$16m. C&W deal for WI cricket

Telecommunications giant Cable & Wireless and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) last night announced a major three-year agreement for the continuation of the "company's sponsorship of West Indies cricket.

The new US$8.3 million (BDS$16.6 million) deal, which begins next year, ensures the WICB can continue to implement its development initiatives of the past four years to secure the long-term health of the sport in "the Caribbean.

The announcement was made at a Press briefing at Accra Beach Hotel, Rockley, Christ Church.

Cable and Wireless' newly-appointed chief executive officer for the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands, Errald Miller, "said he was pleased to be able to make the announcement.

Strong link

"Like telecommunications, cricket is part of the fabric of life in the West Indies. Our association with the sport has always been strong. I am confident that the new agreement will ensure that our relationship with fans and with the board continues to grow."

WICB president Pat Rousseau said the board had enjoyed a long and healthy relationship with Cable & Wireless and was happy to see it continue.

The conglomerate has been involved in West Indies cricket for the past - 16 years

"The confidence in our team and the loyalty to the people of the region is clearly demonstrated by Cable & Wireless' continuing demonstration of their commitment to the sport of cricket in the Caribbean," Rousseau said.

"Coming at a time when both Cable & Wireless and West Indies cricket are facing serious challenges, I believe the partnership will prove to be even more beneficial for all concerned," he added.

Also at last night's briefing were Trevor Clarke, Cable and Wireless' executive vice-president (Barbados and the Windward Islands), WICB chief executive officer Gregory Shillingford and chief marketing executive Chris Dehring.