WIPA Calls for Transparency, Accountability
(Excerpts of an address delivered by the president and CEO of the West Indies Players’ Association Dinanath Ramnarine at the Fourth Annual Players’ Awards and Dinner Function at the Sherbourne Conference Centre, Barbados on Monday 12th February 2007)At this first ever WIPA ceremony held in Barbados, I want to recognise two icons of West Indies cricket -- the indomitable Sir Everton Weekes and the incomparable Sir Garfield Sobers. These remarkable players and gentlemen epitomize what West Indies cricket is all about -- grace, power, determination, exhilaration and men who helped set the seal on doing it the West Indian way.
Much care will, therefore, have to be exercised to ensure that we continue to build on this solid infrastructure. In this regard, it is incumbent on the chief stakeholders—I refer to the WICB, WIPA, the Governments, sponsors and peoples of the region—to be eternally vigilant regarding the modus operandi of those entrusted with the running and the playing of the game. We need to exercise transparency, accountability and respect in all our dealings.
Governance is an area to which WIPA attaches much importance. We are firmly of the view that if both WICB and WIPA can meet and settle on this issue, many of the problems that have plagued the relationship can be obviated or, at least, minimized. Clearly-defined systems need to be established to ensure proper adherence to the Agreements signed. We look forward to working jointly with the WICB to ensure that these fundamentals are given priority in the management of the game.
I am pleased to inform you that we at WIPA have formed a Committee to look at this matter of governance. We have taken the initiative to invite the WICB to join us in this Committee so that we can work in a very collaborative way to enhance and market effectively the product that is West Indies cricket.
Ladies and Gentlemen, many of the activities in which WIPA has been involved have received the active and generous support of sponsors. Indeed, such patronage over the years by more or less the same sponsors illustrate in our view two irrefutable factors: Firstly, such continuity has provided a solid base and security for WIPA to enable it to provide services to its members and to pursue programmes beneficial to them and West Indies cricket as a whole;
Secondly, there must have been satisfaction by these sponsors with the modus operandi of WIPA that has convinced them to establish and extend their contracts with the players’ association. We are, indeed, thankful to them, and hope that our reputation as a responsible and credible organization, with emphasis on providing services, accountability and transparency will further encourage these sponsors to partner with us for the welfare and interest of players and West Indies cricket.
I would like to make mention of the sponsors. They are First Citizens, b-mobile, Carib, TCL Group of Companies, KFC, TGI Friday, Angostura and the National Lottery Control Board. Our sincere appreciation to you all.
I take this opportunity both to appeal and issue a challenge to Barbados-based and other regionally-based and international companies to join us in the West Indies in our quest to serve West Indies cricket better and our community equally well. I cannot over-emphasize, and you can bear me out on this, how critical it is to have good sponsors for the survival of the game.
This evening as we honour players and teams of 2006, we also take the opportunity to present four (4) Special Awards to past and present players who have achieved significant milestones and/or distinguished themselves both on and off the field. They are Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Garfield Sobers of the past cricketers.
As I said previously, these great cricketers are part of the foundation of West Indies cricket and while at times it may seem as if the youth care nothing of that great heritage, we in WIPA will ensure that as another West Indian hero, Bob Marley, has said “in this great future we can’t forget your past”.
The other two are still active participants. They are Mr. Brian Lara, Captain of the West Indies team, and Mr. Mahendra Nagamotoo, Guyana and former West Indies Player.
Ladies and Gentlemen, in conclusion, I would like to make mention of firstly, the historic signing of the agreements which we are confident would help guide both the WICB and WIPA in their future relationship regarding players’ interest. WIPA also wants to say thanks to another great West Indian cricketer, the “Pace Like Fire” man, Rev. Wes Hall, who when he was President of the WICB, was instrumental in the initiating these agreements.
Thank you Rev. Hall.
I refer to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, Code of Conduct and the Retainer Contract. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the WICB for its efforts to ensure that these agreements were reached after lengthy negotiations. Of course, the litmus test would be the adherence to the agreements and transparency in negotiations;
In the next few weeks will test our mettle as we showcase our countries to the world during Cricket World Cup 2007. Supporters, cynics and detractors would be looking at us critically. Not only is our team on parade; but also every facet of our lives in our Archipelagic and continental region. Barbados has been given the signal honour to host the finals of this prestigious tournament to be watched globally by hundreds of millions of people.
It is therefore a unique tribute to Barbados given its size; but cognizant of its superlative contribution not only to West Indies cricket but also to this noble game wherever it is played.
It is therefore incumbent on each one of us to give our unqualified support to the organizers of Cricket World Cup to ensure that no stone is left unturned to achieve the success we want it to be!
Speaking about the World Cup, it would be remiss of me if I did not thank on behalf of the West Indies Players Association and our players, Sir David Simmons, Chief Justice of Barbados and his colleagues Mr. Elliot Mottley, Q.C. and Dr. Aubrey Armstrong who sat all day yesterday as an Arbitration Panel to address a matter referred to it by WIPA and the Board. These three eminent Caribbean citizens demonstrated commitment to the region and to West Indies cricket and we are all indebted to them.
WIPA agreed that their decision would be accepted by us without reservation. Our cricketers can now look forward to preparing for a successful World Cup2007 without anything on their minds but the task at hand – winning the World Cup! It was also agreed that WIPA and the WICB will be issuing a joint statement on this matter so I will say no more on it at this time.
In closing I would like to thank the panel of judges Mr. Clive Lloyd, Mr. Gordon Greenidge, Mr. Andy Roberts, Mr. Clyde Butts and Mr. Deryck Murray for taking the time to select the winners.