Over that same period West Indies cricket has been at its lowest; and although WIPA has expanded its activities and interests, and grown more vociferous and assertive, respect and power for the organisation seem elusive.

It is tempting to conclude that the missing element here is development, but if you study the nature of the repeated contretemps between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and WIPA, you will find at alpha points that there is a general misunderstanding of roles and responsibilities. As their worlds evolve, neither side really knows what the other is supposed to do. Hunker this down with the traditional relationship - where boards call the shots and players are mere minions, where there is no culture of discussion, and where social and political networks draw the lots for positions of power - and it becomes easier to understand the inevitability of clashes.

There is no history of partnerships to guide negotiations between the two, and as they encounter new dimensions to managing cricket, the complexity of the tasks confuse them. And because they do not trust each other, their instincts are to indulge in sophistry and cunning to score public points as they gamble on the chance that the other might be wrong.

The behaviour defining the relationship between the WICB and WIPA is precisely of the sort that one should expect of parties who lack confidence in their own competence. Because they are unable to let go of the old ways and hold hands to better navigate the new, they cannot accept that neither entity on its own can rise to the challenges of our times.

This is the heart of the problem that has emerged like a Medusa gone wild between the WICB and WIPA.

It is easy to just scrape at the first layer of muck and ascribe blame to the manner of the people at the forefront. Given their deportment, one is scarcely challenged to search beyond. On the one hand there is the WIPA President, Dinanath Ramnarine, a former Test player, who rubs many people the wrong way by the belligerence that lies just beneath his skin.

Ramnarine has many ideas about broadening the ambit of WIPA to include several educational and development programmes for players. He genuinely wants to see the lot of the cricketer improved - perhaps this might be connected to his own feeling that he was unfairly forced out of West Indies cricket - and he works hard in pursuit of this. But Ramnarine has found himself in waters without boundaries or buoys and his organisation has not had the necessary resources or history to help him. He has been doing much of the work on his own, and although he has found help, he is still stretched thin.

He has brought a tremendous amount of energy to the role, and while that is vital, his frenetic aura can be disconcerting. Conversations with him can leave one dazed as he streams from one topic to the other, and one cannot imagine him pausing ever, so torrential are his outbursts.

Ramnarine has many ideas about broadening the ambit of WIPA to include several educational and development programmes for players. He genuinely wants to see the lot of the cricketer improved - perhaps this might be connected to his own feeling that he was unfairly forced out of West Indies cricket - and he works hard in pursuit of this

Ramnarine does not trust the WICB, and if one were to check the record of their dealings for the past five years or so of his tenure, it is clear why. He has had little reason to, and given his prior relationship with the board and its functionaries (remember, he retired at 28, having played in 12 Tests and taken 45 wickets with some pretty good legspin) there is nothing really to suggest there will be any improvement without fundamental changes.

But despite talk by the WICB's outgoing president, Ken Gordon, that the recently appointed Governance Committee was the most important ever established, the board is not in a hurry to institute the changes the committee has recommended - not when one of those was that the board should give way to a more representative body.

The latest slew of exchanges between the board and WIPA revealed the nature of the tension between them. Ramnarine has charged the board with reneging on terms of their MOU, particularly with regard to including WIPA in negotiations affecting players. Gordon has accused Ramnarine of basically cussing off everyone and calling them liars.

In print Ramnarine has been careful to stick to issues, though it is quite easy to imagine him throwing some bad words the board's way. This is what ticks them off mostly, it seems, since when it comes down to the issues at hand, the WICB really does not counter his charges with substance.

At this juncture, there is something to be gleaned from an interview on CaribbeanCricket.com with the former WICB Chief Cricket Operations Officer, Zorol Barthley. Barthley has accused the board of trying to save face in the dispute over interpreting what was included in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) by seeking to discredit him and tarnishing his reputation in the process. Barthley spoke of his good relations with Ramnarine, and of others who found him willing to argue a point amicably over a meal. Others have said the same of their dealings with Ramnarine.

Those who have found him obnoxious are those who have dealt with him in less than good faith. There are those, too, whose notions of social hierarchies are affronted by the idea of this little loudmouth daring to challenge the high and mighty. The Jamaica Gleaner, for example, recently posted two editorials writing off Ramnarine and WIPA. The first, in May, was over the issue of the FTP, and the Gleaner was clear: "Our position is that the WICB should pay the West Indies players not one red cent more. Nor should the board negotiate with WIPA. Mr Ramnarine, and whoever else, should be sent packing forthwith."

Ken Gordon has accused Ramnarine of basically cussing off everyone and calling them liars © Getty Images

Fuming at what it considered to be underperforming players seeking more money, it concluded that, "In the past, tough action by the WICB has not easily found favour with the Caribbean public. The board's own mismanagement robbed it of moral authority. This time, however, things are rather different. The West Indian public, we believe, would back the WICB and rebuff the arrogant posturing of WIPA and the players."

Recommendations that players should have performance-based packages are valuable, but are not linked to the issue of what constitutes tours or matches inside or outside the purview of the FTP. What comes across here is the general disgust over performance, and an attempt to blame WIPA for it. On July 18 the Gleaner got more personal after the Gordon/Ramnarine exchange.

"Whatever the reasons why he never quite made the grade as a Test player, Mr Ramnarine has transformed himself into a trade union leader, as the CEO of WIPA, negotiating on behalf of the players. His is a trade unionism of the old order; one encrusted, in our view, in an archaic confrontationalism rather than an attempt to build partnership and trust. Which is largely the point that has been made by Ken Gordon, the WICB president, in relation to Mr Ramnarine's latest salvo."

The next day, the Trinidad Express, a paper once headed by Gordon, echoed the Gleaner: "Mr Gordon has suggested to the WIPA president that the latter should engage in some honest self-analysis of his own style rather than seek comfort in the view that it is the style of everybody else which is wrong. The least Mr Ramnarine could now do is to consider, in a spirit of humility, whether Mr Gordon's assessment has any merit or whether he just happens to be always right."

Ramnarine's manner, said Gordon, "stymied" attempts to work together, and this is what exasperated leader writers have latched onto. But the root of it is more accurately traced to repeated breaches of trust in the course of the board's negotiations with WIPA.

Gordon's response has essentially been a reprimand to Ramnarine for speaking without finesse to his superiors, for not showing respect to authority. But the WICB does not show respect for WIPA either. Its brand new website carries the list of WIPA's executive from January 2001, listing Courtney Walsh as its president.

There is a culture that gives a ready ear to voices coming from the upper echelons, and were Ramnarine to speak from that position, I bet the response would have been different.

It is very sad that the WICB's strategy is to demonize the President of WIPA so as to destroy valid arguments. Mr. Gordon's response to charges made against his board is unashamedly immature. He is determined to shoot the messenger because the message is unpalatable and damning. He and his CEO seem to be caught up in a time warp of the colonial past. They are unaccustomed to having lesser mortals question them. The WICB would always fail in its dealings with the youth of today because of a failure to understand and respect them. It needs to climb down from its ivory tower, be more reconciliatory in its tone and intent, treat WIPA as equal but different and cease deflecting charges of incompetence by abusing others. It must take a serious look at itself in the mirror.

The WICB is so incompetent and inept,that their only saving grace is to disband themselves.

The wicb board has to come to terms with the principle "to thy own self be true". The players who in the past has brought our nations to the fore have in some cases gone to the great beyond still being owed their earnings. So why should the current players not make certain of maximising their full financial potential? Mr. Gordan and the lot has brought much to the table, yet nothing to improve the relationship between wicb and wipa. It's therefore time for them to go. They seem to be representing the same old boys club system as was the wicbc. The game needs social, technical,financial and developmental direction which is not readily available within the current structure. Sadly results of the expensive studiy being conducted will not be implimented as it will certainly find the board wanting. I will always support the cause of the players as it was and will be them to return us to the days of glory regardless of whether this or future generations. Just to look from another angle."The selectors recommendation of Chris Gale what was the boards take on that? As usual they always gets it wrong. I challenge Mr. Gordan to tell me one occasion where they have gotten it right cricket wise under his tenure as president.

I can't help but agree with the Gleaner's comments. Ramnarine's confrontational TRADE UNIONIST position are as inept as the actions of the WICB. Even if the WICB leadership changes, the basic structure of its operation is flawed. For instance J. Hunte seem to be the de facto next President. Why not have the post contested openly. Many of the local boards are poorly led and managed - these boards send their REPs to WICB and the cycle continues. It is a good sign that T&T D. Murray and B'dos J. Garner are leading their boards. This may be an avenue to make serious changes. I have played cricket at various levels in T&T and I can assure you that some cricket officials don't always have the players or the game in their selfish agendas - be it personal or regional.

I think you've hit the nail on the head. Well put together story with credited finale.
I share the view, since reading the episode in the Daily Express, that the President of WICB did not reply to the accusations made by WIPA. He painted his reply with the proverbial broad brush, merely bullying his way with seemingly baseless accusations. Whenever one is seen doing this, it signals his/her inability to really rebut, with evidence, the claims made.
But we really do need better relationships to be forged to foster improved performances from the players.
Thanks

I am not surprised at Ms Baksh's stance. The poverty of analysis about West Indies cricket doesn't surprise me either. The board, the players association, the commentary. Oh dear. Some demonise the players, some demonise the board. The truth is I'm happy with neither. WICB Presidents have changed from former players to businessmen, staff have changed, but the attitude of the board, the players and the media have remain the same.

The WICB is trying to maintain its' strangle hold on the players, and they're supported by some scribes in the Caribbean. These scribes fail to recognise that this isn't 'cricket, lovely cricket' as they knew it. Cricket now is a big business. The players , not under contract has a life to live. Who has families must provide for them. Being payed (albeit sometimes late) may put a strain on many a man, be it cricket or otherwise.

I applaud Mr Ramnarine for his constant and vigilant fight for his members. To some it appears to be a 'p***ing' contest, but to a labor individual, it's about being treated fairly. I say, WIPA fight the fight for equality and respect. The CEO seems to have brought some of his misplaced ideology he garnered from his 'leader' while serving with the Soca Warrior'. Well, my dear sir, not here, no way!

The apparent "incompetence" bears correlation with the WICB.

Cricket the game, is bigger than both WIPA and WICB put together. At the end of the day, the progress achieved would have been consequential on whether both parties, in particular WICB, acted appropriately.The results to date have been close to zilch and demands serious introspection on both sides.There will always be differences of opinion and that's fine.What matters really, is not who acted rightly or wrongly, but whether there is a common vision and purpose for the attainment of the mission in the development of West Indies cricket, and issues are jointly resolved professionally and amicably.

The WICB is the downfall of Cricket in the Windies unless they make changes to the Hierachy now ,Cricket will suffer.They dont have a proper programme in place for Youth Cricket Development and dont know how to go about things.To send a touring team without a Spinner in the side was a good example of their stupidity.

Mr. Gordon's response to this entire situation is based on allegations & emotions rather than facts. The harsh reality is that WICB have failed to establish trust in the working relationship with WIPA in all, not some but all of its dealings. They do not respect WIPA or its president. They are stuck in the old, where one sees Unions or Associations as an antagonistic group and not a working partner. Another red herring for its inability to manage and enjoy success in abundance.

It is the WICB that needs to look itself in the mirror. The rot within the West Indies team is inside out, with the WICB at the core. The WI team is only the visible picture of a fractured management team who are only concerned with money and power. FIVE times WIPA has taken the WICB to arbitration, and FIVE times they have won. I agree that the entire structure of the WICB needs to be changed. They are unwilling to admit their own flaws and mistakes, trying to justify themselves by simply arguing their points more strongly.They need to begin to treat their players with respect, and to introduce new development ideas for the WI cricket team to rise to the top.

It would have been very helpful if Ms Baksh had stated the fact that the 5 consecutive times the WICB & WIPA had disputes dealt with by arbitration the WICB has lost on all occasions .

It would also have been helpful if Ms. Baksh had also informed the readers , that Ken Gordon is on the Board of Directors for the Jamaica Gleaner & the Trinidad Express . Obviously they are going to support Ken Gordon , right or wrong .

The fact of the matter is that Ramnarine would be derelict in his duty if he turns a blind eye to violations of the MOU by the WICB . That fact seems lost on Ms Baksh .

There exists a pervasive attitude in the WICB , where its members view themselves as Masters & the Players their Slaves .

I sincerely hope that the incoming President , Julian Hunte changes this deep rooted mindset . Failure to do so will only further the downward spiral of Cricket in the Region , and acerbate the relationship between the WICB & WIPA .

In essence when the WIPA are right then the WICB needs to acknowledge that and move on . As I have stated so far WIPA havent been wrong , but it is my belief that the WICB wants the general public to have the perception that Ramnarine is aggressive and combative , when he is only protecting his turf . This I feel , is being deliberately done by the WICB , and I hope that Julian Hunte puts a stop to this Machiavellian tactic .

no however it is time that they both work together. This is best for the players and board members.

A sorry state of affairs for a great nation with a much greater history of sending shivers down the spine of the very best on the field. Why is it that we dont find former West Indian greats anywhere, once they hang their boots? Apart from Sir Richards, Holding, Greenidge, Haynes and a couple more who still are officially involved with ICC, we never see any of the great cricketers involved anywhere! Is it that the country doesnt want to play cricket anymore, or is it that these players are made to stop talking and thinking cricket? Come on, the giants of pace bowling and attacking cricket, the world needs your skills, your art and your never-ending smile.. you alone can revive cricket in West Indies and we, the rest of the world would wait for that day! Good luck.

WICB needs to look inwardly and realised that it is the root cause of all the problems, especially the poor performances of players, affecting West Indies cricket. The WICB needs to be dismantled and the recommendations of the committee to have a more effective and efficient representative body should be implemented immediately. Basically, most West Indians want to get rid of WICB, the WICB has failed miserably.

Both sides carry too much baggage for the problems to be amicably sorted. The WICB and WIPA should appoint independent outsiders to represent them in discussions, starting from scratch, the results of which will redound to the benefit of WI cricket.

The WICB has been one of the main problems in WI criciket ,they have continusly back tracked on deals made they have held players at ransome and also they have ended many young players . It is time for them to step down and allow people who care about west indian criciket administrate .

I think that Mr. Ramnarine is doing a great job. The WIBC is accusing him of attacking everyone because they want to save face for their own incopetencies. The players have a right to be treated as professionals because they will be exploited. I am tired of hearing about the former players. They had a chance and were screwed as far as receiving just wages and recognition. These players are smarter, less talented, yes, but they are protecting their own future. The WICB needs to work with the WIPA in the best interest of the players, their families, and WI cricket. Mr. Gordon is a wealthy man, his bread is already buttered - it is time he consider what is best in the interest of the players.

As an outsider I can only say what I see. The Arthur Scargill like approach of Ramnarine is the logical response to the WICB's obstinate, dinosaur approach. You can't blame him for it, it's the only way he's been able to get any kind of response out of the WICB.

Don't forget that he's 5-0 up in the judicial review stakes. 5 times the WICB have been told they were in the wrong. Where I come from that's one seriously embarrassing indictment - those at the top should have gone. But they remain, seemingly bitter old men trying to cling on to power rather than do the right things for West Indies cricket: that is to wake up to this modern age where people will be vocal and demand what they feel they are entitled to and mediate, negotiate and be constructive.

Sadly that is not what Ken Gordon and his cronies are about. It's easier to demonise someone than eat some well deserved humble pie and work with them.

The media who support the WICB are as guilty as the WICB themselves of failing to support West Indies cricket.

Ramnarine may not have history on his side but that's because the WICB didn't start officially dealing with a players' association until recently and viewed WIPA with contempt because it threatens the things the WICB have and want to keep hold of.

Ramnarine may be Arthur Scargill but be sure on this: Ken Gordon is no Margaret Thatcher. A weak Jim Callaghan, perhaps. I'm not sure the WICB is fit for purpose. If it were then the constant battles we have seen recently would never have come to pass.

Someone remind me of the West Indies test record over the last couple of years?

West Indies cricket would be in a much better state if the WICB spent more time attending to its duties and obligations, and less time needlessly squabbling with the WIPA and the players. The sooner the recommendations of the Governance Committee are put into effect the better.

I've only just found out that Ken Gordon is on the board of directors of the Jamaica Gleaner - this explains quite a lot.

It will be interesting to see who the board of directors of both the Gleaner and the Express are,i would not be surprised if Mr. Gordon is on both.The wicb is arrogant and high-handed in their dealings with wipa and I fear this will continue even with the new president.The composition of the wicb must include the president of wipa whoever he may be,as well as someone appointed by Caricom.I would like to hear the views of others on who should be on the West Indies cricket board.

As stated by the author, the WICB lacks moral authority given its actions in the not so distant past. It continues to demonstrate that it will sing for its supper and bow to the wishes of whosoever provides the means to fill its coffers be it the ICC or the current sponsor. Everyone has to stand aside be it the players or the fans. I am sure that the just concluded English tour was not part of the futures tour programme, since we traditionally tour England every four years, that being as it is, this tour should have taken place next year. But we will see if the new recommended structure has any chance to be put in place where all stakeholders can have some relevant input into the development of the game.

When gordon became President, he operated in an autocratic and high handed matter as if he alone knows wi cricket. But he does not know a damn thing about cricket, he is just associated with the right circles. He then brought in his personal sidekicks ceo Aanansen and corporate affairs m'ger Deyal who in my opinion knows virtually nothing about cricket and has made a hash of everything they touch. It is time for Gordon, Aannansen, and Deyal to GO!.

Two wrongs never make a right!!! I agree that mistakes have been made in the past by the WICB, but I abhor a confrontational style and the abuse of people, that is not the way to go in seeking the best interest of West Indies cricket. What we have is mere politics at play. Isn't it ironic that Board members and personnel have changed over the last five years but the hostilities remain and if we are to observe there is only one constant. All I need to say is if we were winning on the cricket field as we use to these disputes would be minimal.

I have no qualms with the players and the amount of money they make in one tour, but they hardly show the discipline and work ethic required to earn the kind of monies they are demanding. Isn't it ironic that the player who ignore the WIPA and who has shown himself committed to WI cricket by his bat, actions and precious little words, who many thought not intelligent enough to be captain, almost single handedly save the side utter embarassment in the Tests in England recently. I hope our armchair experts and those picking sides between the WICB and the WIPA observe these things - that it is all discipline and commitment plus a positive outlook on life that will give all of us success - The Players, the WICB, WIPA and the cricket loving public of the Caribbean and the West Indian Diaspora.

It certainly is a very interesting article written by Ms. Baksh.In my opinion, both the WICB & WIPA are to blame for the state of West Indian cricket.It is true that WIPA(RAMNARINE) is confrontational, but on the other hand, WICB is also not up front in its dealings with WIPA.The state of West Indian cricket demands that a proper and thorough analysis(SWOT)of the problems of West Indian cricket be undertaken by all parties concerned.(WICB;WIPA;CARICOM;THE CRICKETERS & THE WEST INDIAN PUBLIC) to determine the strengths, weaknesses & solutions to take WIcricket back up the ladder.A comprehensive study must be done of the past, especially the glory days, to discover what made us strong.EVERY CRICKETER must know his WI cricket history from 1950 to the present.The way forward is long and hard.Increased pay packages must be accompanied by increased levels of performance. WESI INDIAN cricket is not just a game to us West Indians,it is our ONLY IDENTITY AS WEST INDIANS.

it is a sad state of affair when the players have to go through these types of problems. As you can see it clearly reflects on their performances and their thinking of the game. You can have all the skills in the world but if your mind is not thinking clearly it will not help on your performance. So to see the wicb and the wipa is at each other head does not help and they really really need to take a moment to reflect what is really important, and that is to restore west indies to its glory days. We the public sees only the team not wicb or wipa, and we dont care to see the boards only the winning team. Mr Ramnarine and those fighting to make progress keep up the fight. fight for your team.