Bermuda's new cricket coach Roland Butcher has demanded nothing short of total commitment from national squad players as they aim to qualify for the World Cup.

Just four days into his new job, the former England Test player warned that the forthcoming ICC Trophy tournament in Canada would be "no holiday'' for his team.

The coach dismissed fears that team preparation had been hindered by his later-than-expected arrival on the Island and also emphasized his desire to strengthen cricket's development programme.

Butcher aims to guide Bermuda to the World Cup via success in the ICC Trophy tournament in Toronto in June and issued a blunt warning as to what he expects from players.

"One major thing I demand from the players is 100 percent commitment, I mean nobody is going to Canada just for holiday,'' said Butcher.

"If you want to go for a holiday I suggest you book with your family and take them. There is a lot of work to be done, a lot of planning and really the players have got to do their part.

"Nobody is going to Canada who just for fun, we are on a serious mission and everybody has to pull their weight. It's not going to be easy for any player I can assure you of that.'' While there has been concern over his two-month delay in arriving from England, some feeling it could jeopardise Bermuda's best chance of reaching the World Cup, the coach remains steadfast with his claim that plans are proceeding as expected.

"Since we went to Antigua for the Red Stripe last year I have developed coaching plans, training plans, etcetera for them to follow while I have been away. I have been keeping close contact and Winston Reid has carried things out fine,'' said the coach.

But it's clear that the former Middlesex batsman is well aware that his job description holds him responsible for more than just the national team.

"This is a whole development programme we are looking at, but obviously this year we have the senior national side involved in the ICC Trophy. But my job is beyond that, I have the under-19s, under-15s, primary schools, middle and senior school cricket so the whole development programme is my main concern,'' said Butcher.

"The ICC Trophy is in a few months' time and obviously a lot of time has to be given to that. But all of my time can not be given to that because there are other things to put in place.

"However I will give it the time necessary because it is important for us to try and qualify for the World Cup, but at the same time it is more important to get the underneath (development plan) right so that we get a constant development.'' Butcher is aware of the long neglect the sport has experienced at the school level. The BCBC have long attempted to improve things, president El James making it known from the outset of his term that a national coach would be asked to go into the schools for that purpose.

Butcher supported not only a move to get into the school, but he rallied behind the Board in their pursuit to keep national sides at under-19 and under-15 age divisions.

"We've got to get a decent junior programme where there is continuity where the players are getting decent coaching, where they are encouraged to enjoy the game and they can see a steady progression and development.

"At the same time it is important for us to have a good national team because that will have the effect of making the youngsters ambitious to reach that stage.

"It's a whole programme, it's not just the national side, there is a lot involved.'' Roland Butcher: stern taskmaster.