Deandra Dottin ... first woman to score a century in Twenty20 internationals. - file

Jamaica and West Indies world-rated batsman, 19-year-old Stafanie Taylor, is still smiling from ear to ear after receiving news yesterday that she, slong with five other Caribbean female cricketers, has been awarded a central retainer contract by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

Taylor, who like other members of the team was paid based on appearances prior to yesterday, described the new move as a "welcome initiative".

This is the first time female players have been centrally contracted by the WICB.

"I got the call this morning saying that the board has approved us getting a retainer contract. When I heard, I said, 'That's great', as I personally was really looking forward to it, given the fact that I am studying," said Taylor, who made her debut for the West Indies at age 17.

Taylor, who is now regarded as the number one batsman in region, added:

"It's a few players who will get contracts, but for those who will get, it is good, as we are now in a position where we can say we are making something, and when we are not playing, for whatever reason, we still have something to look forward to.

"A number of players have families; however, due to cricket commitments are not working, so it is something all of us are happy about," she added.

The contracts, which will run from October 2010 to September 2011, will see Taylor and Barbadian Deandra Dottin receiving 'A' contracts while the other four will get 'B' contracts. Taylor is rated at number four in the world in batting, third as an all-rounder, and 13th as a bowler in one-day internationals. Dottin, in May, scored the first women's Twenty20 international century, 112 not out against South Africa at Warner Park in St Kitts. She reached her century in 38 balls, the fastest by any batsman, man or woman, in a Twenty20 international.

Captain Merissa Aguilleira, outstanding spinner Anisa Mohammed and all-rounder Stacy Ann King, all of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaican all-rounder Shanel Daley are the players who have been put on 'B' contracts. Daley is the daugher of former Jamaica medium pacer Aaron Daley. The WICB has not disclosed the value of the contracts.

"A lot of persons out there were saying that we deserved to be on contracts, as we have being representing the West Indies well, and the contracts should only serve as added motivation for us to continue to do well," said Taylor.

"I know the amount is a lot different from the males, but at least it's a start and hopefully from here will only get better."

The West Indies made it to the semi-finals of the ICC Women's Twenty20 World Cup in May, and won a the ICC World Challenge in South Africa in October.