Lennox John ends another innings, but still not out

Long-standing cricket administrator Lennox John spent his last day as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control (WICBC) on December 30, after serving in that capacity from 1997.

The secretariat of the WICBC has shifted to Dominica, after being based at the Arnos Vale Playing Field here in St Vincent during John’s tenure.

John noted that all has worked out in his scheme of things.

He explained that it all came together for him, as he thought it was time for him as well to pack it in.

John said that given his age, “I don’t think I could have gone on any longer either, and the demands of the sport have changed over the years.”

But John still thinks he has some more to offer as immediate past president of the WICBC, which, according to constitutional provisions, requires his contribution.

Reflecting on some of his tenure in the capacities of president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association and the WICBC, as well as CEO, John said that there have been some satisfactory achievements over the years.

“I feel happy that over the last 10 years the Windward Islands have been able to develop some of the best grounds and we had test matches and other matches have been hosted on a regular basis… We do not have to beg for a match anymore,” John commented.

John praised the governments of the four islands for having the confidence in sports, “to make these things happen.”

Touching on several topics, John said that the current effort by the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc (SVGCA) to reduce the number of teams in the top flight of the local competition is a welcomed move.

John said that he was happy that the Kishore Shallow led executive has been able to achieve this, as he found himself being defeated when he made this proposal some 40 years ago.

The former WICBC CEO revealed that he is somewhat concerned with the level of cricket in the Windwards.

Identifying some of the possible reasons, John complained, “The club system in the four islands is not as strong as it ought to be and if the top players from the four islands are available on a regular basis to play in their respective national competitions, then the standard of Windwards cricket would see some improvements.”

However, he possesses some optimism with the development of the grounds in the region and the professionalization of cricket, as being undertaken by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

Although leaving the administrative scene, John lamented that his time in office did not see him witness an elusive feat, which would have topped off his long-standing period of service to Windwards cricket.

“The Windwards winning the four-day regional tournament would have been the highlight for me, both as president and CEO, had that happened; but I have no regrets, I have enjoyed my stint in cricket; I have had opportunities in cricket which I would not have had elsewhere,” John stated.

John has served the SVGCA from 1969 to 2006, as well as the Windward Islands Cricket Board of Control from 1978 to 2005.

He held the post of president of the SVGCA from 1978 to 2005 and was the Windwards Board president from 1991 to 2007.

John also lent his knowledge and expertise to the West Indies Cricket Board from 1983 to 2007.(RT)