Rick Phelipa.

Phelipa, the International Tennis Federation's development officer for the non-Spanish speaking Caribbean region, said yesterday the Island could be proud of its talented youngsters.

"I've seen a very high level of talent from young players from Bermuda,'' said Phelipa, whose three-day visit has included meetings with junior players, Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association officials and coaches.

"I have seen Jovan Whitter play in the Caribbean Championships where he finished number five. And to achieve that in a field of 14 countries is reaching a high level.

"And I have worked with Danielle Paynter, Tara Lambert and Zara DeSilva at ITF camps and they are all at a very good level.

"What needs to happen now is that coaches, officials and players should get together and commit to it and in the next three or four years get more players from Bermuda playing in international competition.'' Phelipa, who was national champion of Curacao for 11 years, is now his country's Davis Cup captain and national coach. He took his ITF post in July this year.

Colin Smith, president of the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association, was delighted Phelipa had chosen to visit Bermuda.

"We're very pleased that Bermuda is so high on Rick's agenda when he has countries like Jamaica, with a population in the millions, under his belt, '' said Smith.

"By putting a good word in for us with the ITF in London, Rick can help us to build a strong infrastructure and we are looking forward to working with him.''