About Us
As a people we are indeed living in a changing world. Some persons are afraid of changes and for diverse reasons. From the outset changes are affected for better and not for worse, however sometimes the dreams and the aspirations are not achieved, this brings to fore such words as failure, disappointment and grief. Conversely more often than not you hear of joy, success, progress and just reward.
As umpires there has been significant changes in the umpiring landscape, the numbers required for some category of matches have been severely tailored to the point that some umpires felt not motivated, whilst some have experienced financial and status driven reward and are extremely happy.
The truth has always been that changes are intended for good. Umpires need to look at the bright side and remain focused. At all stages not every umpire would have made it to the Elite or ICC Panel or the WICB Regional Panel. This should not in any way be a hindrance; instead an umpire should work hard to reach the top with determination.
Cricket umpiring should not be seen as offering a service for free, it is a business and it has pay days. This therefore should provide the drive, the impetus thus acting as a stimulus for one’s motivation. Notwithstanding however WICUA has a duty to be, if not ahead of the game, at least should be close to it. WICUA ought to provide the leadership necessary to keep hopes and aspirations alive. There are ways that WICUA can forge, which may assist in enhancing the quality of umpiring life. One such way is to organize and work with territories in trying to establish an Umpires Exchange Programme within WICUA. This is actively under consideration for the future.
The First Umpires’ Convention was held in Trinidad between 12th to the 16th June, 1962. The first elected Chairman was Mr. Gerry Gomez, who besides being the first Chairman until 1979, also became the Association’s first President in 1979. His Vice-Chairman was Justice Rudolph Harper, who later became the association’s second President in 1989.
The first convention started with a welcome by his Worship the Mayor of San Fernando, Councillor Leslie Edmunds. The address was made by Mr. J. St. F. Dare, President of the West Indies Cricket Board of Control. At that time, the organization also received a Personal message from the President of the M.C.C.
During that first convention various papers were discussing which including, L.B.W., Drag and Throwing, and Limitation of onside fieldsmen. Sir Donald Bradman also sent a paper to the convention which was read and discussed.
Since that first convention in 1962, the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association continues to hold their Biennial convention every two years in various territories. The most recent one was concluded in St. Lucia on July 23rd, 2011, with the election of a new executive to serve for the period 2011 to 2013.
At the recently concluded Convention in St. Lucia, the Executive Members decided to name well known Sports Journalist and Author – Joseph “Reds” Perriera as the West Indies Umpires Association’s PATRON from 2011 to 2013.
We continue to learn and strive to meet the various challenges in this wonderful sport.