DOUBLE standard, biased or simply unfair.

Such expressions must have sprung to mind among those sportsmen, particularly the footballers and cricketers who have seen their international careers dashed, not to mention their educational and employment ambitions, after the news that a company executive had had his work permit renewed despite a conviction for smuggling cannabis.

He gets to stay on the Island – such is his 'value' to international business – while Bermudian athletes who have committed the same offence are denied entry to his country; i.e. they've been put on the US stop list with no idea when such a ban will be lifted.

Nobody should condone drug importation but currently there appears to be one rule for Bermudians and another for expat residents no matter what the circumstances . . . although it should be pointed out, the stop list policy has been implemented by the US Government and the work permit decision was one made by Bermuda Government.

Yet the Department of Immigration's decision to allow Ironshore's Worldwide Head of Excess Liability, Geoff Smith, to continue working here has set an unfortunate precedent, one that, no doubt, will have riled those players whose 'mistake' has been punished far more severely, to the extent that some have been forced out of their sport, their hopes of representing Bermuda or even competing abroad, torpedoed.

Apparently Smith is so bright his departure would be devastating for his company – so bright that he thought he could get away with slipping joints past Customs by sticking them in his underpants.

Boy, we could do with more 'experts' like that.

One of our more respected politicians, Dale Butler, protested this week it was a clear case of double standards.

But as he also suggested there might be one positive that can emerge from this entire episode.

When the new US Consul gets settled, one of her first tasks might be to strike a deal whereby a closer look is taken at the cases of Bermudians, particularly the promising athletes who have been prevented from travelling to the US for what some might consider a minor drug offence.

We've given one American a big break for flouting Bermuda's laws. Maybe some of our own should be shown the same leniency.

* * * *

NATIONAL cricket coach Gus Logie has left his post with neither fuss nor fanfare, much in the same way as he conducted his business here in Bermuda.

He ended a contract during which he endured 'the good, the bad and the ugly' – plenty of the latter.

He'll no doubt look back with some fond memories and a few regrets, but there can be much of which he can be proud.

Often under difficult circumstances, he led the national squad to what many had previously thought impossible – a berth in the World Cup finals. Bermuda, by far, was the smallest country to have ever competed on such a stage. The tiniest of cricket's international minnows were watched by millions around the world.

How our players performed when they got there and what has transpired since is another matter.

But throughout his tenure, Logie has been an excellent diplomat and an admired ambassador. He could have said so much more about the lack of respect shown by some of his charges, and the troubles they inflicted.

Instead, he went about his job quietly, attempting to get the best out of players, many with far less ability than those with whom he had previously worked. Let's not forget he played at Test level and coached some of the world's best.

Despite results over the past couple of years, Bermuda cricket should have benefited enormously from his knowledge and experience.

Sadly that hasn't always been the case, the pupil believing he's superior to the teacher.

In many ways, his departure will be of mutual benefit.

He needed a new challenge without the hassles he's encountered here, and it was probably time for Bermuda Cricket Board to take a new approach with a fresh face at the helm.

Hopefully, whoever that may be will be able to go about their job with the same unfailing enthusiasm as his predecessor.

* * * *

REFEREE shortage!

The story that appeared in Wednesday's Gazette was no different than those that have been published every September for the last 30 years or more.

As a new football season approaches, it's the same tale. Nothing's changed.

Or has it?

This year it's slightly different. The new Corona League, formed to replace the Commercial League, is offering its would-be officials a much better deal than that offered by the BFA's Premier and First Divisions.

And with, so far, only 19 refs/linesmen having confirmed their availability for a schedule that includes more than 20 matches almost every weekend, crisis might again be the operative word.

Given the abuse, both physical and verbal, that officials have had to put up with in recent seasons, it's not surprising there are few these days who want to pick up the whistle.

And those who do might be tempted to serve the league which rewards them the most.

In the past the referees crisis has always been resolved, but this year it will be interesting to see how many Premier League matches have a full slate of officials on hand when the season kicks off in a few weeks' time.

As for the other BFA divisions, it's not looking good.

– ADRIAN ROBSON