STEPHEN CAMACHO, former Guyana and West Indies opening batsman has been nominated by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) for the post of president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).
This was confirmed by GCB’s president, Chetram Singh, who stated that Camacho has gained the unanimous support of the local board.
Invitations for nominations for the post of WICB president have been sent to each territorial board. To be eligible for election, a candidate must be nominated in writing by two territorial boards and nominations received by the WICB secretariat no later than August 31.
Singh stated that the GCB is in contact with several other territorial boards in an effort to get a seconder, and a positive response is expected during this week.
The 58-year-old Camacho who was born in Georgetown, Demerara, will come up against Barbadian E.H.C. ‘Teddy’ Griffith who was nominated by the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA).
Griffith gained the nod ahead of BCAs president Tony Marshall in a poll of board members 8-3.
And according to reliable sources, Camacho is expected to get the support of the Jamaica Cricket Association, and the Leewards and Windwards territorial boards.
The post of president became vacant when Rev. Wes Hall, former West Indies fast-bowling great of the 1960s, relinquished the top office after two years because of ill health.
At the last annual general meeting of the WICB in Dominica in July, former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies all-rounder Willie Rodriguez and Singh, withdrew their nominations for varying reasons.
Camacho, who retired as the WICB chief executive in 2000, comes from a solid cricketing background (his grandfather, GC Learmond, played first class cricket for Barbados and Trinidad). He played 11 Tests for the West Indies, but never really established his place on the side, despite topping the batting averages on the 1969 England tour.
A poor series against India in 1970 - 71, signalled the end of his Test career.
After retirement in 1979, Camacho embarked on a long and distinguished career serving West Indies cricket, first as a selector then secretary and later as chief executive.
Last week it was reported that former West Indies vice-captain and wicketkeeper, Deryck Murray, has also indicated an interest for the presidential position.
WICB vice-president Val Banks is running the affairs of the board until a president is elected.