Trinidad and Tobago's Sookhoo, Nero elected to WI Cricket Umpires Assoc

Trinidad and Tobago’s Jeewanlal Sookhoo and Peter Nero were elected to the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA) executive at its 30th bi-ennial convention which was held in Cayman Islands from July 1 to 8.

Sookhoo was appointed area four vice-president and Nero, chairman of training and examination.

They, like all executive members, serve a two-year term and will manage the affairs of the association, until the next convention which is proposed for TT in 2025.

Jamaican Vivian Johnson, former honorary secretary for the past 20 years was elected president, replacing Cecil Fletcher.

The other elected officers are Bajan Patrick Grazette (executive vice-president), American Roan McFarlane (area 1one vice-president), Leewards’ Austin Christopher (area two vice-president), Windwards’ Roger Davis (area three vice-president) and Jamaicans Terrence Richards (honorary secretary) and Norman Malcolm (assistant secretary/treasurer).

A special award was presented to TT’s Tony Lalacksingh for over 60 years’ service to WICUA. Guest speaker at the function was the Caymanian Minister of Youth and Sports, Bernie Bush.

The convention brought together umpires from the region including the USA, Canada and Bermuda along with Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, TT and hosts Cayman Islands.

Fletcher and Billy Doctrove, outgoing executive vice-president, were accorded the status of honorary life member of WICUA by the council. Both served the association in those capacities as well as being area vice-presidents for many years.

A statement from new WICUA president Johnson said the convention was a success as delegates, officers and observers made contributions and proposals discussing reports and financial statements.

“Resulting from these discussions and proposals, the WICUA will be strengthened in relation to the formation of a budget committee and to increase the awareness of the website to include other social media entities for broader reach and information dissemination and promotion,” Johnson said.

The new executive also outlined the WICUA’s five-year strategic plan, which encompassed wide-ranging development and ideas to propel the WICUA forward as the principal cricket umpiring body in this hemisphere.

Johnson added, “One of the main features of this year’s convention, was the practical umpiring training carried out by Peter Nero. Extensive videos were shown to demonstrate the interpretation and application of the laws and playing conditions as well as role playing scenarios done by the participants in dealing with the decision review system.”

The convention culminated with the president’s banquet and awards function on Friday. Highlighting the night was the presentation of WICUA certificates by umpires who completed their qualifying exams and are now fully qualified West Indies umpires.