While the primary focus of the discussions centred on the forthcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup, parallel considerations of future plans were also tabled. This encompasses collaborative efforts to enhance cricket in both the West Indies and the USA. In addition, the prospect of sustaining a partnership with Worldwide Sports Enterprise (WSE) garnered a favorable reception from officials. President Shallow expressed, “I am heartened by the enthusiasm displayed by key stakeholders in the USA. Broward County and the City of Lauderhill are fully committed, and collective endeavours are underway to ensure the resounding success of this monumental event.”
He also acknowledged the pivotal role played by WSE in realizing this opportunity, commending their critical partnership in fostering cricket's growth in Broward Count Broward County Commissioner Hazelle Roger eagerly anticipates hosting the World Cup, stating, “I am excited at the opportunity to showcase Broward excellence and hospitality to the world, as we work towards being World Cup ready!
We are eagerly awaiting the announcements of the scheduled games to be played at Broward Central Regional Park.” Mayor Ken Thurston of the City of Lauderhill echoed similar sentiments, expressing, “The City Of Lauderhill has been envisioning this day for well over two decades. We are honored the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is coming to the United States and especially to Central Broward Park and Stadium in Lauderhill. We look forward to all the matches and festivities surrounding this spectacular tournament. In addition, we look forward to creating unforgettable memories with the guests, players, families, and friends that will make the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup one of the most memorable of all time.”
In addition to President Shallow, Commissioner Rogers, and Mayor Thurston, participants at the meetings included Jeff Miller from WSE, senior management of Visit Lauderdale, and senior officials from Broward County Parks and Recreation. In August 2023, a multitude of spectators experienced the climax of a thrilling T20I series at Broward County Stadium, where West Indies emerged triumphant over India. The matches were co-hosted by CWI and WSE. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 match schedule is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, following the ICC board meetings in India in November 2023.
This was in reaction to the West Indies Academy coming out victorious in the inaugural Headley Weekes Series that same month, a tri series played directly after the conclusion of the West Indies Championship.
Cost and sustainability were the only concerns mentioned by Shallow about the initiative while he also said that the matter had to be discussed further by the CWI’s cricket development and performance and finance management and strategy committees.
On Thursday, Shallow was contacted by SportsMax.tv regarding developments the opening of the new academies.
The Vincentian said that, due to recent developments in West Indies cricket, they have had to focus their attention on other, more urgent matters.
Those matters, according to Shallow, are the recruitment of a new Director of Cricket as well as a new permanent head coach for the West Indies Women’s Team.
“What we are currently doing now is focusing on the recruitment of personnel. One of those positions being the director of cricket and the other being a new head coach of the women’s team,” Dr. Shallow said.
“Over the next few weeks, once we have finalized these two things, then we’re going to address the academy and all other components under the cricket,” he added.
On May 31, CWI announced that Jimmy Adams would not return as Director of Cricket while Courtney Walsh was sacked as West Indies Women’s head coach in April. Robert Samuels, who was an assistant coach during Walsh’s tenure, is currently serving as interim head coach of the team.
"While we have made considerable progress within CWI, setting the stage for a brighter future for West Indies Cricket, it's essential to recognize that there is no quick fix addressing the complex challenges facing our sport," remarked Dr. Shallow. "It requires sustained effort and participation from all stakeholders involved."
Dr. Shallow emphasizes the need for shared responsibility in driving positive change within the cricketing community. "While CWI shoulders a significant portion of the responsibility, we understand that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in isolation," he stated.
"It is crucial for all stakeholders, including CARICOM Governments, territorial boards, and other relevant entities, to actively engage and contribute to the advancement of West Indies Cricket."
The upcoming conference provides a platform for collaborative efforts aimed at addressing critical areas such as infrastructure development, investment in grassroots, youth, and women's cricket, and other aspects of sports development. Dr. Shallow expresses optimism about the potential outcomes of the conference, stating, "Together, we can forge sustainable solutions that will propel West Indies Cricket to new heights of success and prominence on the global stage.
"We remain committed to building upon the progress we've made and charting a course towards a vibrant and prosperous future for West Indies Cricket," affirmed Dr. Shallow. "Through collective action and shared responsibility, we are confident in our ability to overcome challenges and realize our vision for the sport."
The CWI delegation at the conference will be led by President Dr. Kishore Shallow along with Vice President Azim Bassarath, CWI Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Director of Cricket, Business Planning Manager, and Head Coaches Andre Coley and Daren Sammy. Additionally, other key members of the CWI organization will also be present to contribute to the discussions and deliberations.
The conference will be live-streamed on Cricket West Indies' official YouTube channel.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) is pleased to confirm that Dr. Kishore Shallow has been nominated unopposed as President of CWI to serve a second consecutive term. Vice President Azim Bassarath was also nominated unopposed.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dr. Kishore Shallow paid heartfelt tribute to Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, celebrating his unwavering support for West Indies cricket and his enduring legacy as he prepares to leave office.
Shallow, once again welcoming cricket’s return to the Olympic Games, pointed out that his administration is already in dialogue with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) hierarchy to stage the domestic competition in 2025.
Cricket, which last featured at an Olympic Games in 1900, was always set for a long-awaited return to the global multi-sport showpiece, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year confirmed it and four other sports—baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash—for the LA Games.
“To add cricket to the agenda in the next Olympics is certainly going to be something tremendous, as we did in the Commonwealth Games a couple years ago when we had one of our teams representing the females. We at the time chose our original women’s tournament, and the winner at the time was Barbados, so they represented the region,” Shallow said.
“We anticipate something similar will be done unless they tell us all the teams can come and participate, which would be ideal, but it is unlikely for that to happen,” he added.
Shallow also explained that the CPL champions cannot represent the region at the Olympic Games given that the tournament is franchise-based and involves players from other parts of the world.
As such, he revealed that he has engaged CARICOM leaders regarding plans for a domestic T20 competition from which the winner or top finishers would secure the coveted Olympic Games spot(s).
“We have been in discussion with CPL for them to fund a domestic T20 tournament starting next year. I think Miles Bascombe and his team have already scheduled a window for that next year in 2025. Once we are able to have that tournament, then we can use that to determine which team or teams will participate in the Olympics on behalf of CWI,” Shallow shared.
“We can’t use the CPL as it is now because it’s franchises. But in the domestic tournament that we’re having, which will still have a commercial model to it but not to the extent of CPL, but that will more than likely be territories instead of franchises, so we will be able to identify teams,” he noted.
The initiative which CWI says forms part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The regional body provided 2,685 tickets to students, 412 to teachers, and 198 tickets to players from the Under-15, Under-17 and Uner-19 teams, ensuring these young athletes have the chance to experience top-tier cricket action.
The Schools Ticketing Programme, a central element of this initiative, is designed to immerse young minds in the thrill of cricket, offering them the opportunity to witness international matches and develop a lasting passion for the sport.
CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, underscored the importance of cultivating a strong cricket culture across the region, and this he said reflects his administration’s ongoing commitment to youth engagement and sports development.
"We are keen to help revitalize cricket in Jamaica. Introducing the children to cricket is vital for the future of the sport in Jamaica and the entire region. By bringing students to these matches, we are not only providing them with an enjoyable experience but also nurturing an appreciation and love for cricket that can grow with them,” Shallow said.
"This Schools Ticketing Programme initiative is about more than just watching a game; it's about creating a connection with the sport that can inspire future generations,” he added.
Recently-elected Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President Dr. Donovan Bennett, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and its potential impact.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with CWI for this Schools Ticketing Programme. This initiative promotes cricket and instils values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance in our young people," he said.
"By exposing students to live cricket matches, they are getting a deeper understanding and appreciation for the game. This experience is invaluable for their personal and athletic development,” Dr. Bennett noted.
West Indies won Thursday’s first game by 28 runs. The remaining two matches of the series are scheduled for Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26 at the same venue. Start time is 2:00pm.
While arguing that news of a pending proposal to introduce a two-tier Test cricket system could merely be a rumour, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow pointed out that any decision made at the International Cricket Council (ICC) level must align with the best interests of West Indies cricket and the sport globally.
Dr. Shallow succeeds Ricky Skerritt, who decided not to seek a third term. Skerritt became president in 2019 after defeating three-term president Dave Cameron in Kingston.
The new president, who also leads the Windward Islands Cricket Board, has promised significant changes to the way the CWI operates going forward. Those changes will manifest atop four key pillars that include cricket development; human capital, commercial and marketing as well as governance.
In a recent interview, Dr Shallow said he intends to invest in the development of young cricketers from the grassroots to the senior level while establishing a culture of pride and passion for West Indies cricket.
The new president also plans to incorporate modern-day best practices that align with Caribbean culture as well as implementing a viable and lucrative commercial model to enhance revenue streams for Cricket West Indies.
According to reports, Cameron will be seeking nominations for the post but is yet to make a request that the CWI support his bid.
It is not certain if the CWI would support a bid from Cameron either after the former boss and the man who ousted him, Ricky Skerritt, had very public differences, not just during their election campaigns, but recently.
Skerritt investigated Cameron’s tenure as president by way of an audit where there were a number of questions regarding accounting practices of the organization.
CWI vice president, Dr Kishore Shallow has not commented on whether or not the CWI would back such a bid, saying he wanted to wait to discuss it with the board upon the occasion of receiving a formal notice on the matter.
ICC Chairman, Shashank Manohar, will leave the post when his term ends this year with the ICC slated to discuss the election of a new boss in the very near future.
At the moment, frontrunner to fill the spot being left vacant by Manohar is England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief, Colin Graves.
Graves was expected to be elected unopposed when he steps down from his five-year sojourn at the helm of the ECB in August.
Cameron was president of the CWI from 2013-2019.
The simmering tension between Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow escalated this week, as Gonsalves criticized the omission of SVG from hosting any matches during Australia’s tour of the Caribbean later this year.
JPresident of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Dr. Donovan Bennett, has thrown his full support behind Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow and Vice President Azim Bassarath, as both men prepare to serve a second consecutive term at the helm of regional cricket administration.
Grave’s departure comes at a time when CWI is celebrating several significant achievements under his leadership, including the recent success of the T20 World Cup hosted in the Caribbean. Reflecting on his tenure, Grave expressed both pride and a sense of fulfillment:
“It has been an absolute privilege to have been CEO of CWI since February 2017. Having just hosted a successful T20 World Cup and delivered significant surpluses for CWI for the third consecutive year, I do feel it is the right time for me and my family to seek a new challenge.”
These words capture the essence of Grave’s impact—a leader who has overseen a period of financial stability and growth for CWI, even as global sports organizations faced unprecedented difficulties. Grave’s tenure, however, was not just about balance sheets; it was about steering the ship through rough waters, including the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have received tremendous support from so many people since becoming CEO, and I’d like to thank everyone, especially the staff and the players, particularly during the difficult pandemic, for their trust in me and their commitment to West Indies cricket.”
These sentiments highlight Grave’s appreciation for the team that worked alongside him through one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history. The pandemic disrupted global sports, and yet under Grave’s guidance, CWI managed to keep the game alive in the region, hosting key tournaments and ensuring the continuation of cricket in the Caribbean.
One of the most noteworthy achievements during Grave’s tenure was the acquisition and full ownership of the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG). This historic move provided CWI with a permanent home and established the CCG as the headquarters and training ground for the Men’s and Women’s Academies—a legacy that will benefit West Indies cricket for generations to come.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow commended Grave’s leadership, particularly during the pandemic, and the successful hosting of three World Cups:
“Johnny’s efforts, particularly through challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as successfully hosting three World Cups including the Women’s World T20 in 2018, the Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup in 2022, and the recent Men’s T20 World Cup, have made a lasting impact on CWI.”
Dr. Shallow’s remarks underscore the significance of Grave’s contributions, not just in terms of event management but in ensuring that West Indies cricket remains competitive on the global stage. The hosting of these tournaments was a testament to CWI’s organizational capability and its standing within the international cricket community.
Looking ahead, Dr. Shallow emphasized the importance of building on the strong foundations laid by Grave:
“As we look forward to embracing a new chapter in the organization’s evolution, CWI is poised to deliver the new strategic plan and enter a new era of governance. This transition reflects our commitment to adapting and innovating in response to the evolving landscape of cricket.”
CWI will soon initiate a comprehensive recruitment process to select the next CEO, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity in leadership. The process will be conducted transparently, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.
In a letter dated October 5 and signed by Dr Shallow, it was alleged that Riley, a seasoned cricket administrator, exhibited recent deeply unsatisfactory conduct in his roles as a director of CWI and chairman of a CWI Committee.
While CWI did not take any action against Riley, it cautioned him of the possibility of future repercussions if his behavior was not addressed.
However, in the absence of a CWI Ethics Committee, Astaphan, a prominent legal figure in the Caribbean, believes that it is challenging to definitively determine the situation between Riley and Dr Shallow.
He contends that it raises more questions than answers regarding Dr Shallow’s legal authority to reprimand Riley without due process.
“I think some questions need to be asked and some questions need to be answered. For example, was there a board of director’s decision in relation to the letter that the chairman or the president sent to Mr. Riley authorizing it?” Astaphan asked while appearing on the popular Mason and Guest radio programme on Tuesday night.
Astaphan cited several similar instances, including the removal of attorney-at-Law, Calvin Hope, as BCA’s director on the CWI Board last year during Ricky Skerritt’s tenure as the head of the regional cricket body.
“The director, who at the time faced the prospect of an ethics complaint made by the then president (Skerritt), is that the rules seem to require a complaint to be made to the Ethics Committee first and for the director against whom the complaint is made to be given the opportunity to be heard before an independent and impartial board, which is the Ethics Committee,” Astaphan pointed out.
Astaphan, who served as CWI’s advisor on recommendations for the CARICOM final report on cricket governance in 2015, suggested that the absence of an Ethics Committee raises serious procedural questions about whether there was due process, or if the letter was the result of an impartial and independent action.
“Putting all of that aside, whether or not Mr. Riley was given the opportunity to be heard by the chairman, I think that’s an empty question because I do not think the chairman has the authority to act on his own in these matters. I mentioned earlier that I think the only decision the board could have made or could make was to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee so it could be dealt with in accordance with due process, without impartiality and the possibility at least of the appearance of bias,” the attorney-at-law added.
Astaphan stressed that those issues need to be addressed to ascertain whether there were procedural irregularities, an abuse of authority, or the potential for bias in the Dr Shallow’s letter, particularly if Riley was not granted the opportunity to present his side.
The conflict between Riley and Dr. Shallow became public during their appearance on the Mason & Guest radio show where they clashed over the hosting of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.
At the time Dr Shallow criticized Riley for his alleged inaccurate public statement concerning a letter from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to the BCA, claiming that Kensington Oval had been awarded the final.
“I am humbled and deeply honoured to be re-elected to serve as CWI President for a second term,” said Skerritt, whose leadership was briefly challenged by former Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, Anand Sanasie.
“I take the responsibility to lead the Board of this prestigious organization, most seriously. We have much-unfinished work to do, and we renew our pledge to work untiringly to help achieve sustainable improvement, both on and off the field, for West Indies cricket.”
Meanwhile, CWI Vice President said expressed gratitude for being able to continue to serve regional cricket.
“I am again grateful for the continued support of the member representatives for Ricky and myself. This re-election is a victory for West Indies cricket as we continue on the path of growing the game across the region, and achieving good outcomes on all fronts and at all levels,” he said.
In addition to the election for President and Vice President, the following persons were duly elected as Member Directors of CWI:
Conde Riley – Barbados Cricket Association
Calvin Hope – Barbados Cricket Association
Bissoondyal Singh -– Guyana Cricket Board
Hilbert Foster – Guyana Cricket Board
Wilford Heaven – Jamaica Cricket Association
Dr Donovan Bennett – Jamaica Cricket Association
Enoch Lewis – Leeward Islands Cricket Board
Leon Rodney – Leeward Islands Cricket Board
Azim Bassarath – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board
Arjoon Ramlal – Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board
Julian Charles – Windward Islands Cricket Board
Dwain Gill – Windward Islands Cricket Board
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting took place virtually via video conference. All of the Territorial Board Member Associations were fully represented.
Due to the continuing travel-related effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will again take place virtually via video conference, as was done in a COVID-19 delayed meeting last year.
It is also the day when incumbent CWI President Ricky Skerritt and Vice President Dr. Kishore Shallow, will face challenges from Anand Sanasie of the Guyana Cricket Board and Calvin Hope of the Barbados Cricket Association, respectively, for the leadership of the organization over the next two-year term.
“All arrangements are in place for a productive Annual General Meeting,” President Skerritt said.
“This is not the first time that CWI is hosting a virtual AGM but it will be the first time that our leadership elections will take place virtually. We have everything in place to ensure a constructive and proper meeting.”
Shareholder members are slated to receive reports from the Cricket, Commercial and Finance Committees and for the first time, audited financial statements which will be consolidated to reflect CWI’s acquisition of and interest in the Coolidge Cricket Ground.
A copy of the 2019/20 audited financial statements and the Annual Report will be made available to all stakeholders via CWI’s website - http://www.windiescricket.com – from Monday, March 29.
Under a campaign slogan Forward ‘WI’ Go, the incumbents have promised to continue to lead the fight for organizational modernization, including greater transparency, accountability, and partnership with all stakeholders, designed to support and prepare for achieving the best possible on-field results.
Skerritt said he and Dr Shallow would also continue to battle against petty boardroom politics and territorial insularity, two of the biggest enemies of West Indies cricket progress.
The duo is being challenged by the ticket of Guyana Cricket Board Secretary Anand Sanasie and Barbados Cricket Board Vice President Calvin Hope.
The incumbents both candidates received nominations from the same two territorial boards that first advocated for their candidacies in 2019, the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) and Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB).
They also said they have received formal advice of support from the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) and predicts similar support from the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) for the elections set to take place on Sunday, March 28, 2021.
“Some people seem to believe that the CWI boardroom is a type of Parliament where their only job is to oppose or resist any decision that doesn’t directly benefit them individually. Sadly, both of our election opponents are strong proponents of that same antiquated, self-centred, and confrontational mindset”, Skerritt said in a statement today.
“This CWI 2021 leadership election provides another opportunity for cricket lovers to think seriously about who is best suited to champion the bigger cause of West Indies Cricket, at this crucial time. Two years ago, the Skerritt-Shallow partnership introduced our Ten (10) Point ‘Cricket First’ Plan, which has become the improvement mantra of our stewardship.
“As we now approach the completion of a very challenging but productive first term, we are upgrading that plan. We are proud of the numerous transformational changes which are already taking place at CWI based on that very plan, some of the points are now self-sustaining in their implementation, but some points still need our direct attention. We are therefore pleased to let the Caribbean public know that we will be seeking re-election to a second term of the CWI offices of President and Vice President based on an updated Ten-Point plan.”
Half-way through the first term of Skerritt-Shallow, in March 2020, the region was confronted by the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
CWI, Skerritt said, responded quickly and strategically and has been exemplary in how it pivoted to the forefront of the international risk management response. CWI under Skerritt-Shallow were already implementing the 28 recommendations of the CWI 2019 PKF Business Situation Assessment and Financial Review when the pandemic hit. "However, amid these debilitating challenges and unpredictable outlook, our 10 Point ‘Cricket First’ Plan has continued to be the foundation of the Skerritt-Shallow stewardship," the president said.
They say they have identified 10 priorities that will now constitute their upgraded ‘Cricket First Plus’ plan for their second term in office:
- Greater investment in Grassroots Cricket, in partnership with Governments
- Expansion of the Coaching Education program to reach over 1000 Foundation Level volunteer coaches across the region, to include teachers and parents
- Review of the Regional Professional Franchise System, to improve standards and to generate a more sustainable cricket and learning culture.
- Increased Fan engagement, with commercial benefits
- Greater international exposure for U23, Emerging and A-team players
- Implementation of a Master Plan for CCG as the hub of a Regional High-Performance System, that includes a network of Academies across the region.
- Optimum use of Science and Technology geared towards significant gains in productivity on all operational fronts.
- Development of a Financial Sustainability Plan, to include increased support for Territorial Boards, on an incentivised basis.
- Establishment of a Past-Players Consultative Forum
- Strategic collaboration with the owners of CPL to achieve mutually desired cricket and commercial outcomes.
The Skerritt-Shallow leadership said they have set the stage for CWI to strengthen partnerships further with all stakeholders, especially the Territorial Boards, to build together and sustain a modern cricket-centric organization, featuring a cricket system that will produce more knowledgeable, confident and battle-ready cricketers. Skerritt-Shallow continues to be the leadership team that is best suited to continue the important work that we have started together, on behalf of the needs of West Indies cricket.
The Report recognised the enormous cricket talent in the region and the need to harness that talent and promote its growth and presented the way in which improved governance will contribute to the process.
The Task Force also conducted case studies of cricket governance models among major cricket nations and considered it important, in the exercise of their mandate, to highlight those principles of modern corporate governance, which in their opinion, should apply to the Board of Directors of CWI as a corporate entity carrying out a public function.
The objectives of the Governance Task Force included the need to undertake a review of the corporate governance framework, standards and practices of CWI and to recommend changes “to enhance stakeholder trust and ensure more transparency and accountability in line with modern best practices for corporate governance.
The objectives also included reviewing the roles of president and vice president, the structure and role of CWI’s Board of Directors and the committee framework of the Board of Directors.
Overall, the report noted that reform was needed to ensure the sustainability of CWI, highlighting the “need to foster the rebuilding of trust and a common purpose between CWI and the other stakeholders, especially with regional governments”.
Also among their recommendations were the comprehensive reform of the governance structure using key principles of modern governance to provide greater accountability and transparency. They also recommended that the membership of the Board of Directors reflect a wide cross-section of skills and competencies, and a smaller and more balanced Board of 12 (currently 18) in the immediate instance, with an eventual reducing to nine including at least two women.
Other key recommendations also included the redefining of the roles of president and vice president to be more Board specific and non-executive as well as the establishment of a nominations committee to identify and evaluate potential directors and to nominate future directors and committee members.
The reduction in CWI Committee structure from 12 to five (5) Committees was also recommended.
Jamaican Senator Don Wehby headed the Task Force, which also included Sir Hilary Beckles, Mr Deryck Murray, Mr O.K Melhado and Mr Charles Wilkin QC. The Task Force consulted extensively within CWI, the region and internationally; and the 36-page report drew from a wide cross-section of expertise – from knowledgeable stakeholders in the West Indies as well as in the global game.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of my Task Force for their selfless dedication to the completion of this project, over the past year. Their time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has made the finalisation of this report a reality. We would also like to commend CWI President Ricky Skerritt and his Board of Directors for seeing the need for governance reform and giving us the opportunity to make a contribution to the sport we love, and for which we wish the utmost best,” said Wehby.
“Our Task Force has met formally 16 times over the period and we have spent many hours preparing the report submitted (the Wehby Report). We are positive that, if implemented, the recommendations of the Wehby Report will improve the governance of CWI and result in positive effects on team performance.
“The principal roles and responsibilities of the Board are organisational and financial planning and reporting, decisions on investments and capital projects, preserving the assets of the company, establishing policy, selecting the executive, general oversight of the executive and exercising other powers given to it by the constituent documents of the company. The membership of the Board should reflect a wide cross-section of the skills and competencies required for carrying out its roles and responsibilities.”
CWI President Skerritt said reform was key to the success of West Indies cricket and was the basis for their campaign that led to victory in the CWI elections of March 2019.
“Governance reform is one of the important promises Vice President Kishore Shallow and myself made prior to our election last year. When all is said and done, we expect that the Wehby Report will be seriously considered by the Directors and member representatives,” Skerritt said.
“The task force and stakeholders can be assured that we will do all we can to ensure the implementation of this report.”
The term-limits amendment was among several changes made to the constitution during the meeting that under the constitution was due in May but was postponed because of the pandemic.
Former WICB director, Saint Lucian Patrick Felix and current CWI Independent Director, His Excellency Michael Findlay, led the revision of the constitution that was duly adopted.
Under the change, a president can now serve up to a maximum of four consecutive two-year terms.
This constitutional change of the newly renamed WICB (formerly the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control) follows the public disclosure of the “Wehby Report” to stakeholders around the Caribbean, which had governance improvement recommendations for both CWI and the territorial boards (TBs).
It was also among the constitutional changes that also included a selection policy being given precedence for selections of all Windward Islands teams.
“It was a productive meeting, we had a fruitful meeting with some significant strides as a board, none more important than the adoption of a revised constitution,” said WICB President Dr Kishore Shallow.
“Sincerest gratitude to Patrick Felix and Michael Findlay for conducting a prudent exercise to revise the constitution. My esteemed colleagues on the board also deserve commendations for being so forward-thinking with their positive reception to the proposed changes.”
The directors from the four Member States, Saint Vincent & Grenadines Cricket Association, Dominica Cricket Association, Grenada Cricket Association and Saint Lucia Cricket National Association participated in the meeting.
Developing a WICB Strategic Plan for 2021-2025 was also discussed and agreed upon.
Treasurer Dougal James confirmed that the two Windwards bodies, WICB and Windwards Cricket Inc (Volcanoes) are in the best financial state for at least the last five (5) years, with savings in both accounts and no outstanding payables.
WICB President Dr Kishore Shallow presented a plaque to Sir Andy following a fruitful engagement with fast bowlers at the Windward Islands franchise. The West Indian cricket legend travelled to Grenada, home of the Volcanoes franchise, from April 27 – 30, 2022.
The franchise hosted Sir Andy to observe and help the fast bowlers as they prepare for the resumption of the West Indies regional 4-day tournament. The exchanges included discussions on the theory and art of fast bowling. International players Shermon Lewis and Preston McSween participated in the sessions.
“As we continue the efforts to zoom in on specific components of the game, this fast bowling engagement was timely and productive,” said WICB Technical Director, Miles Bascombe.
“The experience and knowledge that Sir Andy has shared with these cricketers are invaluable and will eventually bear fruits.”
WICB Vice President Dwain Gill said Sir Andy’s presence was crucial for the development of the young bowlers.
“Hosting Sir Andy aligns with the New Windwards policy of advancing our cricketers on all fronts,” he said.
“While this was primarily about developing our fast bowlers’ skills, another critical element of this activity was to allow these young players to identify with a West Indian legend and be inspired.”
The Volcanoes team travels on May 15 to Trinidad and Tobago for the final three rounds of the regional four-day tournament.
