Bermudian athletes can now temporarily import equipment into the Island duty-free for training purposes.

They were yesterday relieved of the stress of pleading for exemptions on sporting equipment being brought to Bermuda for short terms as part of their competition build-up.

This announcement in the annual Budget is expected to bring smiles to the likes of sailors Peter Bromby and Paula Lewin and the rally duo of Terry Reynolds and Mike Smith who can now bring their boats and cars respectively to the Island without fear of heavy taxes usually attached to these items.

"This is to help people who are competing for Bermuda. This is the Finance Minister's responsibility but I am thankful that our concern regarding our athletes has been addressed.

"We have had representation from them (the athletes) in regard to bringing in something to use in their training and then taking it out of the island again," said Sports Minister Randy Horton, reacting to the news from his colleague Finance Minister Eugene Cox.

In his presentation to Parliament, Cox disclosed Government will amend the Customs Tariff "to eliminate duty on the temporary importation of equipment required by our athletes and sportspersons while they are based in Bermuda".

Asked if there would be any consideration to foreign athletes who come here to compete and are asked to pay duties up front but are refunded upon departure, Horton noted that some sports bodies do request and receive waivers for certain situations but that policy will remain as a safeguard.

"Sometimes athletes come to compete here and go back and leave their equipment here. So that (measure) protects the Government and the people's purse," said the Sports Minister.

Horton, whose portfolio of Community Affairs and Sports received a budgetary allotment of $13 million - an increase of $1.8 million over last year's tranche - also explained that a $75,000 grant to Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) was "nothing new" as far as the ministry's commitment to assisting clubs.

"We have helped other clubs in the same way. We have given money to North Village and to St. David's. It's not unusual.

"In this case, PHC's field was totally unfit. This money is to assist them in refurbishing it. We want to be supportive of clubs in their development and we put some funds in our Budget for that. It's part of our policy to assist clubs with their facilities wherever possible," he said.

In total, $965,000 is allocated to Sports Development this year; up almost 50 per cent from last year's $690,000. The Elite Athlete Fund also received an $85,000 increase.

"We have many athletes who are qualifying for international meets and we want to lend them assistance wherever possible," said Horton of the boost to the Fund.

Money has also be set aside for preparatory work for next year's CARIFTA Games to be held here.