By Tony McWatt – Publisher
Respected longstanding Jamaican
journalist Ray Ford has announced
his aspiration to become Cricket
West Indies (CWI) next President.
Suggesting that West Indies cricket is now in
dire need of a resuscitation the impressively
academically qualified Ford has outlined a
Manifesto towards securing the required
improvements towards its much improved
fortunes.
Having read Ford’s Manifesto, I would
wholehearted agree with its expressed
sentiments. So much so as to suggest that all
others who still hold West Indies cricket near
and dear to their hearts should also take the
time to read and give it due consideration.
Ford’s vision as outlined in the Manifesto is
for the repositioning of Cricket West Indies,
the sport’s regional governing body as “as a
credible, trustworthy, modern, professional and
accountable entity with an ultimate deliverable
of returning joy to West Indies cricket’s longsuffering
stakeholders!” He suggests that for
any such vision to be realized there are several
challenges that would have to be immediately
overcome.
Foremost among such challenges would be
those of Governance; Underprepared and
Under-Resourced Feeder Systems; Inadequate
Regional Financial Partnerships (Sponsorships)
and the Underutilization of Technical Expertise
and Star Power. Governance, Ford suggests
holds key importance as “it affects the proper
functioning of all areas within an operation,
especially the ability to attract financial
partners.”
Among Ford’s suggested solutions towards
addressing and correcting the governance
issues currently plaguing West Indies cricket
are the following: A) Employing a high-level
financial team to lobby for a larger slice of
the International Cricket Council full-member
distributions. B) Financial Accounting: Money
inflows and/cash disbursements must be
properly accounted for. C) Reorienting
CWI away from player-centric and coach centric
preparation towards one which
better strengthens the competitiveness of
feeder systems. D) Accountability: Coaches
must be held accountable for persistent
poor performances of their charges. And a
system that creates more competitiveness for
player-selections must be instituted. E) Board
Transparency: Outside audits of any of CWI’s
functions must be made public and F) Team
selections must be reasonably logical and
explainable.
Ford likewise outlines his suggested remedies
for the existing maladies of underprepared and
under-resourced feeder systems. Foremost
among these would be extending the rounds
of the Regional 4-Day tournament, as well as
equipping the West Indies Men’s Senior team
with better-qualified coaches, those who are
“reflective of our illustrious cricket history!”
Ford also advocates that more specialized
attention should be paid to the region’s U19
cricketers. He suggests that under his presidential
leadership CWI would nurture feeder system
programs, by working with regional boards
to encourage more participation. It would
also devote staffing to leveraging regional
corporate funding; encourage more government
participation and attempt to place some of our
promising young cricketers in overseas cricket
programs such as Australia’s Grade Cricket and
England’s Leagues.
Ford further contends that regional Under-15
competitions should be developed and fully
funded as potential feeder systems to the
Under-19 team. CWI should also engage itself
in the organization of youth coaching clinics
throughout the region.
While lauding CWI’s commendable record
of landing global brand name sponsors, Ford
suggests that there’s much work still left to be
done in terms of identifying and developing 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!”
Finally, Ford argues that CWI has been guilty
of underutilizing the technical expertise and
legend power of its great cricketers who are
now still among us. “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 Caribbean, to
spot talent and to rekindle enthusiasm for cricket
among impressionable youngsters!”
Sensible recommendations from Raymond Ford:
a very credible, longstanding devoted fan of
West Indies cricket. One who obviously cares
so much about its fortunes that he’s decided,
most admirably, to contend for the opportunity
to have an active presidential role in shaping its
future.
Here’s wishing you all the best and every success
Ray Ford.