A stitch in time
Some years ago, a candidate for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) presidency was eventually withdrawn after concerns were raised about his eligibility, given the ICC’s anti-corruption code.
Chetram Singh had been nominated, but given his connection with a betting firm, was seen as one of those persons who would be banned from entering players' dressing rooms and so on, under the ICC rules.
Another election is due shortly, and another nominee's candidacy, this time for the position of vice-president, is being questioned. Dave Cameron’s eligibility should be challenged by the same WICB who nominated him, under paragraph 90 of its Articles of Association which reads:
If the WICB is prepared to heed the countless reports it has commissioned, it would at least seriously consider the finding of the Lucky committee in its report as follows:"The President and the Vice-President respectively need not be a member of a Territorial Board or a representative of a Member, but each shall be an individual who, in the opinion of the Full Members (other than the President and the Vice-President, as the case may be) has shown an active interest in West Indies cricket and is in their opinion a fit and proper individual to hold the office of President or Vice-President as the case may be."
"The WICB new sponsorship agreement between Digicel and the WICB was signed on 5th July 2004. It was reported in the press; that within months of the signing of this agreement; Digicel financed the renovation of the Kensington Cricket Club. The Committee during its interview of Mr. Cameron on 15th July 2005 examined his role in this matter. Mr. Cameron verified that he was President of the Kingston Cricket Club and that Digicel did in fact finance the renovation of the Ground of the Kingston Club.I cite it so lengthily to give readers and WICB members a chance to refresh their minds on the issue before acting. Trustworthiness has to be an important characteristic in any electoral process, private or otherwise. Even if you argue that the WICB is a private organisation, there are compelling reasons to insist on integrity and principles. The WICB is already reeling from a torrent of public airings of its sins, not least those surrounding truth, subterfuge and chicanery. It cannot build or rebuild anything under that shadow.
“In light of his role in the negotiations of the new sponsorship agreement, the committee felt that there were legitimate concerns which required examination. In our view Mr. Cameron’s approach to Digicel was ill advised because it could be reasonably perceived as a conflict of interest. The financing of the Club renovation was bound to raise the question of inducements, and or improper payments; particularly in the charged atmosphere during and after the negotiations of the new sponsorship agreement. The short space of time, which elapsed between the signing of the sponsorship agreement and the financing of the Club has raised a legitimate concern in our view.
“It should be noted that Mr. Cameron stated that several potential sponsors were approached to finance the Kensington Cricket Club renovation, including C &W, but no other sponsor was willing to assist.
“We are of the view however, that the decision of Mr. Dave Cameron to engage Digicel to finance the Kensington Cricket Club renovation was ill conceived and has cultivated suspicion with respect to improper inducements.”
Already one senses that the specifics of Cameron’s actions are no big deal, as Digicel rushed to have its contract extended before the annual general meeting, just in case the new president leans towards other options.
But it’s not too late to act now, for the future.