Cricket body looks to revive the sport in Cayman
Members of the Cayman Cricket board (L-R): Abali Hoilett, Ricardo Roach, Sheila Rankine, Hector Robinson, Robert Cox, Bruce Jalim, Dave Holness and Jalon Linton, along with Technical Director Theo Cuffy (Absent – Ricky Sealy)
(CNS): Cayman Cricket, the rebranded and incorporated non-profit company which replaced the Cayman Islands Cricket Association as the sport’s governing body hit the refresh button at its annual general meeting (AGM) last month. Abali Hoilett, who completed his first year as president, was re-elected to chair the board of directors.
In addition, Robert Cox and Secretary Rankine were again voted treasurer and secretary, respectively. Joining them on the board were former long-serving executive member Hector Robinson who, after a four-year break, was elected vice president; and new members Ricky Sealy, Jalon Linton, Dave Holness, Ricardo Roach and Ramdeo “Bruce” Jalim.
The AGM and board elections were another in a series of recent events that have signalled renewed interest in reviving cricket in the Cayman Islands. They followed the well-attended awards ceremony in November, which featured West Indies Cricket Board President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron as special guest speaker.
Speaking at the AGM, Hoilett pointed to the significant challenges that face the sport in Cayman, including the disappointing international performances of the national senior men’s team, reduced participation in the sport at the youth level, and the dramatic reduction in funding for Cayman Cricket from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
He highlighted youth development, increased fund raising, better communication and greater accountability as keys to revitalising cricket. Coming on the back of a public forum held before the AGM, Hoilett announced a five-year youth-development programme, the key features of which are improved organisation, increased coaching support and better communication with the schools and parents. He said the aim is to stimulate increased participation by both girls and boys at all age levels that, ultimately, will provide the impetus for improved senior performances and the increased ICC funding which usually follows.
Technical Director Theo Cuffy, who is an unelected member of the board, will retire the end of June after serving Cayman Cricket for 20 years. The board will be announcing plans to recognise Cuffy’s significant contribution to the development of cricket in the Cayman Islands.
