Willie dropout angers Jamaicans

The Jamaican Cricket Association (JCA), who nominated Trinidad and Tobago’s Willie Rodriguez for the presidency of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), are not in agreement with him pulling out of the race.

This was disclosed by Rodriguez yesterday. “During the past five to six days, I have sought advice from very influential people concerned with West Indies cricket as well as those who have ties with the regional game. “They were all high quality people and ones that I really respect. They were in favour with the idea of me not contesting the elections after I did not get the kind of support I needed,” said the Guardian Life Insurance executive. “I made a decision to opt out of the race and as soon as I did that, I contacted the people in Jamaica who nominated me. They did not agree with me and still wanted me to run for the top post but I told them that I had come to a decision that will be better for West Indies cricket,” he said. “The sequence of events began when I was approached by the president of the Jamaica Cricket Association, to run for the presidency of the WICB.  After some soul searching and prodding, I accepted. “Mr Jackie Hendricks, the president of the JCA had specifically requested at the outset to speak to the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board on my behalf and after I confirmed my availability he made contact with Mr Alloy Lequay. He was immediately advised of the TTCB’s position, which was in keeping with an earlier decision made by the executive members of the Executive Committee of the WICB.” The TTCB are supporting Guyanese Chetram Singh. “At this point in time my information is that nothing has been or is likely to change. The concept of continuity cannot be effectively challenged and the WICB comprises many highly respected cricket administrators, so regardless West Indies cricket remains in competent hands,” Rodriguez stated in a media release.

Singh’s appointment as president of the WICB will now be formalised at the WICB annual general meeting this weekend. Rodriguez who holds the unique distinction of being the only man to play both cricket and football for the West Indies said he is comfortable with his decision. “The people at the WICB see it fit to prefer one of their current members to lead the Board and this I must respect. It may well work out better for West Indies cricket in the future, with the team doing well and moving in the right direction.” “I was not happy with the method used by those involved when it came to deciding who to support but that’s not important again. There is no need to dwell over it and haul people’s name over the coals, for no benefit to West Indies cricket. “The WICB does not need any bad publicity and it is better to leave what has happened in the past and move on. West Indies cricket needs to improve and we are seeing signs of a revival in the game and attention must be paid to this,” he said. Rodriguez reiterated that he is available to serve the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in any position they see fit for him. “I will always remain committed to West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago’s cricket and will help in way I can,” he said.