Campbell

On the heels of Brian Breese tendering his resignation as Cricket Operations Officer (COO) at the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), rumours have surfaced about a major shake-up.

According to the innuendos, persons in the JCA who supported Walsh, as opposed to the successful Paul Campbell at its recent polls, may come under pressure to vacate their positions.

However, when contacted by The Gleaner yesterday, Campbell denied such a move, but noted that restructuring will be taking place.

Campbell pointed out that this is no surprise because it was communicated in his election manifesto.

"All departments will be affected in the restructuring exercise," explained Campbell. "We will now redefine the functions of each department and create the objective for those departments. This is in sync with our objectives and to ensure the resources are in place."

When asked about rumours that Walsh's backers were not included in his restructuring plans, Campbell responded: "I don't know what that means at all ... I can't response to rumours."

Campbell said there are always constant changes at the JCA, especially since he joined the board, first as a director in 2001.

Uncertain future

Since October, when he won the ballot by three votes, many of the Walsh backers, The Gleaner has learnt, have been uncertain about their future in the JCA.

At least two key JCA positions have been filled recently - Jimmy Adams as technical director and former national player, Derron Dixon, a noted Campbell backer, as manager of Jamaica's senior team.

Meanwhile Breese, who tendered his resignation on December 23, will officially end his tenure today as both parties have agreed to waive the three-month notice stated under the terms of his contract.

Courtney Francis, who served as assistant COO, will now act in the position for "a period of two months", stated Campbell.

This, he said, "will allow completion of the restructuring exercise".

Campbell further explained that the cricket operations department previously headed by Breese, which had responsibilities for development, technical and operational issues, has now been shared with the creation of the development and technical unit headed by Adams.

The administrative department, which involves finance, will also be assessed for possible changes.

Asked if staff cuts are on the cards, Campbell was very clear.

"We can confirm that, no. "I think that's one of the approaches we are taking. We are protecting our employees," he said, noting that the JCA is committed to that stance, even if some people will have to be reassigned.

Quizzed further if he can guarantee that all jobs will be saved at the JCA, he then said: "You have to be careful how you put it because there is an evaluation process (going on).

"... And if someone is not, in terms of the process, doesn't meet the criteria and the standard, then you might find a person not being re-hired."

The changes are to be com-pleted by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

"It's important to get that out of the way so people understand fully their roles and responsibilities," he said "with a view to deliver on those (responsibilities)."

The Gleaner has also learnt that a few staff members are disgruntled about not receiving a Christmas bonus, while others were rewarded.

Campbell slammed that claim for six, though, saying it's "absolutely unfounded".

"There was no bonus paid to any staff this year. It was a board decision ... it (decision) was more of protecting people's jobs against paying incentives at this time, while taking the economic situation into consideration."