Boynes tells WIPA,WICB settle forthwith

And he threatened "action deemed necessary" will be taken to protect the glorious game of cricket and the right of the Caribbean people to enjoy it.

He noted that CARICOM will discuss the WIPA-WICB impasse as item No 1 on their agenda when they meet in St Lucia.

Boynes issued a statement yesterday, in which he expressed concern that West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara who is on the verge of sporting immortality is being barred from participating in Test cricket at this stage of his brilliant career.

Boynes said, earlier this year the CARICOM sub-committee on West Indies cricket made it claer to all stakeholders that cricket must come first.

He pointed out, "For us in the Caribbean, cricket is not just a game but the very thread that tenaciously connects all out nations."

His statement reads in part, "In a surprising development, we understand that before the West Indies leave to take part in another overseas tour, there again is a distinct uncertainty. This unstable ground comes as a result of continued disagreement between the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players’ Association over players’ contracts.

"Earlier this year, the CARICOM sub-committee on West Indies cricket made a bold step to intervene and it was made clear to all stakeholders that cricket must come first. One outcome of that committee’s deliberations was a road map towards the steelement of the disagreement.

"The road map was underpinned by an understanding of the need to put cricket first and also to select the best available team. We appreciated then, as we do now. That for us in the Caribbean, cricket is not just a game but the very thread that tenaciously connects all our nations.

"I am therefore calling on both sides to ensure that arbitration proceedings are held to determine whether or not players have the right to hold personal endorsement contracts alongside with team sponsorship contracts.

"My own personal view, on the basis of practice in entertainment and copyright law, is that like David Beckham and other international superstar athletes, one can hold a personal endorsement contract without jeopardising the team’s sponsorship contract. I would assume that our West Indies players are no different and would enjoy similar universal rights."

He added, "In view of the fact that government intends to spend millions of dollars towards the Caribbean’s hosting of ICC CWC 2007, I am calling on all stakeholders to settle this matter forthwith. Failure to do so will result in the execution of whatever action is deemed necessary to protect the glorious game of cricket and the right of the Caribbean people to enjoy it.

"In light of the above, it is instructive to note that CARICOM Heads of Government, who meet in caucus tomorrow morning in St Lucia, will discuss the matter as Item No 1 on the agenda. We await the outcome of these deliberations with much anticipation."