MANY view Jamaica’s about turn in backing Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron to remain head of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) as a resounding statement to Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) president Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven.

They argue that the JCA boss should step aside.

After all, Heaven and JCA first vice-president Dr Donovan Bennett backed Cameron’s challenger Joel Garner in a 10-6 vote of JCA directors on February 3.

And a vote of 67-22 at the JCA’s annual general meeting on February 17 to overturn the decision by Heaven and his executive speaks volumes.

But before the re-vote, Heaven, who took over the association in November 2013, gave no sign he plans to leave before the two-year term is up.

During his presentation to the general membership, the head of the JCA said he was “looking forward to the next year” as president, as indications were that the cash-strapped body was showing signs of improvement.

He noted that sponsorship in excess of $100 million over the last year was a major positive.

He argued that the up-to-date audited financial statement, which was presented to members, was probably a novelty in the association’s history.

The obvious question regarding possible resignation was put to Heaven after the vote.

Though not directly answering, Heaven blasted as “utter nonsense” talks of a proposed no-confidence motion against him.

“It was two people who signed a piece of paper. I would advise those who want to put up a challenge or a motion to first learn how it should be done before they set out to embarrass themselves,” he said in reference to a draft resolution circulated on February 6, which did not materialise at the AGM.

The document bore the signature of St James Cricket Association president Cecil Fletcher and was seconded by Gautam Kumaraswamy of Kensington Cricket Club.

Fletcher, who after the original vote for Garner had tendered his letter of resignation but later pledged his service to the JCA when the tide swung, said talks that the no-confidence resolution was not handed to the association’s secretariat in time made him back down.

He said, however, that the matter could be revisited in the future.

“There is some legal wrangling as it relates to the resolution… so it made no sense pursuing it. Those who are still interested might raise it at another time,” Fletcher told reporters.

At the local association’s AGM, members and affiliates voted emphatically to overturn the decision to support West Indies cricket legend Joel Garner ahead of incumbent Cameron.

Just two weeks before, directors had voted in favour of Barbadian Garner, leading to a rift within the association, with some members arguing that Jamaican Cameron should be backed instead.

The critics of Heaven, including JCA director Wayne Lewis, said that while Cameron made a presentation to JCA board members ahead of the February 3 vote, the failure of a telephone link meant Garner was unable to do the same.

Cameron is seeking a second two-year term as head of the WICB.

As president he has overseen the inauguration of the Professional Cricket League, but the embarrassing saga involving the WICB, West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and regional team players has severely tarnished his tenure.

It is believed that many, including some members of the JCA, blame Cameron for the premature end to the West Indies tour of India late last year, due to players falling out with the WICB and the players union.

Garner, the president of the Barbados Cricket Association, has said cricket development, performance and governance of the sport will be his main priorities if he wins.

Two members from each territory will vote at the WICB’s AGM and election for president, slated for Saturday in Kingston, Jamaica.

Jamaica’s voting representatives will be JCA second vice-president Osman Dann and secretary Fritz Harris.