Adversity would faze many top cricket officials but not Lester Hooper.
The newly elected chairman of the New York Cricket Region has brushed aside concerns about a solitary incident in his professional career that was raised in a letter to newyorkcricket.com
Newly elected chairman of the New York Cricket Region Lester Hooper.
But Hooper claims he is not worried and is confident of passing any background check.
“I have nothing to hide, the incident did occur but it is not as serious as people are making it out to be”, he explained. Hooper pointed out it was one of official misconduct and does not fall in the categories of offences listed on the United States of America constitution listed in the letter, that would fail him in a background check.
Two years ago Hooper resigned from the New York state police after admitting he erroneously ticketed a driver following an incident while performing duties as a State Trooper.
He paid the individual $600 in restitution compensation and following his election last Sunday to the top post in New York cricket, the letter appeared, calling for an investigation of the elections because Hooper was “convicted of a crime” and is serving probation.
The story, run by the Associated Press news agency, and carried on two websites of local radio stations, stated that Hooper was serving three years probation.
But Hooper refuted the claim, stating that he only had to serve one year of probation which has expired.
“I have submitted my information for the background check and have nothing to worry about,” he added.
In a two person race, Hooper triumphed easily over Sam Soopersaud last Sunday, to become the youngest New York Regional chairman at 38 years old.
He is taking over the reins from Selwyn Caesar who did not seek re-election.
The other major position up for grabs at the Regional ballot was won by Kris Prasad who defeated Sham Samaroo in the contest for Regional Representative for New York on the United States of America Cricket Association (USACA) Board of directors. Prasad is serving his second term in the position created via the national governing body’s new constitution crafted a few years ago.
The Regional body also has a new secretary in Patrick Sutherland who assumes the position for the first time. The treasurer is Lakhwinder Kaur. Nigel Harper is also on board for the first time as one of four committee members-at-large, filling the position for Youth Development. Godfrey Mitchell is the marketing coordinator while Venelda Wallace retained the Women’s Development official post and Steve Kaloo is the umpires representative on the Regional body.
The elections were held at Singh’s Sports Goods store in Queens.
Paul Da Silva, a former secretary of USACA and current president of Nassau League, who had initially applied to challenge for the Regional representative position, withdrew at the last minute prior to being interviewed before the balloting.
Similarly, Peter Jolly reportedly walked out during his interview, thus nullifying his bid for Regional Chairman.
