THE EDITOR, Sir:
No matter how things are not going well 'a yard,' there is always a Jamaican being recognised for performing at the highest level internationally in his or her field of endeavour.
In the world of cricket umpiring Steve Bucknor, a Jamaican and a West Indian cricket umpire, has been carrying the Jamaican flag high and proudly for many years. Steve has earned the respect of umpires, players and supporters of the game worldwide. Steve has been sought after by many cricket nations to give lectures, demonstrations to improve the officiating skills of their umpires. His opinion is often regarded as the final authority on umpiring matters. He has umpired matches in the most extreme weather conditions from the coldest to the hottest in which cricket is played, and before some of the largest crowds to watch cricket matches. He has officiated at cricket grounds of varying sizes from the smallest to the largest. Steve Bucknor is regarded by many knowledgeable cricket enthusiasts as the top umpire in the world. Recently he set a world record for umpiring appearances. This is a very high level of recognition.
Cricket umpiring demands a high level of concentration for long periods. Steve has always aspired to a high level of physical fitness and attributes his success as a cricket umpire to his fit physical condition.
I am proud of Bucknor for his achievement and think very highly of him. That he continues to be a member of the elite panel of umpires for many years is one of my numerous wishes for him and that he will establish a record for umpiring appearances that will stand for decades. I hope that he will be around for a long time to inspire Jamaican, West Indian sportsmen and other sportsmen worldwide. Steve, I am happy for you. Congratulations and ride on. You are a source of inspiration to many.
I am, etc.,
V.L. RODGERS
Gregory Park
St. Catherine
