Despite numerous flaws and failings, it’s indisputable that West Indies cricket administrators have consistently paid attention to development at the regional level.

We were reminded at the start of the men’s four-day regional championship in late January that annually-organised competition at the senior level dates back 60 years. That tournament resumes later this week for the fourth round of games following a break since mid-February.

At age-group level, annual regional men’s competition — more especially at Under-19 level — also goes back decades.

And while women’s cricket in the Caribbean has never received matching attention, it does seem fair to say that’s changing, with limited overs (white-ball) tournaments at age group and senior levels now held annually.

The 2025 senior Women’s Super50 tournament is ongoing in St Kitts.

Building on those platforms is imperative if West Indies cricket — which has struggled painfully for well nigh 30 years despite the odd success such as the recent 1-1 Test series tie away to Pakistan — is to achieve success consistently.

New Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer Mr Chris Dehring was on target during a recent visit to Port of Spain in emphasising that territorial boards must play a lead role in nurturing and bringing young cricketers to the fore.

“Territories are the core of West Indies cricket’s production line. Rebuilding and retooling that pipeline to meet the demands of modern professional sports is a top priority. Our strength lies in our unity and shared vision from territorial boards to players, coaches, and fans,” Mr Dehring reportedly told cricket executives in Trinidad and Tobago.

And, against the backdrop of recent divisions regarding efforts to reform cricket’s governance regionally, Mr Dehring argued that: “While there may be healthy tensions at times, our collective focus must be on building strong partnerships, investing in development, and creating a sustainable structure that benefits everyone…”

He also said that his role involves “…working alongside all stakeholders to shape policies and innovative strategies that will propel the game forward… When our territories are strong, West Indies cricket is strong.”

Crucially, Caribbean governments — not all of which have consistently shown strong interest in West Indies cricket — need to be on board, alongside the business community, in that drive to constantly refresh the talent pipeline.

In that respect, we note that Guyana President Dr Irfaan Ali, an ardent supporter of the regional game, is taking over as chairman of the Caricom subcommittee on cricket. He is replacing another proven servant of the game, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who has said he will be walking away from politics ahead of elections in his country later this year.

We are heartened by Dr Rowley’s appeal for Caricom heads to “continue to be interested in what goes on in West Indies cricket and assist wherever we can”.

At the board membership level we expect that CWI President Dr Kilshore Shallow and his team will be returned in elections later this month.

It may have been missed by many, but in late February the entire Wavell Hinds-led executive of the West Indies Players’ Association was returned unopposed.

Continuity does have a place for the greater good of West Indies cricket, even in these rapidly changing times.