the subject of a number of disciplinary reports at both local and regional levels.

Recognising the negative impact that his apparent behavioural problems could have on his career and its own responsibility to provide assistance to any player requiring guidance in this area, the BCA engaged the services of a professional counselor.  After a series of sessions with Mr. Benn, the counselor has advised that Mr. Benn is now better equipped to cope with the pressures of the game in ways that will not bring himself, team, country or the game of cricket itself into disrepute.

After due consideration of the report provided by the Counselor, the BCA has decided to reinstate Mr. Benn and the Selection Committee has included the left-arm spinner in the twenty six players for the final trial game.

The Board would like to thank all those who provided help and encouragement to Mr. Benn during this difficult and testing time for him and would urge that they should continue to provide support wherever possible.