The Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Umpires’ Association (ABCUA) is proud to welcome two distinguished visiting umpires who are currently officiating in Antigua and Barbuda, bringing a wealth of international and regional experience to the local game.
Bernie Dodwell
Mr. Bernie Dodwell joins the Association from the United Kingdom. He is an M3 graded umpire under the England and Wales Cricket Board and officiates at County Premier League level within the Surrey Cricket Championship, as well as in national one day competitions and age group inter county matches.
In addition to his on field responsibilities, Mr. Dodwell serves as Joint Disciplinary Chairman for the Surrey Cricket Championship, is an ECB Umpire Observer, and mentors new officials joining the Surrey panel system.
His cricketing journey began at age 14. Over a 36 year playing career, primarily as a medium fast opening bowler, he captured 1,206 wickets before transitioning into umpiring. After nine years as a club umpire, he joined the Surrey Championship Panel in 2015 and, five years later, became one of 18 Premier Division umpires within a panel of 85 qualified officials. He has held that Premier Division position for the past six years.
Currently on an extended vacation in Antigua, Mr. Dodwell offered his services to the ABCUA to experience different playing conditions and immerse himself in a new cricketing environment. During his time here, he has praised both the standard of Premier cricket and the camaraderie among players and officials.
He has noted structural differences between cricket in Surrey and Antigua. Surrey, approximately six times the size of Antigua and with a population some 13 times greater, supports 120 clubs across 29 divisions of 10 teams each. Premier grounds are typically private, well equipped, and often staffed by full time groundsmen. The competition includes both limited overs and timed matches and regularly features overseas first class professionals and contracted county players.
Despite differences in scale and facilities, Mr. Dodwell has expressed admiration for Antigua’s cricket culture, describing it as friendly and spirited, with strong on field rapport among players.
“Antigua is a lot more friendly. Players clearly know each other well, there is plenty of on field banter and smiles. Even though I can hardly understand a word of the local dialect at times, the culture is clear and thoroughly enjoyable,” he remarked.
He also praised the structure and camaraderie within the ABCUA, noting the Association’s strong post match interaction and sharing of experiences among officials. He highlighted the diversity and professionalism of the local body, particularly the presence of female officials and the collaborative environment, areas he acknowledged as opportunities for growth within his home panel.
“The ultimate aim of both organisations is the same, to enable and encourage umpires to become the best they possibly can. The ABCUA has very, very good umpires, and I look forward to standing with as many as possible during my time here.”
Mr. Dodwell will conclude his visit and depart Antigua shortly, having made a valuable contribution to local officiating during his stay.
Renael Alfred
Also officiating with the ABCUA is Mr. Renael Alfred of Saint Lucia, a member of the St. Lucia Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association, where he has previously served as Secretary and Vice President.
His introduction to cricket began at home watching the sport with his father before going on to play competitively throughout primary and secondary school. At just 16 years old, while in fourth form, he transitioned from playing to umpiring, an experience he describes as a “baptism by fire.”
Mr. Alfred successfully completed his St. Lucia, Windward Islands, and West Indies examinations. Although the COVID 19 pandemic delayed his final oral and practical West Indies assessments, he persevered and ultimately achieved full qualification.
His first official match was during the 2018 Windward Islands Under 15 Tournament between St. Lucia and Dominica. Since then, he has officiated school cricket, inter district matches, T10 competitions, national trials, and Windward Islands regional tournaments across various age groups and genders. He has also umpired CPL practice matches and cites the Dream XI T10 tournament as one of his most impactful developmental experiences. To date, he has officiated in two tournament finals.
During his time in Antigua, Mr. Alfred aims to gain further experience and adapt to the local cricketing culture while contributing his passion, firmness, and professionalism to the game. He has highlighted several structural differences compared to Saint Lucia, including the assignment of match referees to all matches, live scoring from every game, a designated local cricket application, assigned scorers, team uniforms, and overall discipline, factors he believes elevate the standard of cricket in Antigua.
Having already officiated two two day matches locally, he has praised the smooth conduct of games, strict adherence to the Laws, and accountability of teams and players. He has also commended the professionalism and commitment of Antigua’s umpires, noting their punctuality, proper attire, and preparedness.
The Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Umpires’ Association extends sincere appreciation to Mr. Bernie Dodwell for his service during his visit and continues to welcome Mr. Renael Alfred as he gains further experience within the local cricketing landscape. The Association is thrilled to have these two umpires and remains committed to forming strong partnerships and improving the landscape of cricket in Antigua and Barbuda.