A Caricom subcommittee is to liaise with Cricket West Indies (CWI) in discussions surrounding investments in the sport regionally. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told reporters this on Wednesday during the 45th Caricom heads of government summit at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain. Recently, former CWI and TT Cricket Board (TTCB) director Allen Sammy called on Caricom to step in to aid the “current demise that is (sic) West Indies cricket.” This was after the team’s embarrassing exit from the One-Day International World Cup Qualifiers in Harare, Zimbabwe. It is the first time that West Indies will not feature at the ODI World Cup. Batting first, the Windies were dismissed for 181 runs off 43.5 overs, to which the Scots responded with a victorious 185/3. Browne told reporters he has always believed there should be no external intervention in West Indies cricket. He said, “What I believe to be necessary is closer collaboration with CWI board and the various countries comprising and (territories) comprising West Indies cricket and for there to be increased investments in cricket, especially at the grassroots level.” He said it was clear that Caricom countries do not have the type of facilities required to develop the talent found there. He added, “It’s not just the raw talent or having the technical skills to play cricket, but even the soft skills, in terms of the culture and the psychological orientation with this understanding that when you go out there, you represent the pride of the Caribbean.” He said this issue cannot be addressed in “a very frivolous way… “Because when they lose to inferior teams, it hurts the Caribbean pride.” He reiterated that he believes the solution lies in investment, “perhaps beyond the capacity of CWI. “We have to create the type of ecosystem at a national level so that we have the necessary sporting facilities and the training for the development of cricket. Also, to get more of our citizens and residents involved in cricket.” He said many Caribbean people were “migrating" to other sports. As a result, he said, “Closer collaboration is required between the various countries and CWI. Just today we decided to put together a subcommittee of Caricom to have that engagement." He said Caricom has consulted with CWI on this, and the collaboration will benefit West Indies cricket. Asked which countries are part of the subcommittee, Browne said there were many volunteers, including his country, Trinidad and Tobago and St Vincent and the Grenadines.The post Caricom subcommittee to talk investment in WI cricket appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Source: https://newsday.co.tt/2023/07/05/carico ... wi-cricket