Big plans for Lawrence Maxwell benefit

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) unveiled plans for the Lawrence Maxwell benefit year yesterday.

Jeff Broomes, chairman of the BCA's Benefit Year Committee, told a Press conference, held at its Kensington Oval headquarters, that the association had organised a mix of activities culminating with a night cricket match in November to raise funds for the Lawrence Maxwell benefit.

Broomes said Maxwell was chosen this year because of the contribution the former Police player had made to the development of cricket inBarbados.

He noted that Maxwell had represented Barbados with distinction, not only as a player, but "as a captain and manager as well".

Broomes added that even when Maxwell had retired from the game as a player, he still continued to serve Barbados' cricket in other capacities.

The chairman disagreed with those who might have been suggesting the BCA should honour more than one player per year.

"I do not support the idea, being mooted in some quarters, that we should honour more than one cricketer per year. I think this would tend to water down the effort," Broomes said.

He disclosed the BCA had established a particular set of criteria to be used when selecting the cricketer to be honoured in a particular year.

He said board members were required to submit the names of people who, in their opinion, should be honoured in a particular year, after which discussions were held on thesubmitted names and a candidate selected.

The chairman noted Maxwell would be the third player to have a benefit year since it was inaugurated by the BCA three years ago.

Winston Reid was the first in 2001 and he received just over $35 000, while George Linton benefited to the tune of over$70 000 last year.

Broomes pointed out that Reid's benefit did not "run for an entire year".

Hartley Reid, president of the Barbados Police Association, said the Police Force in general and the Police Association in particular were extremely pleased by the BCA'sdecision to honour Maxwell this year.

He said his association was proud to be associated with the honour and it would do everything "inits power to make itsuccessful".

He urged all concerned to give 100 per cent to the effort to ensure its success.

Maxwell, who admitted being surprised to be chosen for this year's benefit, said: "I am deeply honoured but humbled at being selected."

He encouraged his fans and supporters to come out and support the benefit year.