Hall's way for fame

A man with an impressive portfolio has unveiled an impressive vision for West Indies' cricket.

Reverend Wes Hall was officially elected as the new West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president yesterday and immediately outlined some of his objectives geared in our quest to return to the pinnacle of world cricket.

Among them was the need to: lead a process of reconciliation and dialogue; restore the excellent performance levels to which we were once accustomed to; place great emphasis on developing the product; return the game to the people.

Hall's elevation to the top post in West Indies' cricket marked another achievement in an outstanding career in which he was a former West Indies fast bowler, team manager and chief selector.

It is 32 years since I concluded my Test career, but today (yesterday) I begin another innings in my cricket life and I am truly just as excited and invigorated about this role as I was about the privilege of been given the new ball, Hall told a news conference at the Savannah Hotel that was aired live on regional radio stations.

This one is definitely harder but I have the assurance that, in this innings, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, added Hall, an ordained Pentecostal pastor.

Hall said there were many objectives and goals which we must strive to achieve in West Indies' cricket, but confined his remarks to four of them.

On the issue of reconciliation and dialogue, he plans to telephone former WICB president Pat Rousseau and vice-president Clarvis Joseph to thank them for their contribution to West Indies' cricket and to get input of some of their plans for the game.

The new WICB boss also said it was important to restore a cricketfriendly climate, involving all stakeholders, especially ex-players.

Also at the heart of his speech was the view that those involved in the operations of West Indies' cricket must always be accountable to West Indian people.

Hall, a former Minister of the Sports in Barbados, was a professional cricketer and coach in England, Australia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Wales and throughout the Caribbean.

The 63-year-old, who also has wide business experience particularly in public relations and human resource management, is currently director of corporate relations, Sandals Resorts International.

As president of the WICB, I am the people's servant and I will serve each and every member country of our organisation with equal vigour and consideration, Hall said.

We may have member nations of differing sizes and populations but none must be allowed to feel it is better or more important than the others.

Hall and new WICB vice-president Val Banks were elected to their posts following the resignation of Rousseau and Joseph early last month.