Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) president Reggie Pearman paid tribute yesterday to all those who have contributed over the years to help bring Bermuda cricket onto the world stage.

The long-serving BCB executive turned up at the beautifully refurbished Queen's Park Oval yesterday to observe and personally encourage Bermuda's World Cup cricketers.

"It's been a struggle for us and I guess perhaps I'm one of the so-called dinosaurs," Pearman said. "I can recall in 1979 when we first played (in the ICC Trophy) in England. This is the culmination of that, and so we must thank all those who went before us. And now it is all up to the current bunch of cricketers to keep us on the map." Pearman also accompanied the team to last Sunday's opening ceremony in Jamaica.

"It was really fantastic and great to be a part of," he said. "But it was really the players' show, and I think they (World Cup organisers) did not just do Jamaica, but the entire West Indies proud.

"And it just goes to show what can be achieved on this side of the world."

With Bermuda poised to make history today when they step out onto the plush Oval grounds to play Sri Lanka, Pearman is confident the Island team will not be overwhelmed by the big occasion.

"There are some things we can and can't do. But we must represent our country as best we can," he said. "A lot of spectators are now realising what this (World Cup) is really all about. You just can't compare this to Cup Match or Counties games back home; this is the world stage.

"Therefore, I encourage the players to remain positive and keep in mind that their opponents are human also. They just have to go out there and play and enjoy their own game. Who knows, we may not live to see the next one. And so it's important we all enjoy the moment.

"Yes, we were bowled out for 45 against England but look at the West Indies who were bowled out for 85 against India. The point is, however, that they (fans) rallied around the team yesterday (Tuesday against Pakistan) and they managed to bounce back.

"So I also encourage our guys to go out there and play their best and not be overawed by their opponents."