Recently in this space, there has been a strong focus on the dilemma faced by the Bahamas Cricket Association (BCA). The solid response to the columns have indicated that within the cricket family and indeed outside, there is collectively a great desire for the sport to realize its true potential.
The infighting and the divisive positions taken by some, leading to "the indigenous Bahamians versus the foreign-flavored group" issue must stop for the sport to move ahead.
I have concluded after digesting the various communications received that too much finger-pointing is going on. Thus, it appears that not nearly enough of a collective effort is being made by the big players in the matter.
The view here is that there is insufficient focus on developing the young talent in the country and growing the sport for all and sundry. There seems to be an overwhelming interest in personal agendas. Perhaps a response to my columns from an "outsider" will penetrate the mindset of those who can make a positive difference at this time, for the sake of Bahamian cricket.
John Welch who was the Bahamian National Cricket Coach from 2006 to 2009, is presently the director of RSS Academy Courses in Cambridge, England. RSS Academy is one of the most noted sports coaching schools in all of Europe. Welch is a Level 3 international cricket coach.
His perspective on the Bahamian cricket scene follows:
"I have read with interest your two pieces on Bahamian cricket and thought I would contact you about a couple of aspects. Firstly, I was the English coach who came to The Bahamas in 2006 and stayed for two and a half years and at the end of this position, I extended an invitation to Jermaine Adderley to come over to England for three weeks to train and play. He was a credit to himself and his country in the way he handled himself.
"It was a very successful pilot scheme and I was hoping Jermaine could return. Unfortunately money has always been the main issue for Jermaine to return. I have invited the possibility of any young Bahamian cricketer to come over to England on a scholarship scheme and I am still happy to do this, but someone, somewhere, needs to provide some financial backing to make this happen. I would be more than happy to pursue this possibility again. It would help Bahamas cricket so much, to expose young talent to a first class cricketing system. I have worked with countless international coaches and cricketers (Grant Flower, Richard Dawson, Mark Alleyne just to name a few) and would be more than happy to help young Bahamians.
"I remember with fondness 70-odd children who were actively playing cricket weekly and the 17 primary schools which were introduced to cricket and I hope the majority still are playing. It would be fantastic to try and encourage such a scheme and although my position became untenable at the end of my stay, I still hold Bahamas cricket as a major influence on my career and life."
There you have it, a most generous and informative assessment of the prime possibilities for Bahamian cricket.
Here is a foreigner who does not live in The Bahamas any longer, but he appreciates the level of cricket talent in the nation and is welling to help. What is the message here? Indeed, it must be that for cricket in The Bahamas to strive, the Bahamian and foreign elements are very necessary.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at frobertsturrup@gmail.com)

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