IT is high time our writers, commentators and administrators make a conscious effort to curb the insularity within West Indies cricket. The headline in today’s Kaieteur News for  Sean Devers’ article on Devendra Bishoo’s Test debut yesterday against Pakistan at the Providence Stadium is a classic example of just what West Indies cricket does not need. The headline reads, “Bishoo is the 45th Guyana player to play Test cricket.” It is insular and ought to be discouraged. For the record, there are inaccuracies in Mr. Devers’ article. Bishoo is the 44th and not the 45th Guyanese to play Test cricket for the West Indies. Secondly, it is Brandon Bess, and not Travis Dowling, who was the last Guyanese to make his Test debut for the West Indies prior to Bishoo. He did so against South Africa at Kensington Oval in 2010. Dowling made his debut in 2009 and not 2010 as reported. Mr. Devers could have better served West Indies cricket by mentioning that Bishoo is the 289th player to have the privilege of playing Test cricket for the West Indies.

The late, great Frank Worrell must be turning in his grave at the current proliferation of insularity in the region, aided and abetted by sloppy journalism. It was during the 1960-61 West Indies tour of Australia that Worrell used his education and personality to hone a band of disparate cricketers into a cohesive unit. The result was that West Indies – Australia gave us what is arguably still the finest Test series ever played. If we can curb insularity, West Indies cricket will be the winner. 

Sadly, in all facets of West Indian society insularity often raises its ugly head. When the great Brian Lara regained his world record on his way to scoring 400 not out at the ARG in 2004, Ian Bishop, his fellow Trinidadian, screamed on international television, “The world record once again goes to Brian Charles Lara of Trinidad and Tobago…” and as an after thought he added, “and the West Indies.” Lara was not playing as a Trinidadian. When he and every other player, including Bishoo, put on the maroon West Indian cap they are West Indian Test cricketers. They are representing an institution. Perhaps, such a concept is beyond the grasp of the uneducated. If so, it is a tragedy for West Indies cricket. 
Of course, the St. Lucians are having the cake at the moment. Given the years of discrimination they suffered at the hands of the so-called Big Four – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago – they appear hell bent on exacting revenge. To this end, the current West Indies team finds itself burdened with a captain – Darren Sammy – who is from St. Lucia and cannot command a place in the team as a player. The greater good of West Indies cricket has been shunted aside in preference to insular priorities. How the mighty has fallen. 
Accordingly, I am issuing a clarion call to all writers, commentators and administrators in the region to please make a conscious effort to refrain from promoting insularity. An article like that of Mr. Devers, aside from its inaccuracies, does no good for West Indies cricket. And the same can be said for Mr. Bishop’s aforementioned outburst and the St. Lucians’ preference for one of their own as captain. For the good of West Indies cricket, let us curb the insularity now!