‘I know nothing’

Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Courtney Francis says he has received no formal notice that he is being removed from his post despite widespread rumours that he will step down, or be pushed out, effective May 1, following an impending staff restructuring.

Francis, who has led the JCA’s day-to-day operations for two decades, told The Gleaner that the first he heard of any potential change came during a board meeting on Wednesday, when he was asked to leave the room.

“We were going through the agenda, and the item of staff restructuring came up. Then the first vice-president, Fritz Harris, requested that I excuse myself from the meeting,” Francis said.

He complied, but no explanation was given at the time. Since then, his phone has not stopped ringing.

“I have not received any formal communication from the board or the president, but I have been getting a lot of calls asking about the news that I am out as of May 1,” Francis said. “As far as I am concerned, I remain the CEO, and I will continue to perform my duties with diligence until further notice.”

Yesterday, Francis wrote to JCA President Dr Donovan Bennett, requesting urgent clarity on his status.

“I asked for a clear answer. Am I still the CEO, and if not, what is the basis for that decision? I have served this association diligently since 2006, and I believe I am owed that much,” Francis said.

He added that he had no knowledge of any performance issues or disciplinary matters that would trigger a removal and that the rumoured restructuring had not been shared with him in writing.

When The Gleaner reached out yesterday to a JCA board member who requested anonymity, the director would not confirm or deny whether Francis was, indeed, on his way out.

Francis took the reins as JCA CEO in 2013, weathering financial storms, pandemic disruptions, and the perennial challenge of reviving interest in Jamaican grass-roots cricket.

Under his watch, the JCA has overseen national programmes, youth-development initiatives, and the staging of numerous regional matches at Sabina Park.

For now, Francis says he will report to work as usual today and on Monday, May 4, unless he is told otherwise in writing.