JCA directors at odds over decision to shun Cameron
KINGSTON, Jamaica – There is a split across the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) board of directors after the recent vote to support former cricketing great Joel Garner instead of the embattled incumbent Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron, for the presidency of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
It is understood that some board members have put forward resolutions for there to be a determination by the entire association at the JCA’s annual general meeting on February 17.
Checks done by OBSERVER ONLINE confirmed that the vote at the meeting on Tuesday could possibly be overturned since the AGM is the highest decision-making body of the association.
The JCA directors had voted 10-6 in favour of Barbadian Garner, a former West Indies fast bowler, but the vote has not gone down well with some board members who feel that Jamaica’s support should have been thrown behind their countryman Cameron.
It is said that some among the JCA lost faith in Cameron after the premature end to the India-West Indies series late last year, due to players on tour falling out with the WICB as well as with WIPA, the union representing them. Future tours between India and the West Indies could also be in danger.
Since then, the upset Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have claimed for US$42 million in compensation from the WICB, given the substantial monetary loss involved in the termination of the tour.
Cecil Fletcher, a JCA director, has tendered a letter of resignation, apparently unhappy with the decision taken by members at that meeting.
Wayne Lewis, another director, said in a television interview that members had not been given the opportunity to make an informed decision when they voted in Garner’s favour.
Garner will have Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board executive Baldath Mahabir as his vice-presidential running partner.
Cameron, who is seeking a second two-year term as WICB president, will again rely on Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control president Emmanuel Nanthan as his deputy.
The WICB’s AGM and election for president is slated for March 7 in Jamaica. The deadline for executive nominations is Saturday.
Sanjay Myers
