Demanding ICC schedule forces Richardson to turn down local duties

ST JOHN'S, Antigua:

Sir Richie Richardson will not take on the role of Antigua and Barbuda's Sports Commissioner due to a demanding International Cricket Council (ICC) schedule.

Last year, Sir Richie, a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, was announced by the government to become the country's latest Commissioner of Sports following unsuccessful talks to make him a government senator and junior minister.

However, Sports Minister Daryll Matthew recently revealed that principal Dr Colin Greene would be the new Commissioner of Sports.

Matthew said a demanding schedule in ICC cricket and intensive travel had hampered the ability of both Sir Richie and the government to formalise the appointment.

"Sir Richie Richardson, we've been having some conversations, and his time simply is not allowing him to be able to take up the position and to function in a way that we have," Matthew said.

"There's a lot more international cricket being played and with him being an ICC match referee, it's just not giving him the time that we expected, and he probably expected to have, so he has agreed that he will step back from that appointment."

As a result, Matthew disclosed that government had begun discussions with Dr Greene several weeks ago, after the veteran educator expressed an interest in pursuing new professional challenges following his nearly 23-year tenure at Princess Margaret School.

"We had some discussions with Dr Colin Greene several weeks ago and he expressed an interest in having a new direction in his career.

"He has given enormous service to Princess Margaret. I don't believe there are too many persons in Antigua and Barbuda who would dispute that he has transformed that school in an amazingly positive way," Matthew said.

- CMC