Premier Ewart Brown was among Bermuda's vociferous following during the Island's debut in the World Cup at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad yesterday.

And the self-confessed cricket lover seemed to enjoy each and every moment of the experience, even though his team came out on the bruising end of a heavy defeat.

"I'd love to see us play well and win, but I'm more concerned that we take this opportunity to develop our sport. These players are pioneers and history makers and so we are indebted to them," Brown said.

"And with the voice that I have left, I can tell you that this is an historic day for Bermuda. To see our young men out on the pitch playing against a world cricket power was absolutely fantastic. It means that our cricket has the opportunity to go through a gate, and that is the gate of opportunity.

"I think this is the turning point for us, and so I look forward to better cricket days ahead for Bermuda. And I personally thanked the team this morning for lifting the spirits of Bermudians because I just have a belief that sports can do that.

"I have a strong belief in that because I know what sports did for me and what it can do for the country. And so I'm delighted to be in a position now to bring to the fore my personal commitment to sports development."

Dr. Brown and Sports Minister Randy Horton had breakfast with the team before the match. Addressing the team, the Premier said: "Your country is proud of you. I liken this challenge you have faced to the biblical struggle between David and Goliath.

"Thank you for lifting the spirits of Bermudians. Today you will face yet another real Goliath. We know you will rise up to meet the challenge and continue to do us proud."

Mr. Horton also revelled in the historic occasion.

"To see the Bermuda team on the field was very special to me. And as a cricket man myself I could see myself running down that pitch, right arm over the wicket and the off stump spinning," the former Somerset Cup Match skipper said.

"We are encouraged by the effort of the team today, even though 321 runs were scored. I thought the players held their heads high and gave all that they could.

"It's great to be here on this historical occasion. And as Sports Minister I am so proud of the players for having achieved the opportunity of getting here."

Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler was no less patriotic.

"I've always supported the team one hundred percent regardless of the results. And I will continue to support the team even though I'm no longer Sports Minister," he said.

"I think Bermudians should be proud of the fact we are here, and I commend all of the spectators that we met this morning.

"They were really in tune and demonstrated national pride. It was a wonderful feeling and it's great to be here."

The Premier had touched down in Port of Spain late on Wednesday evening, and was treated to a warm Trinidadian welcome by the President of Trinidad and Tobago Maxwell Richards and President of the Senate Linda Baboolal.

He declared his intention to build relationships with neighbouring Caribbean countries, and was set to travel to Barbados today, when he will meet with Prime Minister Owen Arthur. He will also visit the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic and the Regional Police Training Centre, before returning to Trinidad in the evening.