00:00I know that some of you may be concerned about my recent appointment to Cabinet and what it may mean for my continued service as President of Cricket West Indies.
00:09Let me be upfront and transparent with you, as I've always been.
00:13Admittedly, I have thought long and hard about this.
00:17My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion.
00:25It is for this reason that I will conclude my current term, but with the intention not to seek re-election.
00:33It's a decision that has created much discussion and discontent in Wesley's cricket circles, despite the CWI President calling for unity.
00:41However, concerns of government and politicians becoming too intrusive in the game and conflicts of interest are just two areas some have highlighted.
00:48And the President addressed those citing that others internationally and regionally have served dual roles before.
00:55It is true that my appointment as a minister, while simultaneously serving as President of Cricket West Indies, may seem slightly uncommon in our region, even though it has happened in other sports before.
01:08However, it is not unusual within the global cricket community, where several of my colleagues at the International Cricket Council currently serve, or have served, as ministers and members of parliament.
01:20Unlike Dr. Shallow, his successors Ricky Skirret, Ken Gordon and Julian Hunt were not active in political life while serving as Presidents of West Indies Cricket.
01:29The other obvious question is whether he can effectively manage both roles as he addressed that as well.
01:35The Presidency of Cricket West Indies is not a salaried role. In other words, it is not a job. It is not a traditional 9-to-5 position, nor is it based at our headquarters in Antigua.
01:48We are fortunate to have an experienced CEO in Chris Derring, who oversees the organization's daily operation.
01:56West Indies Cricket has never been a one-man operation, and it should never be. It is a shared responsibility.
02:03His final term as President ends in 2028, and he explained how he will see all the remainder of his presidency while addressing the detractors.
02:11I will use the remainder of the term to complete the reforms we began, and to support the development and implementation of our strategic plan until 2027.
02:22And finally, I urge all of us not to be drawn into the voices of a small few who may seek to create division at a time when unity is essential.
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