Calls on all stakeholders to assist in rebuilding WI cricket
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FORMER Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture under the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Government, Richard ‘Ricky’ Skerritt had defeated Wycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron for the Presidency of Cricket West Indies (CWI).
Cameron was defeated eight votes to four at the CWI Annual General Meeting held in Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday (Mar. 24).
And Skerritt’s running mate, Dr. Kishore Shallow was also successful in his quest. He was elected Vice President of CWI, defeating Emmanuel Nanthan by the same margin.
In his victory speech, Skerritt thanked the regional cricket family for the faith, trust and belief they placed in him by the choice they made.
He expressed his commitment to the leadership of CWI and to serve all those in the sport discipline with respect and transparency.
“The President of Cricket West Indies not only has to lead a organisation in an ever-changing global sports industry that calls for innovative, fresh thought processes, but I also have to be a steward for the game. I have committed myself to serve you and this game in a transparent, open and respectful manner. Cricket West Indies is owned by all of the people of the Caribbean and, as such, I am here to serve and uphold your interest.”
And in his victory speech, Dr. Shallow, an Information Technology professional, placed emphasis on their campaign message of putting “Cricket First”.
“From tomorrow Mr. Skerritt and I will continue to build on our ‘Cricket First’ campaign promise. Our plan is to focus on not just the professional development of our senior players, but to use the game of cricket and the tremendous platform of Cricket West Indies in improving the development of young cricketers across the region in our grassroots programmes.”
However, in order to fulfil the Team Skerritt/Shallowir promises, the newly-elected President made a passionate plea to all stakeholders of the game to recommit to the cause of CWI as the rebuilding programme needs all the support it could get.
“West Indies cricket needs a variety of stakeholders. We need past cricketers, sponsors, governments who are involved in youth development to work with us to bring better grassroots programmes. That is where our emphasis is going to be.”
During their campaign, Skerritt and Shallow had received tremendous support in the media from the stakeholders, who were seemingly energised by the impending change in leadership from the oftentimes controversial former President, Dave Cameron.
Among those who supported Team Skerritt/Shallow’s plans and approach to leadership of CWI were Cricket Legends Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Andy Roberts and Clive Lloyd, as well as other former West Indies players, Prime Ministers and and a large number of fans.
“To the people of the region,” Skerritt said, “your support and pressure brought to bear to your territorial board heads, calling for change, was successful. I am accountable to you; and my team will provide the direction, listen to your ideas and chart a path forward for all of us to join on. Rebuilding West Indies cricket is a joint effort.”
