BCA, GCB no-shows for governance reform meeting

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC):

The failure of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) to send representatives to Friday’s Cricket West Indies (CWI) meeting on governance reform resulted in the meeting being adjourned after a quorum was not met.

The meeting was convened to vote on implementing governance reforms proposed by the Wehby Report, which aims to modernize CWI’s governance framework.

Due notice for the meeting was issued on November 13, 2024, in accordance with CWI’s Articles of Association.

The session was expected to address significant proposals, including adjustments to introduce term limits, the term durations for the president and vice president, and other measures designed to strengthen CWI’s governance structure.

However, in a statement issued on Friday, CWI said the BCA and the GCB failed to attend, having opted not to appoint two representatives as required by the company’s Articles of Association.

“Guyana formally indicated their non-attendance, while Barbados did not provide a response.

“This marks the second time that both the GCB and BCA have opted not to attend a meeting of the members, the first instance occurring in 2021,” the release stated.

“All other full member shareholders from Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB), Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), and Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB) were present and prepared to proceed.”

While expressing his disappointment, CWI president Dr Kishore Shallow emphasised the urgency of these reforms, saying they were necessary to move West Indies cricket forward.

He said the BCA and GCB’s absence was worrisome.

“It is deeply disappointing that representatives from Guyana and Barbados did not see the importance of being present at this crucial juncture for the future of West Indies cricket,” Dr Shallow said.

“Governance reform is critical to ensuring our organisation’s growth, sustainability, and ability to inspire pride across the region. This moment required unity and collaboration, and their absence undermines the collective effort required to move forward.

“This meeting was not just about structural changes; it was about safeguarding the future of cricket in the Caribbean. Change is never easy, but it is absolutely necessary. We must demonstrate to the cricketing world and our stakeholders that we are committed to improving and evolving as an organization,” he further added.

Despite the setback, Dr Shallow maintained that CWI remained committed to the governance reform process and will explore all options to ensure the necessary steps are taken to implement the Wehby Report recommendations.

“The responsibility to lead and inspire rests with all of us. While today’s outcome is a setback, it will not deter us from our mission to transform West Indies cricket.

“I encourage all stakeholders to prioritise the greater good of the game and come together to ensure we continue to build an organisation that every Caribbean citizen can be proud of,” Dr Shallow said.

CWI will now give members the opportunity to respond to the proposed resolutions in writing.