Digicel, proud sponsor of West Indies cricket since 2004, has recently been involved in discussions and correspondence with Stanford in an effort to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the current impasse over the proposed Stanford 20/20 Series.
Digicel, having had its own three point compromise solution flatly rejected by Stanford, sought (together with the WICB) to meet with Stanford representatives to further advance discussions in the matter notwithstanding Stanford’s firm rejection of Digicel’s compromise proposal. Regrettably, Stanford flatly refused to meet with all parties and stated categorically that it refused to engage in any negotiation process involving the WICB. Digicel has urged Stanford to reconsider its position in this regard.
Despite Stanford’s rejections, Digicel urged Stanford to frame an alternative compromise position based on the compromise proposal provided by Digicel. In so doing, Digicel kept alive the opportunity for Stanford to retain the majority of the commercial inventory relating to the Series so as to allow Stanford recoup its investment. The proposal advanced by Stanford was unacceptable to Digicel.
However, Digicel expressly sought Stanford’s confirmation that negotiations would continue in good faith with a view to arriving at a mutually acceptable compromise. Stanford has, to date, declined to provide the confirmation sought by Digicel. Rather than responding to Digicel as requested, Stanford issued a misleading press release effectively blaming Digicel for the failure to reach a resolution.
Whilst Digicel would not argue with Stanford’s entitlement to communicate with the media as it sees fits, it would point out that Stanford declined to properly explain in its release that the proposal put forward by it was expressly limited to one year as distinct from mirroring the duration of Digicel’s exclusive sponsorship agreement with the WICB. Further, the press release declined to explain the various restrictions which Stanford sought to impose on Digicel.
Digicel’s response to Stanford’s weak proposal urged the parties to continue negotiating and to focus efforts on finding an acceptable compromise solution.
Whilst Digicel had expressly sought confirmation from Stanford that negotiations would continue in good faith, the press release issued by Stanford would appear to be designed towards undermining an ongoing negotiation process. Throughout this process, numerous threats have been made against Digicel relating to a damaging media and PR campaign. By deliberately and unfairly attacking Digicel in the media through the release of a misleading press statement, Digicel is entitled to question the existence of a genuine willingness to resolve the matter amicably and through respectful dialogue. In light of this press release, Digicel has sought clarification of Stanford’s present position. To date, this clarification has not been forthcoming.
Digicel has at all times throughout this process clearly stated that it was willing to take whatever steps were necessary to resolve this matter amicably and responsibly. Digicel’s position in this regard remains unchanged.
