In The Papers Today (Sept 22, 05)

Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Chairman of the CARICOM Sub-Committee for Cricket, met with West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Ken Gordon in St Georges yesterday.

Reporting for Caribbean Net News, correspondent Kishwan Thomas said Gordon updated Mitchell on the status of contract negotiations and Mitchell, in response, offered increased support for West Indies cricket from his committee.

The men agreed that both their organisations must work cohesively so that West Indies cricket can progress positively beyond its current crisis.

According to Hardbeat News, which also covers the Gordon/Mitchell meeting, the Grenadian PM says he understands the challenges faced by the WICB amidst the crisis and has reminded Gordon that he must stay focussed on "improving the game, strengthening the administration, enhancing the livelihood of the players and pleasing the loyal West Indies fans across the region."

The Jamaica Observer weighs in as well, quoting Mitchell: "I'm convinced that if we change that attitude, and take some very serious decisions, we will be helping to revive West Indies cricket, because West Indies cricket is too tied up with the psyche of the West Indian man and woman?. According to the report, Mitchell urged Gordon to expedite the implementation of central player contracts as doing so would reap huge rewards for the game and the region.

Brian Lara's meeting with Nelson Mandela has made headlines around the world, with stories appearing in major publications not only in the Caribbean and South Africa, but Australia, England and Canada.

Lara presented Mandela with a bat on which he had written, "To a man that has inspired the world. I love you President Mandela. My best wishes to a personal hero." It was the bat Lara had used to torment South Africa in the last home series.

Still on Lara, the Trinidad Guardian today says that Digicel has advised that there are no contractual issues that will prevent the left-hander from participating in the tour of Australia even though the star batsman still has a personal endorsement contract with rival Cable & Wireless.

Liam McDermott, Relations Manager for the team sponsor, says: "We have been meeting with Lara's representatives and I can tell you that no contractual problems are going to bar him from playing in Australia and that once selected Lara will definitely take the field.

The Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reports that a prominent Barbados attorney has issued a stern warning to the WICB ahead of Cricket World Cup 2007. Appearing on the Best & Mason radio show, Dr Richard Cheltenham declared that adequate systems be implemented, whereby all monies are accounted for, to avoid a major scandal.

Cheltenham also spoke on the recent resignation of Rawle Brancker and a number of other directors from the CWC committee. He says rather than walking away, Brancker was "pushed out."

Other news from CBC is that Courtney Browne has been confirmed as captain of Barbados for the 2005 regional one-day series and 2005/06 Carib Beer tournaments. The full squad for the limited overs competition is due to be announced Thursday.

The Bermuda Sun reports that Gus Logie has signed on as Bermuda national cricket coach until 2009. Bermuda Cricket Board President Reggie Pearman and national team captain Clay Smith praised the announcement, both saying that Logie is a valuable asset and has already instituted significant progress in his short time at the helm.

The Leeward Islands Cricket Association has named its squads for the 2005 President?s Cup and 2005/05 Carib Beer tournaments. The Antigua Sun reports that Sylvester Joseph has been appointed captain for both the limited overs and first class competitions. The squads include West Indies senior players Runako Morton, Omari Banks and Kerry Jeremy and eight new faces.

Also in the paper is news of a joint venture between the West Indian Oil Company and the Environment Division which will see a nursery grow 20,000 trees for planting throughout Antigua and Barbuda. The program is part of a bigger plan to beautify the islands for Cricket World Cup 2007.

Cricinfo carries news that Desmond Haynes will join Sir Garfield Sobers and Courtney Walsh on the advisory committee established by WICB boss Ken Gordon to help the West Indies win the 2007 World Cup.

Tony Best, writing in the Barbados Nation, has interviewed Baldwin Spencer, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda. Spencer spoke of being excited about hosting the 2007 World Cup but also concerned about the game's administration.

Spencer blames both the WICB and the players for the current impasse and implores both sides to take stock of the situation and seriously set their minds to resolving it. He also advises that Caricom intends to put in place a mechanism that will assist the WICB with dispute resolution.

Joel Garner turned out yesterday to represent the Barbados Cricket Association in a 25-overs-a-side match against a Barbados Cricket League team. Garner's BCA team picked up the President's Trophy title for the second consecutive year. The match was held at the UWI's 3 W's Oval, Cave Hill as part of Senior Citizens Month celebrations.

In the Barbados Advocate, Dorian Bryan reports that Barbadians have shown significant interest in becoming involved with the World Cup through the ICC Licensing and Merchandising Program.

More than 200 registrations have been received by World Cup Barbados, the local organising committee, from parties interested in becoming official merchandise suppliers.

Guyana?s Stabroek News carries details of the most recent El Dorado Inter-County championship match. Berbice obliterated Essequibo by 108 runs.

Berbice will face Demerara in the competition final this Sunday at Skeldon.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 has issued a media release announcing that St Lucia?s local organising committee will host a transportation workshop today and tomorrow.

Game Day Management Group, whose resume boasts the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2002 Winter Olympics and several Super Bowls will facilitate sessions during the workshop. Discussion topics are set to include scheduling, traffic routes, venue transport operations and constituent system operations and attendees will visit key World Cup facilities including Beausejour Stadium, major hotels and the airport.