COULD it be that those who control the purse strings actually do care?

For as long as most of us can remember, through successive Governments, sport in Bermuda has been considered anything but a priority.

In terms of financial support, it's been virtually ignored - which, considering the abundance of natural talent on this Island, is somewhat perplexing.

One wonders whether the crime rate would be as high as it is now and the education standards as low if sport in general had been afforded more recognition.

If it's to be accepted, and it generally is, that sport bolsters self-esteem, strengthens national pride, keeps kids off the streets and ultimately offers educational opportunities that might not be available through other avenues, then it's difficult to argue against its value in terms of combating social ills.

Yet those in power have successively failed to recognise such virtues - and if they have, have done little to lend their support.

So it was something of a pleasant surprise to read in last week's Budget statement that the Ministry of Community Affairs and Sport was about to receive a 17 percent increase in funds over last year - the biggest increase granted to any of the Government ministries.

That statistic, of course, has to be tempered by the fact that in the previous Budget, the same department received next to nothing. Thus such an increase was long overdue.

However, the signs are encouraging.

The $6.2 million set aside for the National Sports Centre should ensure construction of an astroturf pitch, the promise of which was first made more than a decade ago.

We should also see the building of a new pavilion, although there's still no provision for the Olympic-sized swimming pool which, much like the artificial pitch, was first promised almost 20 years ago.

It was refreshing to see a grant of $75,000 offered to Pembroke Hamilton Club as they attempt to upgrade their Warwick ground and some $130,000 set aside for a new motor sport facility.

Hopefully, more clubs will be looked upon as favourably in years to come.

Club facilities in Bermuda, in general, are woefully poor and arguably an area where Government funds could be best used.

An increase of $85,000 in the Elite Athletes Fund will also be well received. As most of those who attempt to compete successfully on the international stage know all too well, the word `amateur' is now all but obsolete.

To be competitive in any sport requires the kind of financial assistance which very few athletes can generate through their own endeavours.

The cash bonus, hopefully, will contribute to the kind of international success which has been all too infrequent among Bermudian athletes in recent years.

And for the likes of our two Athletes of the Year announced last night, sailors Peter Bromby and Paula Lewin, there's the added bonus of a tax exemption which will allow them to bring back to the Island for training purposes the craft they sail overseas without being penalised by a hefty tariff.

All in all, Sports Minister Randy Horton has to be delighted with the money he has at his disposal over the next year.

Investment in sport is a sound investment, not only in Bermuda's youth but in all those who aspire to making Bermuda a better country.

- ADRIAN ROBSON