THE EDITOR, Sir:
ALLOW ME to state some of my concerns regarding the state of West Indies cricket and the role of the media and big business.
Cricket is definitely in a slump and it seems like the administrators of West Indian cricket have long run out of ideas. I want to believe that they are doing their part but the success of our cricket has to become the responsibility of the entire region at all levels.
It is critical that big business and the media come together and advertise the beautiful game of cricket. Football is doing it. Football is now being advertised as my game, and the vital activity of life. From my perspective, the media in the West Indies has been found sadly wanting in terms of promoting cricket in a positive manner.
Take for example, the issue of Brian Lara especially in Jamaica where a host of Lara-bashers reside. Brian is one of the very few present-day cricketers who are regarded as superstars, yet in Jamaica where I now resides, I am able to access more articles and radio programmes about Brian when he gets himself in trouble off the field, as opposed to when he performs superbly. I am still to see on local television, even one of those wonderful innings which he played on the recent tour to Sri Lanka.
Superstars are human beings. Not all of them are consummate gentlemen like the great Courtney Walsh. As long as we live on this side of heaven, we will have to live with the imperfections of human beings.
In the meanwhile, we have our beautiful game of cricket to rescue. The media must learn to use stars like Brian to promote the cause of cricket instead of importing retired Australian cricketers to decide whether he is great or not. This does not mean that I am endorsing the excesses of Brian or any other superstar.
I think that it is time for the media to get their act together. There is more to your role than just being critics. You have a strategic role to play in the saving of West Indian cricket. May I suggest that you join forces with the business community and get creative.
I would also like to know why we need to bring in people like Bobby Simpson to work with our youths while other countries are begging for folks like Clive Lloyd to come and teach their children how to play cricket. I hope that somebody out there can give me a good answer. I wish the West Indian cricket fraternity the best for this year and my prayers are with you.
I am etc.,
Rev. WESLEY BOYNES
boynes@anngel.com.jm
Elatham
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