Heaven retains JCA presidency

Prominent business executive, Wilford 'Billy' Heaven, has been re-elected as president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA).

The CHASE Fund chief executive officer will head the association for a second two-year term, after turning back the challenge of incumbent secretary, Fritz Harris, 52 to 47, during the association's annual general meeting at the Jamaica Conference Centre yesterday.

"It feels good to be returned as president, as over the past two years, the JCA has made several strides," said Heaven.

"It is a good victory for cricket, I believe, as the association is moving in the right direction generally, and the hope is that over the next term things will get even better."

Harris, who prior to the election had served as secretary for the past two years, expressed disappointment at the result, but, in the meantime, congratulated Heaven.

HARRIS DISAPPOINTED

"I am naturally disappointed with the result, but it's a membership association with the right to elect the president, and I have to respect that," Harris said. "I must also commend the president on retaining his position."

Heaven, who prior to his ascension to the post two years ago, had promised to serve for two terms, will also have at least six of his seven executive committee nominees to work with.

This is after the they won their respective contests.

These include: Dr Donovan Bennett (first vice-president), Mark Neita (second vice-president), Diann Campbell (honorary secretary, Clinton Clarke (assistant secretary) and Hopeton Morrison (treasurer).

At press time, the seventh executive position, that of assistant treasurer, was undecided.

Kerry Scott, representing Team Heaven, and Errol Moodie, representing Team Harris, were the assistant treasurer nominees.

Heaven, during his campaign, noted that several measures had been instituted during his tenure.

These, he said, included: the enhancement of commitment to transparency and good governance by the filing of the first annual income tax returns in 16 years, the appointment of a chief executive officer, the implementation of lights at Sabina Park, and improvement practice facilities as well as provision of a new gymnasium and wellness centre. He also pointed to the restoration of local women's cricket competition to the cricket calendar.

Harris, in the meanwhile, a director of the JCA for over 15 years, had campaigned on a promise of change for a betterment of the game.