Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney saluted local cricket umpires Anthony Fubler, Kent Gibbons and Richard Austin during yesterday's official opening ceremony of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association's (WICUA) 24th Bienniel Convention at Grotto Bay Hotel.

Blakeney praised the trio for successfully completing WICUA oral and practical exams last year and encouraged them to continue to strive for excellence.

"Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) continue to gain international accreditation regards to their umpires who participate internationally, with three of our local umpires earning their WICUA badges and certificates. Let me be the first to offer my congratulations," said Blakeney.

Fubler and Austin were recently appointed to the ICC 'A' and 'B' Panels, increasing the overall number of local umpires at that level to five.

Top umpire Roger Dill currently serves on the ICC's Americas Region Elite and Associate and Affiliate International Panels, BCUA vice-president Steven Douglas serves on the ICC Americas Region Elite Panel while Lester Harnett serves on the ICC 'B' Panel of umpires.

Earlier this year BCUA president, Wali Manders, veteran umpire George Francis and past WICUA executive Randy Butler all stood down from the ICC 'A' Panel.

This week's WICUA Bienniel Convention is the first of its kind to be held on local shores since 1993.

Blakeney also heaped praise on the 50 overseas delegates in attendance during yesterday's ceremony for the vital role they continue to play in the sport.

"Umpires admittedly have a tough job, maybe the toughest in sports. Before the dawn of professional sports umpires were the most respected position on the field of play. Their decisions went unquestioned, they were the rule of law. But times have certainly changed," he said.

"With the advent of professional sports, infusions of money and sponsorship, TV coverage and instant replay, umpires have became easy targets for angry players, team managers and fans when they feel a decision should have been in their favour.

"When you get it right, no one really notices. But when you get it wrong you are villified by the media, players and the fans. But you do it, no doubt, because you love the game passionately.

"It may be cliche', but it's a dirty job, and someone has to do it."

Reggie Pearman, president of Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), added: "Umpiring at times can be a thankless task. But the game cannot progress without officials to administer games both on and off the field.

"In this era of increasing technology and new rules the task of umpiring has become more difficult. But if we can accept the fact that we are not perfect and make mistakes, I think the game itself will continue to progress."

WICUA president, Hartley Reid, thanked all those responsible for hosting this week's event.

He said: "It is a privilege and I am indeed honoured to represent the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association and say thanks to the Bermuda Cricket Board for hosting the 24th WICUA Biennial Convention.

"I am sure all of us who were able to make it will do our best to ensure the proceedings for this week will be fruitful."