Board of Control's junior programme, and the decision has been backed by president El James.

The Bailey's Bay and Bermuda international medium pace bowler is serving a two-year suspension for his actions in an alleged dispute with the team skipper during the ICC tour of Malaysia last March.

Originally suspended for three years, the 28-year-old Hill had the sentence reduced to two years and will be eligible to return to action on August 1, 1999.

But being approved to serve as an assistant coach for Hamilton Parish in the revived junior league has attracted some criticism.

One club official, who didn't wish to be named, said: "I think it's unfair to have somebody who is suspended by the Board to be involved in one of their own programmes.'' It is also known that the decision to give the player clearance to coach wasn't unanimous within the BCBC with some members privately voicing their concern to the Youth Development committee.

However, James said it was time to put any negativity behind them and for the Board to proceed with their objective which was to give young cricketers the best support available.

"We are not here to destroy anybody in the game. Corey is a young man. We encourage involvement and obviously after his suspension has ended he will be involved as a player, and if he is coaching the youngsters and supposedly guiding them in the way they should go, then he is making a positive impact in this role,'' said James.

"Let's face it, many times when you place people in a position of responsibility they see themselves through their own eyes. They see themselves as the youngsters and this is a way of rehabilitation. We are here to rehabilitate and if we can help Corey or any young player to change his negative ways then the whole process is positive.'' James said the case was similar to that of West Indies Test bowler Kenny Benjamin who was allowed to coach after being banned from the Test side.

According to the president, Benjamin was roundly applauded for his coaching skills with the player himself claiming that being placed in a position of responsibility helped him tremendously.

"I believe this situation with Corey can be a positive thing and while some will say that he is still banned from all cricket I don't think the objective is to drive him out of the game totally.

"We need all of the coaches we can find these days, and when it comes to our junior programme we have to encourage anybody who is willing to give the future of Bermuda assistance. To all critics I say let's look at this in a positive manner,'' added James.