THE IMPASSE that has overtaken West Indies cricket shows no sign of early resolution; and the World Cup 2007 is not that far away. The two sides, the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players Association, appear incapable of resolving the differences that have brought the game to a new low, and which threaten to reduce the interest among supporters, many of whom have already become disenchanted with the poor performances of recent years.
Our position has nothing to do with the current uncertain performances of the West Indies team in Sri Lanka, but with the fundamentals of corporate responsibility.
In revisiting this issue, we believe that bold and decisive action must be taken by the leaders of the board and of the players association, in order to break the deadlock. There have been indications that the handling of some of the fundamental issues involved is being compromised by difficult personal relations. The extent to which these are a factor in the dispute deserves examination elsewhere.
We believe, however, that two resignations must immediately be offered. One is that of Roger Brathwaite, the chief executive of the West Indies Cricket Board. He must bear corporate responsibility for the board's failure to produce the quality product that the consumers are demanding and are required to pay for. He has failed his employers by his inability to engineer an end to the damaging impasse. As such, we question his ability to effectively continue in his position.
The other resignation that must be offered is that of Dinanath Ramnarine, the chief executive officer and president of the West Indies Players Association. He has similarly failed to find a solution to the impasse. He has left those who employ him - the players - unemployed and unable to use their talents at the highest level. His failure has also contributed to the poor quality of the product now on show as the West Indies team, and he also must bear responsibility for the increasing cynicism among the dwindling body of supporters.
We propose these resignations as the most honourable path to a first step away from the persistent intransigence indicated by both chief executives. Their resignations alone will not immediately make for easy resolution of the fundamental and contractual principles that are at the root of the impasse. However, we feel this will allow fresh minds and new thinking, with a more open disposition, to deal with the problems of West Indies cricket.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
