wants most -- after qualifying for the next World Cup -- is right here at home.

Establishing closer links with West Indies cricket has opened up all sorts of possibilities for Bermuda, not the least of which is the likelihood of staging one-day internationals here.

That is why the BCBC president, who was given a mandate by the clubs on Tuesday night for a 14th year as president, is watching very closely the developments of the National Sports Centre, which will include a cricket ground.

Bailey was unchallenged for the presidency and the only change among the executives was Ellsworth Christopher replacing second vice president Clevie Foggo, who did not run. Rudolph Lawrence (first vice president), Wilton Smith (secretary), Wally Manders (assistant secretary) and Neil Speight (treasurer) were all returned.

The two new club representatives are John Tucker and El James, who replace Dennis Archer and Wayne Raynor who stepped down. They join Arnold Manders, Allan Douglas, Delby Borden and Vance Gilbert.

"It's a nice young crop and I think it's a good team for the work that we have to achieve not only for 1997 but up to the year 2000. You can't plan year by year now; it has to be two or three years ahead.'' By the end of the century, Bailey hopes Bermuda has a cricket ground which meets international standards and thus enables the Island to stage top international matches.

He believes that when the West Indies eventually stage the World Cup, Bermuda will almost certainly get an opportunity to be a host venue. "The West Indies have already hinted that they are looking forward to bringing more international cricket towards Bermuda,'' Bailey said. "With that I have personally provided Donald Lines and Charlie Marshall (chairman and deputy chairman of the National Sports Centre trustees) with all the necessary information about dimensions for international standards. "They are talking about finishing it in 1999 and the West Indies are pushing now for the possibility of the World Cup being every two years (see story, Page 28).

"If they do get (the World Cup) in 2001 it would be the appropriate time for Bermuda to host some of the World Cup matches.'' Marshall confirmed there have been continuing discussions with the BCBC in regards to the cricket pitch.

"It was our intention to have a cricket wicket with the necessary international standards and we will be putting in facilities for lights in the infrastructure for some time in the future,'' he said.

"We're working with all the governing bodies to make the National Sports Centre as flexible for the community's needs as possible, particularly at an international standard.'' The cricket pitch will be in the space of the former Frog Lane field, which has been raised about 16 feet. In that area will also be two soccer fields.

Bailey thinks Bermuda cricket can take off with qualification for the 1999 World Cup. To do so, Bermuda must finish in the top three in Malaysia in the ICC Tournament, beginning next month.

Over the years there has been a call for a facility which was up to international standards. There was even talk years ago about staging a one-day international here between the West Indies and one of the other Test teams during their visit to the Caribbean.

"Unfortunately, the fundamental thinking around here at times, especially with people who make decisions, is that the sport has to prove itself and then they give it what it needs, instead of providing the facility to assist the sport to get to the level that it should be,'' said Bailey.