WICB, B'dos Police in Tiff Over Unpaid Fees

There is a feeling of unease within the ranks of the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) as the international cricket season approaches. That's because several members are still awaiting outstanding payment from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the 2001 season.

It is almost a year since the last international season ended and still the more than 100 lawmen and women have not been paid. Officers were originally expecting their money no later than six months after the conclusion of the Barbados leg, but were told they would get it at the end of February.

Now that date has come and gone and still no money. Last year's Test match between West Indies and South Africa was played March 29 to April 2.

One angry officer said he was reluctant to work at this year's matches, while another said several colleagues were quite upset.

Hartley Reid, the president of the Police Association, tried to put a more measured approach, but said officers were eager to collect their pay.

"The Police Force is a trained organisation and we do not become outraged. We are disappointed, upset, frustrated even, but as long as a commitment has been given by the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) we still expect the agreement to be honoured," he said.

"Police officers are always concerned when they do not receive monies owed to them and this is no different."

He explained that his body did not deal directly with the WICB, but conducted business through the BCA.

In discussions with the BCA he was told that the payment should be available by the end of February. This had not happened, and even if it did, some members of the force still believed the situation had gone on too long. These details were usually settled within six months, Reid said.

When contacted yesterday, Selwyn Smith, the BCA's consultant with day-to-day responsibilities with management of the secretariat, said the office "could not comment" at this stage.

It is understood the constabulary were to be paid on average $18 per hour for eight hours duty over the five days of play.

The 2002 leg of the season reaches Barbados on May 2 when the West Indies and India meet in the third Test at Kensington Oval. There will also be a One-Day International against India on May 29 and New Zealand are expected here for a Test in June.

Money for last year's Busta Cup was only collected in January, just before the start of this season.

SOURCE: Barbados Nation.