Beckles says sorry

University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill campus principal, Sir Hilary Beckles, has apologised for statements he made recently in reference to regional cricket and former West Indies and Jamaica captain Chris Gayle.

In a statement issued yesterday, Beckles said his assessment of "leadership as expressed in public images was not intended to produce any negative effect or harm to any cricketer".

The following is the full statement: "Since returning from overseas, I've come to a clearer understanding of the reception of elements of my lecture delivered at the University of the West Indies on 'Leadership and the Rise and Fall of West Indies cricket'.

"I am satisfied that the parts of my lecture which have caused public concern have been misrepresented and misunderstood and deductions made which were not obvious to me or intended.

"I am now aware of the anguish these deductions have caused in Jamaica and, in particular, an offending reference, which was not intended in any way to be comparative to anyone. I truly regret this.

"My assessment of leadership as expressed in public images was not intended to produce any negative effect or harm to any cricketer, especially to Mr Chris Gayle, who I consider to be an outstanding West Indies cricketer.

"I offer this statement of regret in all sincerity."