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Jamaica Cricket Umpires Association chief, Norman Malcolm, has intimated that the rise of umpire Jacqueline Williams is a plus to the efforts of the association to attract more women to the profession.

Currently in Thailand officiating at the International Cricket Council's Women's World Twenty20 Qualifiers, Williams is the first Jamaican, and West Indian female umpire to take part in an international tournament.

"Her accomplishment is a big plus, especially for female umpires, who can now see that there are real possibilities for them to excel at the highest level," Malcolm said.

"There are several female umpires in our system at the moment. Last year we recruited quite a few, and then did so again this year.

"They are all promising, and following on the heels of Jacqui, we expect other females to make it as well," he said.

selected to officiate

Malcolm, currently serving his 11th one-year term as president, also expressed hope that following the qualifiers, Williams will be selected to officiate at the Women's World Twenty20 tournament, which will be held in India early next year.

"Since she arrived in Thailand, I spoke with her, and the feedback on her performances so far has been positive," he said.

"If she continues to do well I would not be surprised if she is selected. She is focused, and has a tremendous attitude. She responds well to positive criticism."

He added: "If she does not make it to the Women's World Twenty20, there is always the ICC Women's World Cup in England in 2017."

Williams, made her international umpiring debut during Pakistan Women's tour of the West Indies in October, and is set to make her West Indies first-class debut next weekend when Jamaica Scorpions take on Guyana Jaguars at Sabina Park.