THE BARBADOS Cricket Association (BCA) has moved swiftly to avert strike action by disgruntled umpires over the non-payment of outstanding fees.
The DAILY NATION was reliably informed yesterday that several umpires who are due
to officiate in the BCA matches this coming weekend were planning to withdraw their services unless they were paid overdue sums.
But when contacted yesterday, new BCA chief executive officer Jefferson Miller said such a move would be surprising since only a few hours earlier, he had signed a cheque for a “substantial amount of money” to be paid to the Barbados Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA).
In recent years, the Joel Garner-led administration has undertaken the responsibility of paying the fees of the more than 120 umpires who officiate in all the BCA weekend competitions, which was previously done by the clubs.
Umpires are paid $90 for each day of an Elite, Division 1 or Super Cup knockout match. Those doing duties in the Second Division receive $70 daily.
With over 60 matches playing in all five divisions, each series of matches usually costs the BCA more than $25 000 in umpiring fees.
