Bermuda is the first - and possibly an annual - stop on a new campaign by Brian Lara to promote cricket.

Speaking ahead of his brother's maiden trip to the Island next week, Richard Lara says the West Indies captain and batting superstar is keen to develop and maintain long-lasting links with Bermuda.

"This is the start and he hopes to do work in the Cayman Islands where we have Theo Cuffy from Trinidad down there as national coach. He (Brian) hopes to take his programme there next but he wants Bermuda to be an annual event where he does an exhibition match and a coaching clinic," said Richard, now in Bermuda to finalise arrangements for the visit.

Lara, the double world record-holder for the highest Test and first-class scores of 375 and 501 respectively, has been invited here by the Eastern Counties Cricket Association (ECCA) as part of celebrations marking its 100th match which takes place on August 30 between Bailey's Bay and St. David's at Lord's.

Some of Lara's cricketing counterparts will also be coming with him and will star in a day-night, limited-overs match at the National Sports Centre on August 31 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Earlier in the day, the left-handed Trinidadian will hold a coaching workshop for junior cricketers at the same venue.

The visiting cricketers, as well as Premier Alex Scott and Deputy Governor Nick Carter, will attend a fund-raising dinner held by the ECCA at the Hamilton Princess on August 29.

"Basically, what Brian is trying to do is increase people's interest in cricket throughout the Caribbean and other cricket-playing nations. This is the first step. He is looking forward to working with the kids.

"Brian is very excited about coming to Bermuda. He has not been here before and of course he has heard there are so many golf courses and he is also an avid golfer.

"I love Bermuda and I think Brian will also. I am sure he will want to come back," added his brother.

Supporting recent assessments that Lara seems more settled in the role of leading the West Indies in his second stint at the helm, Richard said his younger brother has a vision of what he wants to achieve with the regional team.

"Brian's focus is the development of cricket in the West Indies. The West Indies have been declining when it comes to world cricket for quite some time now. I think he wants to leave the legacy that he brought it back to where it should be; where it was in the 1980s.

"He is trying to develop as much talent as possible. You can look at Fidel Edwards as an example. He never played for Barbados and then Brian saw him and now he's the latest fast-bowling sensation," said Richard, referring to the young Barbadian who took a five-wicket haul in his first Test appearance.

Bermudians should have a chance to judge Edwards for themselves as he is among those tipped to accompany Lara to Bermuda.

Tickets for the dinner and the match at NSC can be purchased from Caesars Pharmacy, 27th Century Boutique, People's Pharmacy, Music Box, Flatts Village Recreation Club, St. David's Cricket Club, Cleveland County Cricket Club and Bailey's Bay Cricket Club.

For further information, please call: 500-0015.