On the eve of the second Test match between the West Indies and Australia, Head Coach Darren Sammy has spoken publicly for the first time about the sexual assault and rape allegations involving a member of the West Indies squad currently preparing in Grenada.

At a pre-match media conference on Tuesday in St. George’s, Sammy addressed growing media scrutiny and public interest surrounding the matter, which has cast a shadow over the team’s preparations for the upcoming Test.

“We’re all aware of what’s been going on in the media,” Sammy acknowledged. “I’m very close to my players. I’ve had conversations with them to make sure their mental space is good.”

The former West Indies captain emphasized the importance of justice, while underlining that due process must be respected.

“One thing I could say is that we believe in justice. We are a community that believes justice must be served; however, there is a process,” he said. “As you say, there are allegations. We will continue to support in whatever way we can to make sure due process and the right system is followed.”

While Sammy made clear his commitment to accountability, he stopped short of commenting on specifics regarding the case or the player’s legal standing.

“As a cricketing board and me as head coach, I want justice. My mum raised me well. As of now, it’s all allegations. We know the justice system. You have got to wait for things to process,” he said.

Local media in Guyana had reported that the player was arrested and released on bail, with an investigation in Berbice reportedly stalling due to a lack of evidence. When questioned on this development, Sammy said:

“I’m not aware of that part of it. I didn’t go to school in data. I’m not a judge; I’m not a prosecutor. Just like you, the information that has come out is what we have. I’m pretty sure at the end of the day, justice will be served.”

Asked whether Cricket West Indies (CWI) had launched an internal investigation into the matter, Sammy replied:

“I can’t answer that. I’m pretty sure they are doing what they can to make sure the right process is followed. We live in a world where today so many things come out. Allegations are just allegations until the process is complete.”

Pressed about the player’s claim of innocence, the coach respectfully declined to comment further:

“I can’t discuss that with you,” he stated.

The identity of the player involved has not been officially disclosed, and Cricket West Indies has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.

The second Test gets underway at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.