Cricket West Indies Reaffirms Dedication to Inclusive Governance with the Reappointment of Three Female Directors

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has solidified its commitment to diversity and inclusive leadership by reappointing three distinguished women to its Board of Directors: Debra Coryat-Patton, Diann Campbell, and Louise Victor-Frederick. This decision marks a continuation of CWI’s historic practice of having three women simultaneously serve on the board, demonstrating a tangible commitment to gender balance in cricket administration. These reappointments, alongside that of Hallam Nichols, underscore CWI’s focus on leveraging a broad range of expertise and perspectives to guide the future of West Indies cricket. The move also reinforces CWI’s dedication to enhancing governance and ensuring robust decision-making processes at the highest level.

Diann Campbell brings extensive experience in cricket administration, corporate governance, and strategic development, spanning nearly three decades. Her background in human resource management and political studies positions her as a key contributor to CWI’s long-term strategies and operational efficiency. Louise Victor-Frederick, a Chevening Scholar, contributes significant expertise in corporate affairs, branding, and public relations. Her deep understanding of business strategy and communications makes her an invaluable asset to the board. She also holds a directorship at the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture, showcasing her commitment to regional development. Debra Coryat-Patton adds her legal and corporate governance expertise to the board, specializing in employment law, intellectual property, and governance. Her presence strengthens CWI’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of accountability and ethical practice.

The reappointment of Hallam Nichols further bolsters the board’s expertise. Nichols brings a wealth of business experience from various sectors across the Caribbean, including telecommunications, entertainment, physical planning, and infrastructure development. His regional influence and broad business acumen add another layer of valuable perspective to the board’s deliberations. The combined expertise of these reappointed directors signifies CWI’s intention to draw upon a diverse skillset to navigate the complexities of cricket administration and ensure the continued growth of West Indies cricket.

CWI President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, emphasized that the reappointments are a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to excellence in governance and genuine gender inclusivity. He stressed that the decision goes beyond tokenism and represents a deliberate, ongoing effort to actively embrace women’s leadership at every level. Dr. Shallow highlighted the significant contributions these women have made and will continue to make in shaping the future of West Indies cricket, emphasizing a shift from mere conversation to meaningful, lasting action. He also welcomed the return of Hallam Nichols, acknowledging his significant contributions and wide-ranging influence across the Caribbean.

The reappointments signal a clear intention to move beyond symbolic representation and ensure that women play a central role in shaping the strategy and direction of West Indies cricket. This approach reflects a broader trend towards greater diversity and inclusion in leadership positions across various sectors, recognizing the value of different perspectives and experiences in effective decision-making. The diverse skillsets represented on the board – encompassing cricket administration, corporate governance, legal expertise, strategic development, communications, and regional business experience – provide a comprehensive foundation for addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing West Indies cricket.

By prioritizing diverse leadership and expertise, CWI aims to foster a more dynamic and representative governing body, capable of navigating the evolving landscape of international cricket. The board’s composition reflects a commitment to good governance, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability. This strategic approach to leadership selection positions CWI to better address the needs of all stakeholders, from players and fans to sponsors and regional partners. The reappointments also send a strong message about the importance of diversity and inclusion not only within CWI, but also throughout the broader cricketing world, encouraging other organizations to embrace similar practices.