President of the St Elizabeth Cricket Association Darren Powell - file

Darren Powell, president of the St Elizabeth Cricket Association, says his organisation will be supporting the candidacy of business executive William "Billy" Heaven for the post of president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA).

The position, which is one of several up for re-election at the JCA's upcoming annual general meeting, will see Heaven, CEO of the national CHASE Fund, going up against incumbent vice-president, Milton Henry.

Incumbent president Lyndel "Muddy" Wright, who served a solitary two-year term, has decided not to seek re-election.

"One has to look at what the whole situation is as it relates to how cricket is being run in the country, and where we want it to go," said Powell.

"Everytime we have gone to the polls in recent years to elect a new president, we are told of promises as it relates to changing the fortunes of the game.

"However, at the end of the day, nothing is forthcoming. This is not good for the game, and as a result, it is affecting the upward mobility of the sport.

struggling

He continued: "How can you have an institution with so many successes on the field, in terms of winning teams and players, and you are struggling to attract sponsors and investors?

"It is for these very reasons why the St Elizabeth CA is supporting Billy Heaven.

"The JCA needs someone who can organise, who is accountable, and who can get people to act in the best interest of cricket.

"Heaven is not originally a cricket man. But ... if a man of administrative track record wants to contribute, I believe it is an advantage for the sport.

in favour

Powell, who was elected president of St Elizabeth CA last year, and is midway his first term in office, also gave reasons his association is not in favour of Henry's candidacy.

"One has to look at who he (Heaven) is going up against," he said.

"(In Henry) you have a person who has been around cricket for quite a while now, from the club level, to national team manager, to the JCA board, and now a vice-president.

"During this tenure ... it could be argued that little or not much has really been achieved, and I believe that if he is elected, we would get the same results."

Powell, whose association's member, incumbent second vice-president, Donovan Bennett, is expected to be a part of Heaven's six-member executive, also said he is looking forward to other parish affiliate associates to cast their ballots in favour of Heaven.

These include co-opted board member Clayton Spencer, and associate members, national senior team coach Junior Bennett, and national Under-15 team manager Richard Walters.

The JCA annual general meeting and election officers is set for November 28.

Billy Heaven