By Frederick Halley
WEST Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) President, Vivian Johnson; Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) President, Shiv Persaud; Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) President Azeem Khan and businesswoman Kim Sue were among the special invitees when the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) held its Appreciation Lunch on Sunday last at Windies Restaurant and Sports Bar, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.

The CCUA also used the occasion to present certificates to several of its members who were successful at different levels of its examinations.
Newly elected CCUA President, Azad Khan, in an eloquent address to the appreciative audience urged his charges to redouble their efforts to elevate the standard of umpiring in the SCA and across Canada. “Increasing our umpiring pool and encouraging participation in certification exams, such as with the West Indies Certification, are vital steps toward this shared goal. To that end, the CCUA is committed to providing comprehensive training and support to aspiring umpires.”

According to Khan, “as we look to the future, let us endeavour to enhance our training programmes and expand our arsenal of skilled trainers and facilitators; our aim is nothing short of excellence, as we strive to produce top-quality umpires capable of officiating at every level of cricket”.

Referring to the recent elections of the CCUA, Khan pointed out that he was deeply humbled by the trust the umpires bestowed on him through their votes. “Regardless of whether you cast your ballot in my favour or not, I pledge to serve our esteemed association, the CCUA, with unwavering dedication and integrity. Together, as members of this esteemed body, let us forge ahead, united in our commitment to excellence. Your continued support will be my guiding light on this journey.”
Khan extended a special welcome to the two newly appointed executives in Secretary Malik Ghaswala and Treasurer Terry Mathura who was confirmed in the position after being appointed the previous year.

The President urged all umpires to remain engaged and proactive in shaping the future of the association. “Your voices matter, and your feedback is invaluable.”
In his remarks, WICUA President, Johnson, spoke about the revamping of the body’s training programme which gives umpires the opportunity to qualify as full-fledged international officials
in just 15 months instead of the previous three years.

According to Johnson, that programme is being implemented from this year with the affiliated associations aware of the changes.
Efforts are also being made, in conjunction with Cricket West Indies, to establish a Junior umpiring panel, which will see the involvement of umpires who are not in the top tier being given opportunities to officiate, Johnson disclosed.

Scarborough Cricket Association President, Shiv Persaud, while showering praise on the CCUA umpires for their splendid job, urged them to also seek qualification with the national body in order to enhance their chances of officiating at the national level. Persaud further urged the umpires not to become complacent as that will hamper their progress.
Former umpire, Peter Montfort, who played a major role in the training of umpires within the CCUA, told the umpires present that they should always carry themselves with dignity while imploring on them the importance of reading the laws of the game continuously.

Kim Sue, of Norman Sue Bakery fame, applauded the efforts of the umpires and the administration for the role they are playing in the advancement and promotion of the game.
According to her, no monies earned can compensate “for the efforts you put out there.”
Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) and Ontario Twilight Softball Cricket League
(OTSCL) Azeem Khan lauded the work of the CCUA and reminded the audience that the second edition of the Canada Softball Cup is scheduled for the upcoming Labour Day weekend.