As the first female referee from the West Indies to adjudicate a men’s T20 international between two full-member countries, 47-year-old Jacqueline Williams is about to create history. This Thursday, December 14, at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium in Grenada, during the second Twenty20 International match of the current five-game series between the West Indies and England, is scheduled to mark a significant moment in her career.
Jacqueline Williams and veteran umpire Gregory Brathwaite will be positioned in the center, with television umpire Leslie Reifer Jr. officiating the match. Former West Indies captain Sir Richie Richardson will serve as the match referee, while Patrick Gustard has been named as the fourth umpire.
It feels like a fantasy realized. Being the first is a wonderful experience, but hopefully I won’t be the last. I feel quite fortunate to have been granted this wonderful chance, and I want to make sure I play to the best of my abilities on Thursday. “It is evident from my past accomplishments that this serves as a testament to my work,” Williams stated to Cricket West Indies Media.
“For me, attending matches with every member there is really important. I don’t want to minimize my previous experience officiating international matches because it helped me be ready for this. I have everything ready. Seeing me in the middle as an umpire would perhaps encourage more young girls to watch matches and become interested in cricket, either as players or match officials. “I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made thus far, and I promise to keep working hard so that those who observe me have someone to aspire to,” she continued.
It will also be the first-ever game played in Grenada between the West Indies and England. The Rovman Powell-captained team is now ahead 1-0 in the five-match series after winning the opening Twenty20 International at Kensington Oval in Barbados by four wickets.
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