By Adrian Frater, Staff Reporter 
Bucknor
STEVE BUCKNOR who recently became Test cricket's leading umpire returned home on Saturday night to a hero's welcome and promptly declared that he wants to become the first to officiate in 100 matches.
"I think I am well on my way to 100 Test matches and I am definitely working towards it," said the 56-years old Bucknor, who recently broke the record of 66 Test matches, during the recent series between England and India, in England. "I have since done another two Test matches in Sri Lanka so I am on 69 Test matches, which is mere 31 away from the 100 mark."
Bucknor who was greeted on arrival at the Sangster International Airport by members of his family, the sporting fraternity and the Montego Bay municipal authorities said that based on the fact that he was getting an average of 12 Test matches per year he should get to the 100 Test matches milestone within another three years.
"I am still enjoying what I am doing so I think I will be around for a few more years," said Bucknor, who has the enviable distinction of officiating in the most World Cup Cricket matches, inclusive of three finals. "I am only a few matches away from becoming the leading umpire in one-day cricket overall, which will give me all three records in umpiring."
Bucknor, who will be honoured at an exquisite dinner at the Sandals Royal Hotel, in Montego Bay, next Thursday night, is now sharing his duties with the writing of his memoirs, which he is promising will be a 'tell all affair'. Sports Minister, Portia Simpson Miller will be the guest speaker at the dinner.
If the deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Gerald Mitchell has his way, the inspirational Bucknor, who is already the recipient of the national award - OJ, could be in for some additional accolades. According to Councillor Mitchell, he will be lobbying to have the new stadium at Catherine Hall, in Montego Bay named in honour of Mr. Bucknor for his noble achievements.
"Steve (Bucknor) is an inspiration to us all," said Councillor Mitchell, as he spoke at a press conference inside the VIP lounge at the Sangster International Airport. "On behalf of the council (The St. James Parish Council) I definitely will be lobbying to have the Catherine Hall Stadium named in Steve's honour."
Bucknor who has the enviable distinction of being the first man to officiate in both World Cup football and cricket, being a former FIFA referee, started his career as an umpire in 1973. On the way to becoming the world top Test umpires he first eclipsed the West Indies record of 44 Test matches, which was previously held by fellow Jamaican umpire, Douglas Sang-Hue.
While he is the only West Indian umpire currently listed among the 'elite panel' of international umpires, Bucknor thinks umpiring in the Caribbean is in good hands. According to him, he thinks the top four umpires in the West Indies are probably among the very best in the world.
"Because of the creation of the 'elite panel', some of our umpires are not getting a much international exposure as before," said Bucknor, who has the distinction of being the first black man to umpire in post apartheid South Africa. "However, I think they are good enough and in time, you will definitely see more of them moving into the big league."
