Gordon aims to settle dispute

In his first action as WICB president, Gordon established two committees, one of which will work to secure a third victory for the West Indies in the World Cup, to be held in the Caribbean in March 2007. The other committee will look for "adequate and sustainable" financing for the board’s programmes, Gordon said in a statement.

"This effort must bring us all together in the interest of West Indies cricket. This goal (winning the World Cup) should be motivation enough for us to put aside all differences whatever they may be," Gordon said.

The Trinidadian businessman and former cabinet member inherits a long contract dispute with the player’s association over personal sponsorship deals.

Several top West Indies cricketers, including star batsman Brian Lara, were excluded from the squad currently touring Sri Lanka due to an impasse between players the WICB over guaranteed fees from sponsor Digicel.

On Sunday, Digicel congratulated Gordon on his appointment to the presidency of the West Indies Cricket Board at the sixth annual WICB general meeting in St Maarten.

A further note of congratulations is extended to E Valentine Banks of Anguilla following his appointment to the position of Vice-President.

Digicel said they look forward to building a strong relationship with both parties in our shared commitment to return West Indies cricket to the top of world Test cricket where it belongs.

Digicel commended Teddy Griffith on his term as president of the WICB and the efforts made during his presidency towards introducing further professionalism and high standards of business practice across all areas of the business.

"We wish him well as he departs to pursue his personal and family interests," Digicel stated.