KINGSTON, Jamaica – Now that the Caribbean’s top female umpire, Jacqueline Williams, has officiated at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Under-19 level, the next goal, according to the Jamaican, is to officiate at the regional first-class level.The former Jamaica female cricketer, who was born in Westmoreland, umpired in five matches during the recent WICB Under-19 tournament – a first for a female umpire in the Caribbean.
This was an improvement on a similar experience at the WICB Under-15 tournament last year.
“The experiences were good and taught me a lot, and for it I’m a much-improved umpire,” said the 39-year-old.
“The next hope for me is to be selected to officiate at the regional first-class in the not- too-distant future.”
Williams, who is the only female umpire on the WICB’s panel of umpires, albeit on the second-tier ‘B’ panel, would be the first female umpire to achieve the feat if she does get called to the first-class level.
This would put the St Andrew Technical alumna within her lifetime dream of being an international umpire.
“If I were to make it to the first-class level, that would be my next goal, as it is from there that umpires are adjudged before being given international status.
“That’s the route I would like to take, and with God’s blessing, and further opportunities, I am optimistic.”
Williams, who began umpiring in 2007 at the age of 31, also outlined why she believes she can make it to the highest level.
“I have rubbed shoulders with the best umpires in the country, and I think I have stood up well,” the Portmore resident pointed out.
“I also believe I have garnered the respect of players, which for me is one of the most important things in umpiring.” (Jamaica Star article)