Director of Sports on Nevis, Jamir Claxton, is fuming over the fact that the Nevis under 17 players did not get a chance to participate in the recent Leeward Islands under 17 tournament, held in Montserrat.
In a communique released on Wednesday 27th June, Claxton categorically denounced those responsible for the debacle.
His communique reads:
“To Whom it may concern
It pains me this morning to express my disappointment that the U17 players from Nevis didn’t get an opportunity to audition for the Leeward Islands U17 team that will participate in the regional tournament shortly. My issue with this matter is that it was no fault of theirs, and they have been dealt an unfair hand from which there can be psychological and emotional consequences.
If the players were left out because of disciplinary reasons or failure to perform when given the opportunity, I would not be here writing this email as we speak. Unfortunately, their absence is a result of administrators failing to take all conditions and variables into consideration, when planning the tournament, and major miscommunication between the territorial board and the local associations has left our players behind the eight ball.
It is no secret to anyone, that May and June are designated exam months in the Caribbean, and while efforts were made to facilitate participation around these dates, at the end of the day, decisions should made in the best interest of the participants which in this case are the young cricketers.
It is my opinion that the West Indies have an abundance of natural talent spread across the region at youth level currently, and the future looks bright for our cricket, but future success will only be achieved and sustained if we focus on the holistic development of our young players. Education is a key component in achieving this goal, and that is why I am disappointed because taking a decision to have the players sit their exams have cost them an opportunity to play in the regional tournament.
I am hoping that the West Indies Cricket Board, Leeward island Cricket Board and local Cricket Associations, take a serious review of this matter and that the approach in the future is a more accommodating one.
As the Director of Sports in Nevis, I have a keen interest in our young cricketers and their development and I am indignant that they have been robbed of an opportunity, and I urge the LICB to reconsider and give our players an opportunity to try out for the team.
I would also hope that this email is not considered divisive by anyone, but rather me standing up and representing the players from Nevis.
I’m an advocate for youth and youth development through sports, and thus I have shared my feelings on this matter with the hope that someone listens and make the correct call. The umpire (LICB) shouldn’t give our players out without them facing a single ball.
Regards,
Jamir Claxton
BSc Sports Administration & Fitness Management
Director of Sports in the Ministry of Sports, Nevis”