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History of WICUA

Over six decades of developing and advancing cricket umpiring across the Caribbean and the Americas.

History

The West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA) was established to promote excellence, professionalism, and unity among cricket umpires across the Caribbean and the Americas. Since its founding in 1962, the association has played a critical role in developing world-class officials and strengthening the integrity of cricket officiating throughout the region.

WICUA MAJOR MILESTONES

West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA)

Umpiring in the Caribbean

WICUA: 1962–2012

The West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA) was established to promote the development, professionalism, and unity of cricket umpires throughout the Caribbean and the wider Americas region. Since its founding in 1962, WICUA has played a significant role in strengthening the standards of cricket officiating and ensuring that umpires are properly trained, respected, and supported.

Before the formation of WICUA, matters related to cricket umpiring across the Caribbean were handled by the West Indies Cricket Board of Control through its territorial cricket associations. As the sport expanded across the region, it became increasingly clear that a dedicated organization was needed to represent the interests of umpires and to guide their development.

The establishment of territorial umpiring associations across the Caribbean laid the foundation for what would eventually become a regional body for cricket officiating.

Early Foundation

One of the earliest major developments in cricket umpiring occurred in 1946, when Jamaica formed the Jamaica Cricket Umpires’ Association under the presidency of Norman A.D. Tappin, J.P., a Chartered Accountant. This organization became the second oldest cricket umpiring association in the world, surpassed only by the Victoria Association in Australia.

Other territories soon followed:

• Barbados established its association in the early 1950s
• Guyana formed its association in 1953
• Trinidad and Tobago established the Trinidad & Tobago Umpires Council in 1953

Despite these developments, there was still no regional organization to unite the various associations and promote the collective development of umpiring across the Caribbean.

WICUA: CONVENTIONS

The First Regional Convention - 1962

The idea of forming a regional organization for cricket umpires was championed by Gerry Gomez, a former West Indies Test all-rounder, and Norman Tappin, President of the Jamaica Cricket Umpires Association.

The first major step toward forming a regional body took place in San Fernando, Trinidad, where the First Cricket Umpires’ Convention was held from June 12–16, 1962, under the auspices of the West Indies Cricket Board of Control.

The opening session was chaired by Gerry Gomez and addressed by J.S.T.F. Dare, President of the West Indies Cricket Board of Control.

Delegates from the five major cricket territories attended the convention, and several distinguished cricket figures presented papers, including:

• Tom Smith, Secretary of the Association of Cricket Umpires (England)

• Jeffrey Stollmeyer
• Sir Donald Bradman

This convention marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to strengthen umpiring across the Caribbean.

Third Convention Guyana (1967)

Guyana was the venue for the third convention which was held from March 4 – 6, 1967. All five territories were represented. Official delegates were Cortez Jordon and Harold Walcott of Barbados, Pryor Jones and William London-Williams of Guyana, Rupert Aitcheson of Jamaica, Charlie Bain and Stuart Ishmael of Trinidad, and Phillip Alleyne of Windward Islands along with Cleophas Paynter. Gerry Gomez, who at the time was Liason Officer between the WICBC and the umpiring fraternity, was unable to attend, and Rickhi deputized for him. English test umpire Syd Buller was an honored guest.

The official welcome was attended by the Governor General of Guyana – Sir David Rose and J.ST.F. Dare – President of the Guyana Cricket Board. At the first “in camera” session of the convention which was confined to delegates, the constitution was debated. From a previously prepared draft, a final constitution was arrived at and approved. This document was to be presented to the WICBC for ratification.

Finally, the stage was set for the inauguration of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association, after the presentation of papers by Justice Rudolph Harper and William London-Williams of Guyana, Stuart Ishmael of Trinidad, while messages were received from Tom Smith, Allen Fallins, President of the New South Wales Umpires’ Association and the Ceylon Association of Cricket Umpires, Syd Buller participated in discussions on umpiring matters.

Second Convention - Barbados (1965)

The Second Cricket Umpires Convention was held in Barbados from January 19–23, 1965.

Delegates from Barbados, Guyana, the Windward Islands, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago attended the conference.

The West Indies Cricket Board Control was represented by Eric Inniss – 1st Vice President of the Board and John Goddard. Barbados was represented by Harold Walcott, Cortez Jordon and Charles Colleymore; Guyana by Fitz Albert Clarke and Cecil Kippins,; Windward Islands by Phillip Alleyne and Milford Henville.; Jamaica by Owen Davies, while Trinidad and Tobago were represented by Ramacharitar Rickhi, Charlie Bain, Bertie Jacelon and Stuart Ishmael. Papers were presented by Tom Smith, Alex Bannister of the London Daily Mail, J.B. Stollmeyer, Ramcharitar Rickhi and Owen Davies. Papers were presented by several respected cricket officials and journalists, and discussions focused on improving the education and professionalism of umpires across the region.

The convention emphasized several key objectives:

• Improving the education of umpires across all territories
• Developing a common interpretation of the Laws of Cricket
• Strengthening camaraderie among umpires
• Promoting the dignity and respect of the umpiring profession

Fourth Convention - Jamaica (1969)

The Fourth Convention was held at Up Park Camp, Jamaica Defence Force Headquarters, from February 24 to March 1, 1969.

This conference officially marked the formal establishment of the West Indies Cricket Umpires’ Association (WICUA).

The first General Council was appointed with the following leadership:

• Chairman: Gerry Gomez (Trinidad & Tobago)
• Vice Chairman: J.H. Walcott (Barbados)
• General Secretary/Treasurer: Ramcharitar Rickhi

Council members represented the various Caribbean territories, ensuring regional representation within the association.

Three major committees were also created:

• Emergency Committee
• Publicity Committee
• Training and Examination Committee

Umpiring Examinations

One of WICUA’s most important contributions to cricket officiating was the introduction of a structured training and examination system.

The first official regional umpires’ examination was conducted across the territories on September 14, 1970, under the leadership of Bertie Jacelou of Trinidad & Tobago.

This examination included written, oral, and practical components designed to prepare candidates for officiating first-class cricket matches.

A total of twenty-two candidates successfully passed the first examination, marking a major milestone in the professional development of cricket umpires in the Caribbean.

Organizational Development

As WICUA grew, the association made several important structural improvements.

During the Eighth Convention in Trinidad (1977), the constitution was amended to strengthen the organization’s leadership structure.

Key changes included:

• The title of Chairman was changed to President
• The title of Vice Chairman was changed to Executive Vice President
• Four Area Vice Presidents were appointed to represent different territories

These changes improved governance and strengthened regional representation.

Leadership Transitions

Over the decades, WICUA has been guided by several respected leaders who contributed significantly to the development of cricket officiating.

Following years of dedicated service, several key figures stepped down or transitioned leadership roles, including:

• Ramcharitar Rickhi, who resigned due to ill health and was later made the association’s first Honorary Member
• Gerry Gomez, who served the association for 27 years before his passing in 1996
• Justice Rudolph Harper, who served as President after Gomez
• Patrick Whyte, who later succeeded Harper

Leadership transitions continued into the 2000s, with several administrators and officials contributing to the ongoing growth and stability of the organization.

International Recognition & Distinguished Umpires

Throughout its history, WICUA has produced several highly respected umpires who have officiated at the international level.

Some of the most notable include:

• Douglas Sang-Hue – the first internationally recognized umpire from the region
• Ralph Gosein
• Lloyd Barker
• Eddie Nichols
• Billy Doctrove

However, the most internationally recognized umpire produced by WICUA is Steve Bucknor.

Bucknor achieved remarkable milestones during his career:

• Named the world’s number one cricket umpire
• Officiated in five consecutive Cricket World Cup Finals
• Stood in 128 Test Matches
• Officiated in 181 One Day Internationals

His achievements set a benchmark for excellence in cricket officiating.

Continuing the Legacy

In more recent years, WICUA has continued working closely with Cricket West Indies and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to develop and support the next generation of umpires.

Several regional officials have been nominated to serve on the ICC International Panel, while others officiate in the Cricket West Indies Senior Umpires Panel, which was established in 2010 to officiate regional first-class competitions.

Through ongoing training programs, mentorship initiatives, and regional cooperation, WICUA remains committed to maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity in cricket officiating.

Looking Ahead

As WICUA continues to build on more than six decades of progress, the association remains focused on developing world-class officials and strengthening the role of umpires across the region.