THE annual general meeting of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) takes place today at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel with uncertainty surrounding the future of president Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven.

The local cricket boss has been under fire from some members and affiliates since February 3 when JCA board of directors voted 10-6 to support Barbadian Joel Garner ahead of Jamaican incumbent Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron for head of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) at the upcoming elections.

A draft resolution was circulated on February 6, proposing a no-confidence motion against Heaven, who was elected JCA president in November 2013. The motion, listing six reasons Heaven should step aside, is expected to be tabled today.

Among the reasons was the alleged “manipulated process used to support the nomination” of Garner, the West Indies fast-bowling legend.

In one of many twists in the saga, a board meeting set to be held late yesterday, was called to decide if the vote to support Garner should be overturned.

JCA director Wayne Lewis, who has been vocal regarding his dissatisfaction with Jamaica’s backing of Garner, told the Jamaica Observer recently, that prior to the directors’ vote, there was an absence of even-handedness in the approach of the JCA leadership. He suggested the vote should have been delayed to allow both Cameron and Garner to make presentations to board members and to answer questions. Lewis noted that while Cameron made a presentation, the failure of a telephone link meant Garner was not heard from. Yet, Lewis said, the directors were required to vote just the same.

In the aftermath of that vote, board director Cecil Fletcher tendered a letter of resignation.

JCA first vice-president Dr Donovan Bennett, a supporter of Heaven, said it is unlikely that the motion against Heaven will hold up at the AGM.

“I don’t think it is going to garner much support. The majority of the delegates around the country that I’ve spoken to are in support of president Heaven. I think it’s totally unjustified, that resolution,” Bennett told the Observer yesterday.

He said also that the submission of the resolution to unseat Heaven may prove to be unconstitutional.

“It is my view that it [the draft resolution] was not sent in [to the JCA secretariat] on time and it contravenes the articles of association. That is my interpretation, but I’m not a lawyer, so I can’t speak with any legal authority.”

Bennett said he hopes that regardless of the outcome of today’s meeting, the JCA “can unite to concentrate on cricket in the country”.

The WICB’s AGM and election for president is slated for March 7 in Jamaica.

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 regional cricket boss, will again rely on Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control president Emmanuel Nanthan as his deputy.

The two members to vote for Jamaica at the WICB elections will be JCA second vice-president Osman Dann and secretary Fritz Harris.