Robinson promises to be good steward for Cayman Cricket

Hector Robinson QC (file photo)

Incoming Cayman Cricket president Hector Robinson QC has outlined his priorities for the year ahead, including continuing to build the development programme, support the national team as it bids for qualification for the next ICC World T20, and providing good governance.

Robinson, who previously served as vice-president, takes up the mantle after being elected to replace outgoing president Abali Hoilett, who stepped down from the role.

The incoming president set out his priorities at the association’s AGM in November.

“Going forward, we will continue to support and grow the development programme. We will also seek to revive the women’s game, with the focus on youth. We are also working on developing a long-term plan for the development of proper cricket facilities,” he said. “We will need to be innovative in terms of how to fund this, and be diplomatic about seeking partnerships and support.”

He added that Cayman Cricket is aiming to have its men’s team be one of the qualifiers from the Americas for the ICC World T20 in Australia in 2020. Cayman battles Bermuda, Canada, and the United States in qualifying next year. “We will do everything we can to provide the resources and support our coaching staff and players will need to make this happen,” Robinson said.

“Finally, I will continue to ensure that we remain focused on the high demands of accountability and good governance that are essential to ensure the future of cricket in Cayman.”

Other executive officers elected at the AGM include Vice President Bruce Jalim, Treasurer Marlon Hoyte, Secretary Ricardo Roach, and board members Wayne Cato, Dr. Varun Chanda, Iranna Baligar and Marc Chin.

Looking back on the past year, the organisation noted 2018 saw great progress at the elite level the Cayman Islands national team secured their place at the 2019 T20 Americas Final. At the grass-roots level, Cayman Cricket was also proud to announce over 4,500 young people participated in their revived youth and academy programmes.

During the AGM, a presentation delivered on behalf of Cayman Cricket’s 2018 president, Abali Hoilett, who was unavoidably absent, noted the highlights this year at international level and commented:

“For the last 5 years, the men’s national team has been the subject of much scrutiny but against the odds they turned in another strong performance in Argentina in particular registering a win against Bermuda and taking them to the final over in another game.  This is one of a few times that we have beaten a higher ranked Americas team.  With this as a backdrop, for the first time in a long time, the team has a strong chance of turning in strong performances at the 2019 Americas T20 Final tournament.

“As a community, I want to encourage everyone to both challenge and support each member of the training squad over the coming months – as they strive to be better and to make the sacrifice that is required to represent this great country and our great organisation.”

The junior development programme was marked as a source of great pride at the meeting where it was noted that over 4,500 children, boys and girls, participated in cricket activities over the course of the year. These activities included physical education sessions at the primary and high school levels, inter academy and inter school competitions, summer camps hosted by Cayman Cricket, The Department of Sports, Camana Bay and the YMCA. It was also noted that there has been a huge improvement in the technical skills displayed and the diversity of participants – and that the number of young girls participating in cricket was unheralded.

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