JCA Sticks With Hendriks

The contest was expected to be heated, but the only heat surrounding the election of officers of the Jamaica Cricket Association was from the lack of air conditioning in the room at the George Headley Stand. On Wednesday, former West Indies wicketkeeper John 'Jackie' Hendriks was returned for his 6th term as President of the Board of Directors of the Jamaica Cricket Association, holding off a challenge from George Sterling, the incumbent 1st Vice President.

Unlike last year, when only one of the posts was contested, this year's Annual General Meeting saw challenges for the positions of President, 1st Vice President, Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. Hendriks polled 64 votes to Sterling's 28 and this could have been seen as endorsement from the voting members that the top job must be held by a past cricketer, who it is thought will have more influence at the international level. In an interesting twist, Sterling was then voted off the Executive when current Chairman of the Marketing Committee, Paul Campbell, garnered 52 votes to Sterling's 14. The other contestant, Roderick Gordon, a Director representing the county of Surrey, amassed 30 votes. The most keenly contested position was for that of Secretary. Diann Campbell held on by 8 votes to continue in that role. Her opponent was Randy Nelson, the secretary of the Marketing and Promotions Sub-Committee.

In his short acceptance remarks, Hendriks pledged to continue serving Jamaica cricket to the best of his ability. Under his year in office, the most significant achievements have been securing sponsorship for the domestic league and a preparatory school competition, as well as the staging of many developmental camps for young cricketers. The Jamaica Cricket Association President has endeavoured to secure more sponsorship which will assist in reducing the Association's debt. In the financial year ended 30 September 2003, the JCA recorded a loss of J$500,106. Its subsidiary, Sabina Development Company Ltd realised an after tax profit of J$838,991.

Included in the agenda for Wednesday's meeting was an update by Dr Wayne Reid on Jamaica's bid to host matches in the World Cup. Reid is the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, named Jamaica Cricket 2007 Limited. The Chairman said that from the committee's understanding, Jamaica's bid presentation was seen to be "very good" compared to those submitted by other territories. The Venue Assessment Team arrives in Jamaica on 10 June and will meet with the Prime Minister, Minister of Sports, the Organizing Committee and members of the Jamaica Cricket Association over two days before departing on the evening of 11 June.

The list of officers for the year 2004 - 5 is as follows:

President - Mr Jackie Hendriks, C.D. (challenged by Mr George Sterling)
1nd Vice President - Mr Paul Campbell (replaces Mr George Sterling)
2nd Vice President - Mr Cleveland Keddo (returned unopposed)
Honorary Secretary - Miss Diann Campbell (challenged by Mr Randy Nelson)
Honorary Treasurer - Mr Whycliffe Cameron (returned unopposed)
Assistant Secretary - Mr Ian Brown (returned unopposed)
Assistant Treasurer - Mr Hopeton Morrison (replaces Mr Hugh Perry)

A criticism voiced by more than one member was the lengthy voting process. Voting commenced at approximately 4:43 pm and concluded at about 7:00 pm. Many of the association members travelled in from rural Jamaica and there was concern expressed for the holding of the AGM mid week rather than on the weekend. In responding to that, President Hendriks said that the various cricket leagues now in progress prevented that from happening, since many members are involved in those weekend matches.