reached the hearts of Bermuda soccer officials.

Jamaica became the first English-speaking nation in the Caribbean to reach a World Cup finals when they held Mexico to a scoreless draw in Kingston on Sunday. They now join their opponents and the United States as representatives from the region in France next summer.

"I am quite thrilled, as I am sure most of Bermuda is, since Jamaica are from the same CONCACAF region as us,'' said Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell yesterday.

"I do believe they will make the region very proud. It should be an inspiration to us here. I truly believe that with some effort ourselves -- I am not saying that we can get as far as Jamaica have -- but I am sure that we can look forward to advancing to at least the first or second round because we can be just as competitive.'' Similar sentiments were expressed by BFA general secretary David Sabir and director of coaching Clyde Best, both of whom, along with Tyrrell, watched Bermuda give a creditable performance against Jamaica in March, losing 2-1 and 3-2 during Shell/Umbro Cup matches. While Jamaica's accomplishment was an inspiration for Island soccer, Bermuda officials were filled with praise for the upstart `Reggae Boyz' in their own right.

The BFA yesterday morning sent a fax to the Jamaica Football Association, congratulating them on reaching the final 32 and wishing them the best in France, said Tyrrell.

"Having seen them earlier this year against us we felt that they were up to the task anyway because we knew of their three-year development plan to make the World Cup by bringing in (technical director Rene Simoes) from Brazil, and they definitely benefitted.'' Best said the Jamaicans' win showed the sort of results that can be gained from hard work and commitment from the players and the country.

He said he was made aware of Jamaica's professional approach to their preparation when he was in Jamaica with Bermuda in March.

"Their success shows us that soccer can be played at a high level in our region. I could tell that they had the makings of a good team, they played the way that soccer should be played. "Anybody who knows soccer and enjoys soccer would love to watch teams like that play. They had people who were confident on the ball, people at the back who were not afraid to hold the ball and pass it, that's what it's all about.

"I must stress that they did bring (four) players back from England that helped a lot, but Jamaica have still come a long way in the last three to four years and I'm glad to see somebody from the Caribbean Islands qualify.'' Sabir viewed it as a great historical moment for that country -- and a great boost for smaller nations in the region.

"It just goes to show with country support, financial support, commitment by players and a strong programme that involves consistent activity, the end result could be good like this one,'' said Sabir.

"It actually brings credibility to the region, hope to the region, and it encourages other countries to drive forward. Now that CONCACAF has three positions available for the World Cup the incentive is there for the little guy to compete. And hopefully this will be a catalyst to a country like Bermuda, which has so much natural talent, to continue to foster a positive and deliberate programme.'' But he noted with sadness that in 1994, Bermuda's under-23 Pan Am team actually defeated Jamaica in the qualifying round in Jamaica.

"It goes to show where they have come, from the disappointment of losing to us. Now many of those players have helped to form what is one of the top teams in the region,'' said Sabir. "It reiterates the fact that, if we are serious about competing on that level, we must decide once and for all by rallying together and giving the sport the all-round support it requires.'' In Jamaica, Government yesterday declared a national holiday and Premer P.J.

Patterson called Sunday's result "the greatest day in Jamaica's sporting history.'' GLORY DAYS -- Jamaica goalkeeper Warren Barret is carried off the field by exuberant fans after Sunday's 0-0 draw with Mexico in World Cup qualifying.

Jamaica became the first English-speaking Carribean nation to advance to the finals -- a result that should inspire Bermuda, officials say.