Barbados: Cricket Association President to be elected (22 Jul 1998)

22 July 1998

Cricket Association President Goes Into Election Unopposed

by Philip Spooner

He will be in the hot seat this evening, but president of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Tony Marshall may well emerge smiling.

As the 64th annual general meeting of the BCA is scheduled for Sherbourne Centre at 5 p.m., it appears Marshall will regain the post to run the islands leading sport without a challenge.

He was first elected president in 1996 when he triumphed over Cammie Smith. Last year, he won handsomely over Basil Matthews.

Up to Press time yesterday, none of the more than 1 600 members had stepped up to run against the retired banker for what is perceived to be the hottest seat in local cricket and, indeed, local sport.

If Marshall regains the top job, he might, however, spend the next term without four members of the present administration.

Sources revealed yesterday that treasurer Vernon Williams, second vice-president Charlie Griffith, third vice-president Stephen Alleyne, and board member Philip Nicholls would not be seeking re-election.

Williams confirmed to NATIONSPORT that he was stepping down, saying: I am not standing for re-election. I am not happy with the runnings of the BCA, and I have a professional image to protect.

When contacted at his St. Michael office, Alleyne, a Premier League batsman for ICB Empire, would not confirm whether he would enter the race, while Griffith, the former West Indies fast bowler and Empire president, said he had nothing to say. Im mum on BCA issues.

Efforts to contact Nicholls, an attorney and former Division 1 umpire, were unsuccessful.

One post which is up for grabs and has generated some attention is that of first vice-president.

The incumbent, Jeff Broomes, is being challenged by first-timer Keith Simmons.

When contacted yesterday, Broomes, a former Young Barbados team manager, said he was shocked to learn of Simmons bid.

I only heard of it when I picked up the NATION on Tuesday, he said. I dont mind the challenge ... everyone has the right to run for office.

Broomes surprise came from the fact that he worked closely with Simmons, a former minister of justice, on the Combined Schools North committee and was not expecting such a challenge.

Source :: The Barbados Nation (https://www.nationnews.com/)