Windsor Park pavilion to be named after Doctrove

Billy Doctrove to be honoured with the naming of the Windsor Park players' pavilion in Dominica.

ROSEAU, Dominica, Mar 30, CMC – Billy Doctrove will have the players’ pavilion at Windsor Park named after him later this year.

The Dominica Sun newspaper reported on Monday that Sports Minister Justina Charles indicated that the three structures that ring the western side of the ground would officially be named ahead of two One-day Internationals between West Indies and South Africa in May.

The 54-year-old Doctrove is currently the only umpire from the West Indies serving on the international elite panel.

He has stood in 29 Tests, 89 One-day Internationals, and 10 Twenty20 Internationals between 1998 and the present.

Doctrove is currently one of the umpires from the international elite panel currently on-duty in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

He is controversially the only non-cricketer whose name will be affixed to the main structures at the ground.

The three spectator stands on the western side of the ground will have the names of a number of Dominica cricket heroes.

The central of the three stands will celebrate the Shillingford cousins, the late Grayson, the first Dominican to play Tests for West Indies, and Irving, the prolific Combined & Windward Islands batsman, who played four Tests for the Windies.

The stand closest to the players’ pavilion at the northern end will now be termed as the Clem John & Kaleb Laurent Stand to honour two outstanding former Combined Islands players.

Former Test fast-medium bowlers Norbert Phillip, the former Windwards captain, and  Adam Sanford, who now lives in Antigua and also played for the Leeward Islands, will have their names attached to the south stand next to the international media centre.

Prior to the refurbishment of the stadium five years ago in attempt to qualify Dominica for the for the 2007 World Cup, stands at the ground carried the names of only Phillip and Irving Shillingford.

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

50 Comments

  1. ecr
    June 18, 2010

    Though I apprecaite a stand named after allan stanford, but where in our sport history did he palyed for Dominica and or the windward islands. Wouldn't it be more appropriate to use a name like Lockhart Sebastein who has represented both DOminica and he windward island and still play a major role in cricket in dominica

  2. wayne
    April 5, 2010

    WELL DONE PEOPLE, THIS IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN GO FORWARD BY PUTTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIHGT PLACE. EXCELLENT MRS CHARLES, NOTHING WRONG WITH STANFORD HAVING HIS NAME ON THE SENE. YOUTH JUST NOT RECOGNIZE IN OUR PEOPLE VISION, ONLY WHEN THEY A DOING WRONG.CONGRATULATION TO ALL THE GUYS

  3. tjayinuk
    April 2, 2010

    fantastic choice.. well deserve..give him his roses while his alive..thumps up!! doctrove

    • Anonymous
      April 5, 2010

      what about roy marshall …

  4. Congrats
    April 1, 2010

    Congrats to a stalwart and a great man on this achievement. Billy more than deserves this accolade and it is high time we name our heroes while they are living among us. On another note, permit me to say that Thomas Kentish is MORE THAN DESERVING of sharing a pavillion with someone else. I read of Thomas Kentish in primary school during our social studies class and I eventually worked with him at the Sports Division. He is a great person to work with, very respectable and I admire his drive to work everyday to contribute to the development of the sports programme for our children. Let’s be fair, give TK his recognition as well.

  5. KALINAGO TO DE BONE
    April 1, 2010

    I believe that each and every name chosen is well deserving because they all have contributed to developing sports and further more put Dominica’s name on the world sports map. To all dem haters who think Sandfords name should not be there stop and rethink. Sanford am sure is among the top 10 sports men to have been showcased on the world stage. He is a born and bred Dominican who played most of his cricket here. His rise to test cricket begun in Dominica lets not forgot that. He represented us at the national level both in the youth and senior. Up to this day he have never claimed to be an Antiguan he have and will always be a Dominican. If this is Dominica’s way of saying we are sorry for not pushing you forward when we had to let it be. He truelly deserve to be part of this stadium.

  6. DA MAN IN BOSTON
    April 1, 2010

    MAN IS SO IT STAY IIN DA.
    what is this a cricket stadium? or a sports stadium? i understand that every body’s name cannot be included, but by judge lets be realistic.it’s ok to make mention of thoes who have contributed to dominica sports including sanford, on a big billboard at visible location in the stadium. why do we dominicans always think with emotion. This is a sports stadium right? then let sportmen and sport teams be counted, with this said, i congratulate Mr.Billy Doctrove well deserved recognition, but his mentor,(Mr. Phillip Allene) needs a little recognition also.What has THOMAS KENTISH done to be snob like this, He was and still isa great sportman both football and cricket, and he played longer on high level in both sports than some of the multisportmen in Da.but names like clem john- curthberth william-gifford walsh sebo and the many multi sportsmen who entertained us through out the years.atleast tapesay the wall of the stadium with their names so most of us can be please if not all.ithink sanford’s name should not be befor TK that all i will say for now .is so it stay TK, you done know.more people in the other carribean island know TK that people in DA.

  7. jamie
    April 1, 2010

    wat about Thomas Kentish……? congrats to Doctrove but Kentish deserves a place so i cant be 100% supportive of this!!!

    • Cricket fan
      April 1, 2010

      While I totally agree with you that Kentish should be there we will never get to the ideal situation where we will ALL agree with the names submitted. Irving,Grayson,Billy and Zaidee are all worthy so hopefully the authorities can still get a way to include TK.

  8. The Juror
    April 1, 2010

    I want to personally congratulate Billy for his achievements on both the cricket and football fields.I can remember your early days when you were willing to officiate in every nook and corner in Dominica and this has helped you in your quest to reach the top. After all those years displaying your talents you deserve all the good that comes your way and your friendliness and down to earth attitude for someone who has achieved so much is an example to young sportsmen. You will surely be continued to be blessed. On becoming the first Dominican International Football referee and also becoming the first Dominican Test Cricket Umpire are milestones that you should be indeed very proud of. Keep up up good work.

  9. Pelto
    April 1, 2010

    Irving and Billy truly deserves all the credit that they get simply because both are so humble and have continued to be so even after all their success on the cricket field. Irving contines to peform ,well after passing the normal retirement age and Billy also continues to excell Internationally.I also congratulate the other gentlemen for their success and wish TK could have been included but I suppose everyone cannot be recognized at the same time.

  10. FORMER U19 TEAM MATE
    April 1, 2010

    @ LIBERATED DON’T BE SO BIASED.SANFORD DID REPRESENT DOMINICA AT BOTH THE UNDER 19 AND SENIOR LEVEL.THE ONLY REASON HE LEFT D/CA IS BECAUSE HE COULDN’T FIND WORK HERE AND HIS TALENT WASN’T BEING APRECIATED SO HE HAD TO MOVE TO ANTIGUA WHERE HE WAS ALLOWED TO DISPLAY HIS TRUE POTENIAL.HAD HE REMAINED IN DOMINICA HE WOULD NEVER HAVE MADE THE WEST INDIES TEAM CUZ THERE WERE PERSON DOING THEIR BEST TO PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING.BESIDES HE’S THE FIRST AND ONLY CARIB TO HAVE REPRESENTED THE WINDIES.

    SANFORD MORE THAN DESERVES TO BE MENTIONED AMONG THE ONES WHOS NAMES ARE ON THE LIST TO HAVE STANDS NAMED AFTER THEM

  11. Judge & Jury
    April 1, 2010

    Why isn’t Thomas Kentish’s legacy being honored??? Come on now Sports Minister. Do you know who Thomas Kentish is and what he has done for cricket in Dominica? Afterall…Ah Magway Sah! Give Mr. Kentish his flowers while he’s living.

  12. March 31, 2010

    In my world none of the individuals mention name should not be there.No time to explain unpopular names while enjoying my game..way to much work.

  13. Bawi boy
    March 31, 2010

    Congrats to Billy, Irving, Grayson and Nobert. All are really oustanding Dominicans. They all brought us so much joy. I think Kentish and Lochart Sebastian should also have been considered. I think that they did much more than Adam Sanford even though they never played test cricket. If they were playing today they would have been household names in the international cricket world. It is a very nice gesture.

  14. HATS OFF
    March 31, 2010

    Joe Thomas, you should apologize to “Sir Billy”.
    Remember this man, coming from a small country like Dominica, is one of the ten best umpires in the world. What an honor.
    Proud of you Billy…keep Dominica flag flying!

  15. LOVE FOR COUNTRY
    March 31, 2010

    Billy we are so very proud of your achievement.
    No other sportsman in Dominica has done what you have done for your country.
    You are currently in India and have represented your country all over the world as an elite cricket umpire, one of the 10 best umpires in the ENTIRE WORLD. What an achievement……..
    You are a humble and God fearing man and the Lord knows that.
    To you, your wife and children I say BRAVO..The Billy Doctrove pavilion sounds worthy.
    You also deserve the honor of “Sir Billy”. AMEN!!!

  16. March 31, 2010

    Dominicans really do get high on mediocrity. I am totally against Billy Doctrove getting a pavillion named after him for being a simple umpire. that is not an achievement. I suspect any Dominican that wins a noble prize will get the country named after them.

    • Boopsie
      April 1, 2010

      Democratic ,I do not normally join in all the opinions expressed in this forum as many of them like you are just plain stupid or very ignorant but can you read again what you wrote. Billy is a SIMPLE umpire? Do you not have a brain and common sense? He is among the BEST TEN UMPIRES IN THE WORLD. Isn’t that a MAJOR achievement? How many Dominicans are officially recognized as being in the top ten of their respective professions? Doctrove has represented Dominica all over the world with distinction and humility, something you will NEVER do. I suppose you must be high on the list of Dominicans to win the noble prize for negativity and backwardness !!!.

      • P
        April 4, 2010

        I totally agree Boopsie! Amazingly the vast majority of the persons who choose to post comments on DNO articles are simply not being objective, not to mention the lack of substantial knowledge of the topic being discused.

        We need to make ourselves at least appear more intelligent, its such a shame to read some of these posts!

        Having said that, I am most honoured that an out standing Dominican is being honoured and not simply in the national medium but Billy has proven to be professional and ethical on an international platform!! Something that is quite rare for many so called profesional Dominicans!!

        I am no disputing the fact that there may be other deserving Dominicans, but at t his point Billy is being honoured, can’t we just be adult and recognize someone who has placed us on the map??

        Are that egoistic and hateful that we can’t allow someone who has genuienly done well to be recognized?? This truely goes really far in proving who we are!

        Hats of to you Billy YOU HAVE DONE WELL and have made us all proud!!

        WE APPRECIATE YOU!!

  17. Well Deserved
    March 31, 2010

    SIR Billy Doctrove Pavillon – this is what it should be called as it will be a well deserved award. We can’t be more proud of this ambassador. He has served this country well and to the best of his ability. Sir Doctrove continue to make yourself and Dominica proud. Love ya bro.

  18. Hot Spot
    March 31, 2010

    Why did Joseph Thomas not express his dissagreement about Sandford’s name being there? Sandford never contributed to Dominica’s cricket. In all sports persons in the history of Dominica, Doctrove is in the forefront as far as International Representation he has given this country and Thomas’ rumbling and ranting, coming from the secretary of the Dominica Cricket Association is a disgrace and insult and only portrays the level of professionalism (or lack of it) existing within the DCA. My only personal dissappointment is that “TK” ‘s name has not been included as he has proved to be a stalwart in Dominica’s sport.
    Congrats to all the other distinguished gentlemen. I hope the official naming ceremony is fitting to the occasion and brings pride to their families and to the entire nation.

  19. de caribbean change
    March 31, 2010

    Nonsense, it should have been called the “Phillip Alleyne Players’ Pavilion”. And where are Sebo, David Defoe, Cecil Larocque, McFord Zarmore and Augustus Gregoire? Why Adam Sanford? The new media center should be named “The Jeff Charles and Reginald St. Havis Shillingford New Media Center”. The Nothern bowling end should be called the River End or the Nobert Philip End and Southern bowling end should be called the Cocacola End or the Grayson Shillingford End. Where is Viate? Anything for Viate? How are about the “Chaucer Doctrove ScoreBoard”?

  20. May
    March 31, 2010

    WELL DESERVED!!! Billy I am so fascinated and proud of you. I know that you are avery committed and spiritual individual and therefore the Almighty has been with you. You have made us, Dominicans proud. Continue the great work and rest assured that u are always in my prayers. May God continue to bless you and your family. Keep doing DOMINICA proud. We love you.

  21. Puzzled
    March 31, 2010

    Sanford????

  22. Telford Shillingford Jr.
    March 31, 2010

    Congratulations to Billy…..definitely deserving, and also the other gentlemen with the exception of Sanford. All the others have played an integral part in improving the level of cricket in Dominica and representing the island for a number of years. I was fortunate to receive training from these gentlemen when I played for Dominica Grammar School and The Saints Cricket Club and represented Dominica at the youth level. I will be at the West Indies/South Africa matches in this May so I look forward to the naming ceremonies if there are any.

    • DominicaLUVAdamSanford
      April 7, 2010

      Excuse me sir but how long ago did you play for Dominica Grammar School? That’s like 50 years ago? Seem like you are yearning for some recognition here. Sorry Sanford is already way gone and way up there; can’t take that away.

      Google Adam Sanford you will find the stats

      Go Sanford DominicaLUVSU…

  23. March 31, 2010

    Congratulation Billy to you and your family…for before being an elite umpire, you had already been an ambassador to the nature isle in the field of football, you being the first FIFA referee from the nature isle, so I know what I am talking about.

    Billy, you are a very prosperous gentleman( I note gentleman) that will contimue to propsper. One of the main reason why you are thriving, is because you are a very hunmble man, who never sought to flair to be recognized. I have never had the opportunity to say that you are showing off on anyone as many of us out there would have love do.

    I do hope that with good health and the usual family support, and the grace of the almighty you will continue to be a shining light to all of us.

    If there is one individual that I know for a fact with a caring and loving heart, is you Billy. I recalled a moment in my life and my ailing mum, when everyone passed my mum straight coming from the hospital and you were the only one in your little Charade car who gave us a ride, this ailing mum was so grateful, and today her blessing among others continue to flow in your direction.

    God bless you and famliy

    I am proud of you.

    • Ton-neah
      March 31, 2010

      I suggest we name the stadium after one of our cricketing heroes. We certainly do not have to keep those old colonial names on our sports or other buildings. I am calling for a name change befor the games begin. LOOKING for comments, good bad or ugly.

  24. Liberated
    March 31, 2010

    Come on guys it is impossible to understand the rationale in omitting TK and including Sandford. Sandford has never played cricket for Dominica where as TK has bowled his heart out for both Dominica and Winward islands. Sandford played for Antigua and Leewards before making the West Indies Team. No one knew about him until he played for Windies, where as TK is a household name in Dominican and Winward Islands cricket.

  25. Honestly
    March 31, 2010

    What about the “SIR BILLY DOCTROVE PAVILLION”.
    He certainly deserves that for the manner that he has represented DA on the international front. It is a long time that we have not had somebody knighted and I cant think of anyone more deserving of a knighthood than Mr Doctrove. At least an MBE or OBE from the Queen is in order. Coming from the “back waters” of Dominica (as far as cricket is concerned) and officiating in about 30 tests and close to 100 ODI’s to date is no mean feat. Come on Mr Skerrit we know you can negotiate . Show us you true negotiating skills. Prove to us you care about a truly great Dominican.

    • Ton-neah
      March 31, 2010

      We just have to learn to appreciate our own we dont need no queen of any kind to make our atheletes great. As a Dominican i can tell you straight i aint got no regard for the British Monarch. Who vex loss.

  26. Homeboy
    March 31, 2010

    About time!

  27. judy williams
    March 31, 2010

    IF WE CALL THE STADIUM A SPORTS STADIUM WHAT ABOUT THE GREAT FOOTBALLERS OF DOMINICA.WE SHOULD THE NAME TO THE NATIONAL CRICKET STADIUM.

  28. natureboy
    March 31, 2010

    is it possible to have a vote on who’s names are written on the stands? if not, would any proud Dominican who has followed history closely agree with me that Kentish should be included?! i’m not from Roseau, and i dont live in Roseau, presently i reside in Texas, so im not Kentish’s friend, but during his day, he made us proud of our heritage. thank you

  29. WARMA
    March 31, 2010

    One word – OUTSTANDING. Billy ma boy, you deserve it.

  30. natureboy
    March 31, 2010

    i do agree with you, that Thomas Kentish should be there too. I think he is more a household name than Sanford, not that Sanford should be removed, no, but to have Kentish included would bring a little more honour to the grounds.

  31. Curt Pierre
    March 31, 2010

    Congratulations to Billy and all the other great gents of Dominica cricket. To my coaches K. laurent, Norbert and Irvin a special thank you for assisting me and all the other players over the years. enjoy!

  32. BamC
    March 31, 2010

    “In comes Roach from the Billy Doctrove Pavillion to bowl to Kallis”…..Sounds really exciting to me and I hope the naming ceremony is a grand occasion. I personally would not have Sandford as he made his name while out of Dominica but all the other names are worth it.

  33. carla
    March 31, 2010

    Well deserved…

  34. March 31, 2010

    it’s good to give someone their praise when alive, but name national monuments after they are dead. Imagine a monument to a serial killer. Forget the dictators who built things for their egos.

  35. Scratchy
    March 31, 2010

    Congrats to all our awardees especially Billy. Although I do not really know you personally but I am your # 1 female fan.I feel so proud when I see you on my TV and now I look at cricket just to see you but I wish you could smile a bit more.I also hope somebody can introduce me to you. I surely will not miss that occasion when the naming is official.

  36. Proud DA Man
    March 31, 2010

    As a Dominican living in the UK we all look for something Dominican to make us proud living in the “white man “country and Billy Doctrove is for now the only Dominican we can salute.When he is on the field our country is highlighted in a big way and he has proved himself as one of the few Great Dominicans with some excellent performances. I will be down for the games in May as I love my cricket and we should have two great games.Congrats also to Skerrit for making the stadium a reality.

  37. Mr.Flexible
    March 31, 2010

    All the named gentlemen has represented DA to their best and should be cogratulated.There is nothing controversial in Doctrove being a non cricketer and having his name afixed to the pavillion as it is not the first occasion that has occured.We will never be able to put a $ value to the amount of publicity and advertisement that he has given to this country .All these heroes deserve their accolades.

  38. I look
    March 31, 2010

    As a keen sports fan this is a great move by the Government .As I had said earlier Doctrove has represented Dominica consistently well for a number of years and truly deserves to have pride of place at the Stadium. He has proved himself an outstanding Ambassador to this country.Compared to the other persons his achievements dwarf all of the other guys combined and I was trully dissappointed to hear the comments from the secretary of the DCA. He should be made to apologise
    Coming from a small country Doctrove’s achievements are truly remarkable and should never be underestimated. Keep doing DA proud brother.

  39. March 31, 2010

    Reading the story today am happy too be a Dominican to hear such good news like this but i think that Sanford should be left out and put someone in his place like Mr.Thomas kentish but its not up to us as usual .

    • Deep-In-Thought
      March 31, 2010

      I agree with Sasha Fierce, but then, I see the point of wanting to include Sanford,…………the Caribs are an integral part of Dominica

    • Wii
      March 31, 2010

      1000% in agreement. What on earth Sanford name doing there? This guy hasn’t proven himself enough to warrant such an honor.

  40. local
    March 31, 2010

    good choice hats off billy

  41. InCoGnItO
    March 31, 2010

    Congratulations to you Billy Doctrove from the Richards family in Goodwill Continue the Great Work ,its always a treat when we get our flowers while we are still alive continue the great work that you are doing and may God continue to Guide and Bless you with you accomplishments…Again Hats off to you brother keep up the great work…

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available