Dear Sir,

Well over a decade ago former Communist leader Mikhail Gorbachov introduced a concept known as 'glasnost' to the former Soviet Union. 'Glasnost' was a policy of maximal publicity, openness, and transparency in the activities of all government institutions. This in turn led to the collapse of communism in that country and the birth of modern day Russia as we know it.

I must say that it is indeed refreshing to see the same policy being adopted by some within the Bermuda Cricket Board recently. The open forum on Bermuda cricket chaired by vice-president Allen Richardson, the prompt response by under-19 team manager Gerald Bean to queries raised on the David Lopes talk show, cricket development officer Arnold Manders' willingness to address the public's concerns on that same show a few days later and the candid explanation proferred by assistant national coach Herbie Bascome on ZBM television regarding the lack of numbers turning out to train all represent a move in the right direction. I take my hat off to each one of these individuals.

With 11 million of their tax dollars invested it is only right that the public be kept abreast of what is taking place, both the good and the bad. On Monday our national squad departs for a tour of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates. While I would like to see them do well I must confess that my interest in the side is at an all time low.

This is primarily due to the following reasons:

• The well publicised lack of commitment shown by many of the senior players to training in preparation for the tour.

• The fact that I haven't seen my national team play a single limited over match on local shores for over three years.

• The dismal results which the side has suffered in the last year or so.

Truth be told there is one aspect of the tour to which I look forward with anticipation and that is how the young players, such as Kion Butterfield, Kyle Hodsoll, Tamauri Tucker and Rodney Trott perform.

RECMAN