Fireworks loom at headquarters

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Fireworks are expected on Tuesday when members of the executive and the board of directors of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) meet at a hastily arranged emergency meeting.

The meeting will discuss, among other things, matters surrounding a damning November 12 email sent by the association's finance director, Kerith Melbrooke, highlighting the perilous state of the association's finances.

The email, which called for a management and forensic audit of the association's accounts for the past three years, was directed to members of the association's finance and administrative committee.

Financial mismanagement

"Arising from recent events and observations over my period here, I wish to highlight the following to the committee," said Melbrooke in the email.

"I am suggesting a management and forensic audit of the last three years, as this will help to decide exactly what the processes and procedures were that led to funds being depleted at a rate of 14 times the collection, and us using up seven years' forward monies in three years."

"It (the audits) would also determine what needs to change and will prevent the same mistakes from recurring. It should also identify any responsible officers, so that personnel can be held accountable.

"Failing all this, and with the board not changing its attitude towards financial management, its composition and accounts getting the necessary support, and resources needed, my post will become untenable."

Added Melbrooke: "I also need to have a definite line on the working relationship with the treasurer, in terms of working together; what do I report to the treasurer, and do I only release information based on the approval of the CEO.

"What steps should I take if I disagree with any process, procedure, policy or payment, or should I feel unduly intimidated?"

Melbrooke also went on to list some 'important points to note'.

He said: "The board needs to take some responsibility for the financial state of the association, and while the accounting was not the best, it did not preclude the board from its responsibilities under the Companies Act.

"The board, therefore, needs to lead by example, and members of the board should consider resigning in the same way the accounts department would be asked to step aside, had the financials got a qualified audit report.

"Contrary to what everyone says, I believe and know we are in real trouble, and unless we change (board and all) our business practices, and attitude, we, even with gifts from the World Bank, will only operate at a deficit, struggling to cope and all," he closed.

Important matters

Contacted yesterday for a comment, president of the JCA, Paul Campbell, said he was aware of the email, and a meeting had been called to discuss the matter.

"I am aware of it (the email), and we have called a meeting for the gentleman to explain what the email is about," said Campbell.

"Until then, I do not have anything to say on the matter," he added.

Campbell, in the meantime, declined to comment on whether the suggested meeting would be held before or after Tuesday's emergency meeting.

Campbell, on Friday, said that the reason behind the emergency meeting was to discuss important matters relating to the management and restructuring of the association.

"We have determined that there are important matters to be discussed, and as such, I have called an emergency meeting to discuss these matters," he said.

"We had a regular board meeting on Tuesday, and what I can say to you is that we are going through a major restructuring at the JCA.

"The process is dynamic, and I will seek to address our board of directors in a wholesome way whenever there is a need."

In the meanwhile, Melbrooke, when contacted, declined to comment. He said all questions on the matter should be directed to the JCA's secretariat.

Meanwhile, the decision to replace head coach Junior Bennett and the hiring of Trinidadian and former West Indies coach, Gus Logie, to fill the post is also expected to spark a heated debate.

It is understood that, while briefed on the impending change prior to the announcement, not all members of the board were in agreement with the decision.

The above developments, meanwhile, come against the backdrop of the postponement of the JCA's annual general meeting. It was constitutionally due this month but has been pushed back due to an incomplete audited financial report and, according to Campbell, full implementation of the association's restructuring efforts.

The election is tentatively set for January 15 next year.