Wright defends Rowe pavilion

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

President of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), Lyndel Wright, has come out strongly against critics who believe that the players' pavilion at Sabina Park should not have been named in honour of disgraced West Indies and Jamaica batsman Lawrence Rowe.

According to Wright, whose administration is approximately three months old, apart from Lowe's error in judgement in deciding to take part in the 'Rebel Series' in apartheid South Africa in 1983, he has made a sterling contribution to the game in the region.

"Rowe has served this country and region well and brought a level of joy to people. He also has an established record here at Sabina to be the first and only person in Test cricket to be an immortal in his first Test match, having scored a double hundred and a hundred on debut," said Wright.

"It is our belief that he made an error in judgement in choosing to tour South Africa during the early 1980s. however, since then he has reflected and offered an apology, and outside of George Headley, he is one of the greatest batsmen this country has ever produced."

Rowe, who was banned from all cricket by the Jamaica and West Indies cricket boards for making the tours, apologised to the "cricket fraternity of the Caribbean and the world" yesterday.

He was present at Sabina Park yesterday to witness the unveiling of the sign bearing his name. Two former Jamaica and West Indies players, fast bowlers Courtney Walsh, who was also present, and Michael Holding were also honoured. Holding is in England covering the England-Sri Lanka series.

Southern bowling end

The southern bowling end positioned below the George Headley Stand was named after Holding, while the northern bowling end now bears the name of Walsh.

Walsh and Rowe said they were moved by the gesture.

"It is something I was surprised about, but very happy to be here to see it happen," said Walsh. "To have something named after you, and at your home venue, is very special."

Said Rowe: "After all that took place in the past, it is a honour and privilege to be recognised in this way.

"This ground has a lot of great memories for me, as in addition to my debut Test innings, I have made three first-class double hundreds at this ground.

"It's good to be back, and after making my apology formal, I hope that the people in the region who I offended forgive me," he added.