CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC):

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) says it "categorically denies" funding work at the St Lucia office of its president Julian Hunte.

Media reports earlier this month had suggested impropriety over allocation of funds for the president's office, but the WICB refuted those reports in a press release last Saturday.

"The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) categorically denies that it has spent any money on renovations or repairs to premises occupied by its president, the Hon Dr Julian R. Hunte," the release stated.

The WICB declared in the press release that it is handling rental costs for the president's St Lucia office, which is a normal practice.

"WICB acknowledges that it is renting an office in St Lucia for use by its president, in keeping with a now-established tradition of maintaining an office in the place of residence of the board's president."

Major shareholder

"The premises being rented by the WICB in St Lucia are owned by West Indies General Insurance Company limited - a company in which the Hon Dr Julian Hunte is a major shareholder," the release stated.

Hunte had publicly refuted the allegations of impropriety previously and a WICB last meeting Thursday and Friday supported his stance on the matter.

The WICB also expressed disappointment over the damage that the reports of impropriety would have caused the board and its president.

"The WICB is an 80-year-old regional institution that operates in the international community and asserts its commitment to ensure that the affairs and conduct of the members of the Board of Directors and its officers are held to the highest standards.

Express regret

"The Board also wishes to express its regret for any damage that may have been done to the reputation of the Hon Dr Julian R. Hunte and his family because of the unfounded allegations made against him in the press in recent times," the release stated.The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) says it "categorically denies" funding work at the St Lucia office of its president Julian Hunte.

Media reports earlier this month had suggested impropriety over allocation of funds for the president's office but the WICB refuted those reports in a press release on Saturday.

"The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) categorically denies that it has spent any money on renovations or repairs to premises occupied by its President, the Hon Dr Julian R. Hunte," the release stated.

Normal practice

The WICB declared in the press release that it is handling rental costs for the president's St Lucia office, which is a normal practice.

"WICB acknowledges that it is renting an office in St Lucia for use by its President, in keeping with a now established tradition of maintaining an office in the place of residence of the Board's President."