HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Businessman Lloyd Fray swept to victory in the race to become the Bermuda Cricket Board’s (BCB) new president in place of Reggie Pearman, who has stepped down. Fray, a former cricketer with club side Warwick, received 10 votes from affiliates, seven more than former president Ed Bailey, while former national team captain Clay Smith received none.
Early front-runner Allen Richardson pulled out of the race at the last minute ahead of Tuesday night’s annual meeting but offered his full support to Fray.
Fray, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Telephone Company (BTC), said the support he received from the affiliates was a humbling experience.
“I am very appreciative of the level of support I have been extended in running successfully for the presidency,” he said after the meeting.
“In my mind there are no losers, we are all winners.”
Fray, former BCB second vice-president, now intends to hit the ground running, starting with an in-house review of the BCB administration.
“The top priority is to review our administration,” said Fray, whose appointment comes as Bermuda try to revive their fortunes after slipping down the world order since reaching the World Cup in the Caribbean in 2007.
“We have to really look at what things we have and what we use.”
Fray also moved to allay concerns over his ability to balance running the BCB with growing work commitments at BTC.
“If you want something done then give it to someone who is busy,” he said.
“My job as a leader is to get the team to embrace my vision that comes from gaining their trust, getting them to buy in and then move forward. I believe this is the beginning of good things to come.”
Outgoing president Pearman said he had no doubts that cricket is in “safe hands” with Fray at the helm.
“I have worked with Lloyd for a number of years and so this is nothing new under the sun for me, he added.
Bailey, who was previously president of the then-Bermuda Cricket Board of Control for 14 years, re-entered the race after a change of heart following his initial withdrawal from the race last week.
He was popular among members of the public and was backed by former West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts in the build-up, but he did not get sufficient backing from affiliates.
Bailey took defeat in stride and gave his support to Fray.
Richardson, who will remain as BCB first vice-president, said he was pleased to see Fray get the top post.