Respected longstanding Jamaican journalist Ray Ford has
announced his aspirations to become Cricket West Indies
next President. Suggesting that West Indies cricket is now
in dire need of resuscitation the impressively academically
qualified Ford has outlined a Manifesto towards securing the required
improvements.
MANIFESTO – Ray Ford – The Presidency of Cricket
West Indies
OVERVIEW
West Indies cricket – both women’s and men’s – is plagued by a
myriad of problems. These have translated into many mediocre onfield
performances. These medicore performances are particularly
noticeable in the oldest format of the game Test cricket, an arena
which we first entered in 1928, and steadily rose to dominate for an
unprecedented 20 consecutive years, beginning in the middle of 1976
through May 1995.
VISION
Repositioning Cricket West Indies (CWI) as a credible, trustworthy,
modern, professional and accountable entity with the ultimate,
deliverable being, returning joy to CWI’s long-suffering stakeholders.
CHALLENGES
The problems within West Indies cricket that need immediate attention
are:
1. Governance
2. Underprepared and Under-Resourced Feeder Systems
3. Inadequate Regional Financial Partnerships (Sponsorships)
4. Underutilization of Technical Expertise and Star Power
Because there are now so many systemic deficiencies in West Indies
cricket, arresting decline and realizing an upward inflexion in our onfield
performance will require a leadership geared to addressing these
problems simultaneously. Having seen my first Test match in March
1962, I have been a stakeholder and keen observer of the fortunes
of West Indies cricket for the last 60 years. As a mechanical engineer
I bring to the table, a problem-solving
mentality. In addition, having
completed a Master’s degree in
Program & Project Management at
the University of Michigan-Dearborn
in August 2019, I am armed with
a cutting-edge skill-set tailored to
simultaneously address the complex
multifaceted challenges which now
confront West Indies cricket.
1. GOVERNANCE
Governance is important. Because a
poor version of it affects the proper
functioning of all areas within an
operation, especially the ability to
attract finaancial partners. Areas
governed which I will address include:
• Employing a high-level financial
team to lobby for a larger slice of
the International Cricket Council full member
distributions.
• Financial Accounting: Money inflows and/cash disbursements, must be properly accounted for.
• Reorienting CWI away from player-centric and coach-centric preparation toward one which better
strengthens the competitiveness of feeder systems.
•Accountability: Coaches must account for persistent poor performances of charges. And a system that
creates more competitiveness for player-selections must be instituted.
• Board Transparency: Outside audits of any function of CWI, must be made public.
• Team selections must be reasonably logical and explainable.
2. UNDERPREPARED AND UNDER-RESOURCED FEEDER SYSTEMS
SENIOR TEAM
• Regional Tournament- extend rounds of 4-day competition.
• Equip with coaches reflective of our illustrious cricket history.
UNDER-19
• This level and below will get more attention.
• CWI will nurture regional feeder system programs, by working with regional boards to encourage more
participation.
• Devote staffing to leveraging regional corporate funding.
• Encourage more government participation.
• Attempt to place some of our promising young cricketers in overseas cricket programs such as Grade
Cricket in Australia and League Cricket in England.
UNDER-15
• Fund regional Under-15 competition, as a potential feeder system to the Under-19 team.
• Organize youth cricket coaching clinics.
3. REENGAGE REGIONAL CRICKET FINANCIAL PARTNERS
While CWI has landed new global brand name sponsors, we will be searching for new opportunities
to monetize the well-honed West Indies cricket brand. A concerted effort will be made to convince
regional business-houses, that sponsoring CWI cricket programs at any level, is a win-win for both their
businesses and ours. The Caribbean badly needs good corporate citizens. And domestic cricket badly
needs resourcing.
4. UNDERUTILIZATION OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND LEGEND POWER
West Indies have produced some of the greatest exponents of all facets of the game. And even though
a good many of our technical experts have expressed interest in coming on board, CWI has deferred
to a coaching staff of which either little is known or whose achievements have not been necessarily
outstanding. Correction is needed. In addition, there are West Indies cricket legends who can be
ambassadors throughout the
Jamaica’s Ray Ford Announces CWI Presidential Aspirations!
