Trinidad and Tobago female cricket umpire Candace La Borde begins 2023 in history-making mode as she became the first Trinidadian woman to be named to compete in a Cricket World Cup.
La Borde, 35, has been selected on the panel of umpires to officiate at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup T20 in South Africa from January 14-29.
Joining La Borde on the panel is Vincentian female judge Maria Abbot. In preparation for the World Cup, both women recently underwent a compact and intensive week-long training program in Antigua under the watchful eyes of former international umpire and current West Indies Cricket Umpires Association umpires coach Peter Nero.
La Borde also had the opportunity to test her skills as a third umpire (TV) in the recently concluded third edition of the Trinidad Dream 11 T10 competition.
La Borde’s appointment has been hailed throughout the umpiring fraternity in Trinidad and Tobago and her appointment is seen as a breakthrough for all female umpires in the country, having emulated her Northern Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association compatriot, Joel Wilson, who is a member of the ICC Elite Panel.
Northern Zone Cricket Umpires chairman Shawn Wilson said La Borde’s appointment is an indication of the association’s high standard of coaching, which is led by Joel Wilson, Barbadian Gregory Brathwaite and Nero.
Joining Wilson in congratulating La Borde was Kellman Kowlessar, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires Council, who stated that her appointment should be seen as an encouragement, not only to women in the country, but also to the youth who to become arbitrators.
La Borde left yesterday to take up duties in South Africa.
In related news, the Northern Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association will begin its 2023 training course on January 9, at Queen’s Park Oval from 5pm. The course will consist of oral and visual presentations of the laws of cricket as well as on-the-ground training sessions.
The course, which is aimed at former cricketers, teachers, students, coaches, parents and other stakeholders, will also be conducted online and is free for all participants.
Persons interested in registering may contact Premchand Roopia at 464-8005 or send an e-mail to [email protected], or may visit the association face book page at Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of the Northern Zone of Trinidad and Tobago.
