Newly elected Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Ricky Skerritt has summoned all stakeholders to assist with the rebuilding of the regional game.
Skerritt defeated Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron eight votes to four at the CWI Annual General Meeting held in Kingston on Sunday.
“I want to thank the regional cricket family for the faith, trust and belief they have placed in me by making this choice,” Skerritt said.
“The President of Cricket West Indies not only has to lead an organisation in an ever changing global sports industry that calls for innovative, fresh thought processes, but I also have to be a steward for the game. I have committed myself to serve you and this game in a transparent, open and respectful manner. Cricket West Indies is owned by all of the people of the Caribbean and as such I am here to serve and uphold your interest.”
Skerritt’s running mate Dr. Kishore Shallow was also elected Vice President of CWI, defeating Emmanuel Nanthan by the same margin 8-4.
On his victory, Dr. Shallow, an information technology professional, placed emphasis on their campaign message of putting ‘Cricket First.’
“From tomorrow Mr. Skerritt and I will continue to build on our Cricket First campaign promise. Our plan is to focus on not just the professional development of our senior players, but to use the game of cricket and the tremendous platform of Cricket West Indies in improving the development of young cricketers across the region in our grassroots programmes.
In order to fulfill on his promises Skerritt made a passionate plea to all stakeholders of the game to recommit to the cause of Cricket West Indies as the rebuilding programme needs all the support it can get.
“West Indies cricket needs a variety of stakeholders, we need past cricketers, sponsors, governments who are involved in youth development to work with us to bring better grassroots programmes, that is where our emphasis is going to be.”
During the campaign, Skerritt and Dr. Shallow received support in the media from the stakeholders, seemingly energised by the impending change in leadership from the often-times controversial Cameron.
Legends, former players, Prime Ministers and the everyday Windies Cricket fan overwhelmingly supported the Skerritt and Dr. Shallow plans and approach to leadership.
“To the people of the region, your support and pressure brought to bear to your territorial board heads, calling for change was successful. I am accountable to you; and my team will provide the direction, listen to your ideas and chart a path forward for all of us to join on. Rebuilding West Indies cricket is a joint effort.” (An official release by Team Skerritt and Shallow)
