By Samuel Peters
Former West Indies fast bowler and President of the Liberta Sports Club Kenneth Benjamin has expressed strong displeasure over the current situation facing the Leeward Islands cricket team, particularly regarding their practice facilities.
The Leeward Islands Hurricanes are currently utilizing the facilities at the Liberta Sports Club, affectionately known as Ball Beef. While his Sports Club is benefiting financially from hosting the team, Benjamin maintains this arrangement shouldn’t be necessary.
“I am really upset,” he stated emphatically, addressing the inability of the Leeward Islands Hurricanes to access the national stadium, Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, for their preparation and matches in the upcoming 2025 West Indies 4 Day Championship season. He pointed out that all other franchises in the region have no issues using their respective national cricket venues for training and matches.
Benjamin specifically directed criticism at Leeward Islands Cricket Board President Enoch Lewis, suggesting that the situation is “total foolishness.” He argued that the Leeward Islands Hurricanes cannot secure access to their sub-regional stadium for preparation and matches.
The frustration stems from what Benjamin sees as a lack of proper planning, noting that the Leeward Islands’ participation was known well in advance.
“I can’t understand why they’re still having issues in getting the stadium,” he said, referencing earlier announcements from the minister who had spoken about the team being based in Antigua and Barbuda on a previous show,” he said.
While the Liberta Sports Club is currently hosting the team and generating some income from the arrangement, Benjamin emphasized that these benefits don’t justify the larger issue. “Like I said, we’re happy for the opportunity… but in principle, I am really upset,” he stated.
The situation has led to discussions about the team potentially being based at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG), a development that Benjamin finds particularly concerning given the stature of the LICB as the premier cricket organization in the sub-region.
“I heard somebody saying that Leeward Islands will be based at ARG, and I’m saying, and I’m blaming Enoch Lewis for that, because he is the President,” Benjamin added, highlighting the need for better administration and planning for the region’s cricket development.
