The Jamaica Cricketassociation (JCA) is expected to resume its role as mediator in the ongoing dispute between batsman Chris Gayle and regional governing body the WICB, talks could resume before the end of the month.

The talks were expected to take place as early as last year, but failed to take place due to a misunderstanding on the part of the parties concerned. However, according to JCA secretary Fritz Harris those issues have now been sorted out, and the way is now clear for the process to resume.

"As expressed first when we proposed the idea, we believe that mediation can go a long way in finding a solution to the problems affecting both parties," said Harris.

"We are therefore happy that everything now seems to be in place for the meeting to go ahead in short order, and the hope is that it will take place before the end of the month," he declared.

Harris, who said the decision was reached at the WICB meeting held in St Lucia last weekend, was not specific as to the parties expected to sit at the negotiation table.

JCA President Lyndel Wright, however, in a recent interview on the radio said that WICB Disciplinary Committee chairman and International Cricket Council Code of Conduct Commission member, Justice Adrian Saunders, is among those being considered to chair the meeting. It is also expected that former prime minister PJ Patterson will be among those present.

Gayle and the WICB have been at loggerheads since last April when, during a local radio interview, he criticised members of the WICB and West Indies coaching staff.

Gayle