Bermuda?s national squad flew back last night from Antigua after the briefest of trips to the Caribbean Island ahead of next week?s Stanford 20-20 clash with Jamaica.

As part of the $28m regional tournament sponsored by Texan billionaire Allen Stanford, the Bermuda squad jetted down to attend an unofficial opening ceremony/cocktail party at the organiser?s expense.

?Cricket must be more entertaining than a movie and more exciting than a championship boxing match; we need our young Caribbean talent growing up and dreaming of playing professional cricket,? Stanford told over 400 guests at the event, which cost well over $10,000 just for the Bermudians to attend.

?Cricket has given the region a pride and unity that no political undertaking has or ever will equal.?

Bermuda jet down again a week tomorrow, but this time actually to play some cricket, taking on one of the tournament favourites Jamaica in the event which features a $1m first prize and with $25,000 up for grabs in each contest for man of the match.

Jamaica, who played in a practice 20-20 match against the hosts at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium over the weekend, have announced their squad for next week?s game, and have included four West Indians Test players.

Chris Gayle, captain Wavell Hinds, Marlon Samuels and Jermaine Lawson will join the rest of the squad ? which has just Carlton Baugh jr, Donovan Pagon and Xavier Marshall with previous international experience ? for next week?s match.