TRANSPARENCY'S the name of the game these days . . . but there are some who don't want to play.

Among them are Bermuda Cricket Board and the Sports Ministry.

After a rather forgettable tour of South Africa recently when the national cricket team failed to advance from the group stages of the World Cup qualifying tournament, lost their One-Day International status and were omitted from the premier division of the Intercontinental Cup competition, at least four reports we know of were documented by senior officials who travelled with the squad.

It's almost common knowledge that certain paragraphs in those reports were less than complimentary.

Both discipline on and off the field were questioned.

However, the taxpayers who partially funded that tour are yet to hear all of the details.

The BCB are reluctant to release them to the public, maintaining that they are none of the public's business.

But, of course, they are.

Let's accept, for once, that all of the odds were stacked against Bermuda (an argument I personally don't accept), that the Island only has a small pool of players from which to draw, that because of unsuitable home facilities our team had to play all of their international matches in other countries in the lead-up to the South Africa trip, that we are at a geographical disadvantage in that we can't simply cross a border and take on a neighbouring country, and therefore aren't exposed to international competition as much as other nations.

Those may be factors worth considering – although our players did sign full-time contracts and could concentrate solely on cricket, a luxury other cricketers certainly didn't enjoy.

The excuses cited might partially account for the dismal results. However, they don't excuse players' behaviour off the field.

From what this newspaper has learned from two sources who travelled with the team, and another two who have read the reports since the squad returned, our disappointing defeats were in some ways affected by what ocurred when the players returned to their hotel.

Cricinfo correspondents Will Luke and Martin Williamson have already written scathing reports about the behaviour of some of the Bermuda players, alleging that partying, drinking and gambling were witnessed.

Those are serious allegations which this newspaper can't substantiate. And neither can we confirm there were other cases of indiscipline which might not have been detailed in the BCB reports but have been circulating the rumour mill.

However, the public could get a much better idea of what went on during that tour if only those reports were released.

Certainly, it's our understanding they should have been forwarded to Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney who visited the side during the South Africa tournament – at considerable expense.

Following questions asked in the House of Assembly by Shadow Minister of the Environment and Energy Cole Simons, it was revealed that Blakeney flew business class to South Africa ($9,519.15), stayed in a luxury hotel ($2,735.59), and was given a daily allowance that amounted to $1,950.00.

Perhaps he had other business to attend to during that trip, details of which haven't been revealed. But what we do know is that he attended only two matches of the six in which Bermuda played. He arrived only after Bermuda had already been eliminated from the qualifying stages. He witnessed what effectively were two consolation matches. He was there just eight days.

Was his trip worthwhile? You be the judge.

But as Minister, doesn't he now have a responsibilty to inform the public exactly what was contained in the BCB reports. Was, if any, disciplinary action taken, and have any measures been put in place to ensure that cricket is run in a responsible manner and irresponsible players made to pay for their indiscretions?

If he can't answer those questions, we'd ask the Shadow Minister of Sport, Darius Tucker, to obtain the answers as is his privilege while sitting in the House.

As it stands now, all of those players who represented the country have had their reputations tarnished, when only a small minority might have been responsible for what, at the very least, has been alleged to constitute serious misbehaviour.

A staggering $11 million of taxpayers' money has been ploughed into cricket over the past four years, even more taking into account cash provided by the ICC and the under-investigation Allan Stanford.

If that funding has been abused, don't the public have a right to know?

* * * *

THE May 24 Marathon Derby has come and gone but almost two weeks later the remnants of celebration are all too visible.

Demands from Police that spectators not stake out their patch a day before the race and the parade apparently fell on deaf ears.

Certain groups of 'non-athlete' supporters didn't take a blind bit of notice.

On the run-in to the race finish line along Cedar Avenue, there's still rope on the railings, duct tape still stuck to the sidewalk and paint splashed across the pavement.

Some spectators didn't even bother to pick up their barbecue coals, instead dumping them alongside the bushes. Perhaps they were too hot to handle.

Isn't it a great shame that some families spend hours making sure they get the best view when the runners go by, but then can't spend a few minutes cleaning up their mess?

Nearby at Bernard Park, a day after the netball players finished their games, dozens of water bottles, soda cans and other plastic bottles could be found strewn around the perimeter of the courts – despite the presence of four huge trash cans. I can verify that fact as I happen to walk/run that route every Sunday and Monday morning.

Sometimes the volunteers of Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) must feel their efforts are totally worthless.

Bermuda likes to tout itself as one of the friendliest nations. Sadly, it's fast becoming one of the filthiest.

* * * *

AND still on the May 24 race, am I the only one who hasn't yet received a T-shirt or a finisher's medal?

We plodders might have tested the timekeepers' patience but don't we deserve something for our efforts?

– ADRIAN ROBSON