Fire on the horizon

PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven is expected to face a tough challenge at next year’s election from his first vice-president, Dr Donovan Bennett.

Bennett, speaking with RADIO JAMAICA, said, over the years, while he was content with his role in the process to date, cricket has reached a point in Jamaica where a change is needed.

“I was always comfortable just being part of the process but the calls are loud and Jamaica’s cricket has degenerated to the point where it’s going to take a major effort to bring it back,” said Bennett.

Heaven, who has been at the helm of the JCA for the last four terms, was expected to demit office on what would have been a fifth term, but according to Bennett an about-turn has shocked him.

“It has shocked me, yes, because we had a conversation many months ago and he indicated at that time that he wasn’t going back and he asked if I wanted to take over. Then all of a sudden he went and announced his candidacy. It’s not about Jamaica’s cricket anymore, it’s all about getting back at Cricket West Indies to challenge the current president,” said Bennett.

Mark Neita, president of Melbourne Cricket Club, thinks Bennett’s story is believable because he has had the same experience. This time around, though, Neita is of the opinion that Heaven may have overstayed his welcome.

“This isn’t surprising at all because President Heaven did me the same thing as he told me that his third term would’ve been his last term and then he would support me, of course that didn’t happen. There is no way back for him, I think we’re all fed up. He got very little support from the clubs in Kingston as his power base was really out west. Now, that powerbase is controlled by Dr Bennett who in reality brought the votes to President Heaven, and once that is removed, he has absolutely no chance,” said Neita.

However, Dr Bennett isn’t getting ahead of himself despite the very vocal support that seems to be in his corner.

“Overwhelming vocal support but I don’t know how that will translate on the day as they’re a few people who you can’t trust,” said Bennett.

The election was due in November but can constitutionally be delayed for up to six months if all requirements are not fulfilled.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com