THE Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has confirmed its backing of Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron to be the next president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

The Jamaica Observer reported on Monday that the JCA was set to support their compatriot and after a meeting between board members, the local body issued a release yesterday corroborating the story.

“The Jamaica Cricket Association supports Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron in his bid for president of the West Indies Cricket Board,” the statement said.

It continued: “As we seek to develop and redevelop the sport as a driving force for economic activity for all stakeholders, we believe Cameron has the skills required to lead a team to achieve this mandate.

“We think the renewal of West Indies cricket rests in Cameron and his team’s hands and we therefore unreservedly support him for president.”

The WICB elections are set for March 27, while nominations are slated to close tomorrow.

There were previous reports that WICB boss Dr Julian Hunte, 72, planned to vacate the post ahead of the elections, but reports are that the St Lucian subsequently made a dramatic about-turn and instead tried to negotiate an arrangement allowing him to remain as president for another two years.

The 42-year-old Cameron, a WICB vice-president since 2007, was apparently not put off by Hunte’s manoeuvre and confidently

said that he has the backing of WICB members.

“I am running for the West Indies Cricket Board presidency and I believe that I have the (support of) majority of the directors of the board to be the next president,” he told the Observer last week in Barbados.

Hunte, who has served three terms, was president during a period of strained relations between the regional body and the JCA.

Former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd has also been reported as seeking nomination for the WICB top job.