WICB to restructure, increase

The move was one of several considerations being taken by Gordon and his board to improve the financial and cricketing position of the regional team ahead of the 2007 ICC World Cup (hosted here in the West Indies) and beyond.

He made it clear the territorial boards have already given approval to proceed with amending the memorandum and articles of the WICB which would accommodate up to four directors — to take the membership to 18.

However Gordon stressed that while it was not the best way to go, it was critical if they are to lead a turn-around of the problems surrounding West Indies cricket.

The regional cricket boss revealed that two separate committees have been appointed to undertake such assignments — one of which is being headed by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd.

The committee will be a principal advisor to the regional board (WICB) — on matters of cricket specifically.

Lloyd, who is undoubtedly the region’s most successful cricket skipper has already accepted the invitation and is currently attempting to get clearance from his employer in London, England before taking up his new appointment.

The others are Sir Allister Mc Intyre — a former vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies; and millionaire businessman Allen Stanford — who will, in August, lead a massive improvement of cricket by the staging of limited overs 20/20 tournament.

The trio has been designated to take on five major responsibilities, including keeping all matters related to the Caribbean and international cricket under ongoing review as well as offer expert opinion for the guidance of WICB decision making; to be responsible for advising the WICB on the selection and conditions of employment of the coaching staff and to be the senior coach’s point of contact with the board.

Other issues for the trio to face are keeping the performance of the coaching staff under review and to guide the WICB accordingly; to approve and monitor the effective implementation of the West Indies cricket development programme; and to work closely with the World Cup Committee, the territorial boards, Stanford’s 20/20 initiative and all other events which impact on the West Indies cricket.

According to Gordon, the other committee, led by Grenville Phillips, will address the restructuring and financial deficiencies of the WICB.

It will undertake the responsibilities of guiding the financial recovery and the restructuring of the WICB’s finances with particular reference to the outstanding deficit; to closely examine the options available for addressing shortage th-ough pursuing the recommendations of (Phillip’s) report — the Stanford prospect; to overlook the financial management and accounts of the WICB and to ensure that performance is in accordance with the highest standards; and to work with all relevant parties to develop new revenue streams.

The former Govern-ment senator and CCN boss described the move as a revolution in the region but said it was important to have the input of specialist people to enhance the turn-around.

Gordon said also that his board is in the process of finalising retainer contracts for players — a move that will enhance the competitiveness of the regional team. He said however that they await a response from the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and its president Dinanath Ramnarine on their proposal.

The player’s retainer contracts was one of six priorities that had been on their plate for a while and needed to be ironed out.

He noted that they have since dealt with a number of others, including the addressing of the Lucky Report, methods of resolving the impasse with the players, developing a plan through a specially appointed committee to address, getting the best team from the Caribbean to Australia, meeting all Caricom heads of governments to brief them on plans to go forward and winning support for putting regional players under retainer contracts.