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KINGSTON, Jamaica – Contracted players from the Leeward Islands Hurricanes received their health insurance cards in a brief ceremony on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, in the satellite office of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA), Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica. The Hurricanes are in Jamaica for the 9th round of the West Indies Championship (4-Day) and currently stand at second place in the points standings behind front-runners the Guyana Jaguars.
Several players expressed their gratitude to Cricket West Indies (CWI) and WIPA for the health insurance plan, which Leewards and Windies ‘A’ batsman Jahmar Hamilton called “a very good idea” and “a great step for WIPA and Cricket West Indies.” Hamilton further stated that the plan was “very important throughout (players’) careers.” Devon Thomas, a veteran Hurricanes batsman, also shared similar sentiments, “I think it’s a good move, I think it’s the first time this has ever happened in regional tournaments… it’s a good move that the (Cricket) West Indies and WIPA body can come together and supply such a good tool.”
WIPA Honorary Secretary and Operations Consultant, Wayne Lewis and CEO of Excel Insurance Brokers, Kinshasa Minott, explained to the audience the benefits and terms of the plan. Mrs. Minott emphasised to players that the plan was a “first class” benefit being offered by CWI and WIPA to the tune of approximately US$250,000 per annum, demonstrating a “high level of professionalism and care being brought by WIPA and CWI to the sport and the players.”
Mr. Lewis, on behalf of the executive, also reiterated WIPA’s commitment to ensuring players are well looked after on and off the field. WIPA’s executive was returned for another term unopposed at WIPA’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.
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