Shadow Minister for Youth and Sport Jon Brunson says Government blundered by not sending representatives to the recent World Cup 2007 cricket summit in St. Lucia.

After former Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) chief El James criticised the Sports Ministry's failure to accompany a local delegation to the Caribbean, opposition MP Brunson said he also believed Government had missed an ideal opportunity to lend their support and make an impression during the two-day preliminary World Cup discussions.

Bermuda are among several countries both within and outside the Caribbean who hope to host at least one of the 2007 World Cup matches, the majority of which will be played at traditional West Indies Test venues.

“Even though competent, highly qualified representatives were sent from the Bermuda Cricket Board, this issue transcends the BCB,” said Brunson in a prepared statement.

“Bermuda sent the president and the secretary of the BCB (Reggie Pearman and Charlotte Simons) while other countries like the Cayman Island and the US sent large contingents of both Government officials and other dignitaries. Orlando, Florida alone sent 17 delegates to the meeting.”

Brunson said other countries, unlike Bermuda, clearly recognised the tremendous economic and tourism benefits that could be achieved, a view also shared by James.

The UBP MP suggested that with tourism figures currently down, Government should be looking for both positive and creative ways to re-ignite that aspect of the economy.

“The World Cup is recognised throughout the world as the most prestigious of international events for this sport,” added Brunson. “If Bermuda became a host nation our young cricketers would benefit greatly, through exposure to top flight cricket, expert coaching and the positive role models of world class players.

“Therefore, it is disappointing that Minister Dale Butler did not see fit to commit more resources to champion Bermuda's case and this in turn could jeopardise our opportunity to serve as host country during the internationally renowned sporting event.

“Government missed a great opportunity to support Bermuda, the local economy and in particular the Island's young people.”

Meanwhile, former PLP MP James yesterday strongly urged the Department of Tourism to become directly involved with the Island's bid to serve as World Cup hosts.

“If the Department of Youth and Sport don't recognise the importance of it (World Cup) then maybe they should turn it over to the Department of Tourism,” said James. “I am almost certain, given their track record, they would realise the importance of it and go after it in such a manner as to make Bermuda proud. We can't go at this thing half-hearted. We have to go all out and make a serious effort in the bid.

“Bermuda would receive a tremendous tourism boost. And I know that if the Department of Tourism had a chance or knew something about it, they would jump at it.”

James said Sports Minister Butler had failed to grasp the enormity of what was currently at stake.

“I just think he's (Butler) missed the opportunity. He hasn't given this situation the gravity and importance that it deserves. And I just think that the countries down there, including the West Indies, are going to look at us as not being serious at this point.”

James again insisted Government should have attended last month's meetings in the Caribbean.

“The fact that we were invited . . . I think we should've sent a delegation,” he said. “There were delegations that just didn't have one member of Government but several from various Ministries. I think we should've been well represented to make that impression at this early stage to let them know we were serious and to give them something to really look forward to when we do make the final bid.”

James said Bermuda as a whole stood to gain much from hosting a World Cup match.

“This is for the entire country and we should have come with the representation just like all the other countries who were there.

“You had Trinidad and Tobago going down there with 17-plus people and even though the final bidding process hasn't taken place, other countries have already made their point. They've made the point that they are serious.

“And the first impression is always the lasting impression. This thing about going down there on a fact-finding mission and bringing some information back . . . that's not satisfactory.

“It is like an interview process where you go through the first, second and third stages. Most people after the first interview start short listing and they know which candidates they are going to choose.”