(BCUA) and the governing body, the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC).

It is understood that the BCUA feel that they have been snubbed in the Board's selection process of naming umpire George Francis to officiate at next year's ICC Trophy tournament in Kenya and have consequently brought Minister of Youth and Sports Pamela Gordon into the fracas about their grievances.

The Royal Gazette can reveal that three executive members of the BCUA met with the minister two weeks ago and another meeting is planned soon.

"Yes, we did meet with the minister about various issues in cricket that concern us deeply, and another meeting is scheduled with her sometime in the future,'' said Wilbur Pitcher, vice president of the BCUA.

The umpires feel that it was a clear act of injustice for the Board to make their own selection without involving the BCUA. They claimed that three years ago, when George Trott was named to officiate at the ICC Trophy Tournament in Holland, it was done only after the two main bodies had equal input into the selection process.

Privately the umpires make it clear however that they are not against Francis going to Kenya, they are just questioning the methods in which the selection was made.

It is understood that the Board made no attempt this year to contact the BCUA at all about appointing an umpire for Kenya and many umpires feel that Francis was "rewarded'' for maintaining his close ties with the BCBC at a time when the two groups were at odds because of the many disputes that arose during the season.

The relationship between the two bodies became estranged from the beginning of last season after the Board suspended BCUA president Randy Butler for criticising the governing body -- the decision being made without Butler being allowed a hearing.

There were further criticisms of the Board for their reluctance to deal urgently with disciplinary matters after reports had been handed in by various umpires.

Veteran umpire George Trott became so distressed that he was forced to withdraw his services late in the summer after the Board failed to act swiftly and take action against three St. David's players he reported during the Combined Counties final at Devonshire. One player allegedly pushed the official in the chest and the matter apparently has yet to be dealt with.

A meeting was subsequently arranged between the BCUA and Board at the end of the cricket season to discuss related matters but it was cancelled when only one Board executive bothered to show up.

Meanwhile, the Bermuda ICC Trophy squad's schedule for their tour of Jamaica beginning on Boxing Day continues to take shape with matches confirmed against Jamaica on December 28 at Sabina Park and December 30 at Discovery Bay in St.

Ann.

On January 4 the team plays Kensington CC at Kensington and on January 6 they take on Lucas CC at Nelson Oval. Another game is also hoped to be arranged against Jamaica champions Melbourne CC.