Lara named WIPA International Cricketer-of-the-Year
… Haynes wants ‘Operation Fightback’ put in place
Guyana Chronicle
March 19, 2004
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) - West Indies captain Brian Lara was on Wednesday night named the First Citizens Bank West Indies Players Association (WIPA), 2003 FCB International Cricketer-of-the-Year at a Gala function held at Hilton Trinidad.
Barbados and West Indies Test pacer Tino Best captured the award for the First-Class Cricketer-of-the-Year, which was sponsored by Carib Brewery, while Trinidad and Tobago's promising fast bowler Ravi Rampaul copped the Trinidad Cement Limited Youth Cricketer-of-the-Year.
The panel of judges included Sir Vivian Richards, Gordon Greenidge, Joey Carew, Gus Logie, Ian Bishop, Ricky Skerritt and Tony Cozier.
A commemorative award sponsored by KFC in memory of the late Lester ‘Uncle Les’ Armoogam for his dedication and commitment to the overall development of cricketers and the game of cricket, was presented to his wife Jean Armoogam.
A wide cross-section of the regional and international cricketing fraternity attended the colourful ceremony, the first ever WIPA Awards function, including the West Indies and England teams, and members of the West Indies Under-19 team that took part in the recently concluded Youth World Cup in Bangladesh.
Former Barbados and West Indies Test opening batsman Desmond Haynes, who delivered the feature address, told the gathering that speaking about West Indies cricket does not give him the same delight as it used to -- in the eighties and nineties.
Haynes said administrators in West Indies cricket need to put in place ‘Operation Fightback’.
"There are so many things that have gone wrong with our cricket and history will be replete with examples of the misfortunes, the foul-ups and the blunders," Haynes said.
“In fact, the West Indies Cricket Board will probably be seen as taking the majority of the blame. It is no secret that the board has been motionless in updating the structure of cricket in the region to make it more modern, competitive and sustaining," Haynes stated.
He added that the slow development of on and off the field facilities, the non-installation of floodlights at the main grounds, the absence of former stars from the classrooms of the recently established academy are a few of the examples that can be cited to show that the board has not taken the lead to create a more professional environment, and by extension, to empower the young cricketers to continue the successful era of our cricket.
Haynes called on the current West Indies team to forget their excuses and be pro-active enough to take the initiative to do whatever is necessary to correct any technical flaws, and to strengthen their mental resolve and get the job done for the sake of West Indies cricket.
"I want you to ‘Live the Passion’, ‘Answer the Call’ and ‘Get in the Game’, he said using promotion slogans of recent home tours.
Dinanath Ramnarine, President of WIPA, said that some of the initiatives now being undertaken by the players’ association would help to ensure a more consistent, conscientious and successful regional team.
Ramnarine said that WIPA has so far negotiated, and is in the process of finalising both a Collective Agreement and a Retainer Contract System for the players.
“This is an important step in the creation of a supportive environment for the development of professional cricketers. Next year, we plan to initiate a combination library, museum, audio visual facility that will also be online,” Ramnarine stated.
Also addressing the gathering was Sports Minister Roger Boynes and Chief Executive Officer of FCB, Larry Howai.