Ed Bailey admits there are some shortcomings within the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control. But the president insists problems surrounding the national sport rest not only with the governing body.

Breaking his silence after a barrage of criticism was aimed his way following Bermuda's recent failure at the ICC Trophy tournament in Malaysia, Bailey yesterday claimed the BCBC could not be held responsible for all of the problems.

And he challenged the community at large to get involved with helping to improve the standard of local cricket.

"Yes, there are some shortcomings but they are not going to be corrected unless other people are prepared to help,'' said the president.

"It's not a straightforward Bermuda Cricket Board of Control responsibility.

The development of Bermuda cricket is the general community's responsibility.

"At the end of the day if people have not played their part then they should start pointing fingers at themselves. I'm asking people to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.'' Bailey admitted a few harsh lessons were learned in Malaysia as the team came up against better prepared opposition. In that regard, he said, Bermuda were at a disadvantage.

He referred to countries such as Bangladesh, situated near to India and Pakistan and who compete in the Asia Cup and the Sharjah Cup; Kenya, who are near Zimbabwe and South Africa; and Ireland and Scotland who are close to England.

While Bangladesh had offered financial incentives to their players to win the ICC Trophy, Bermuda in contrast had problems even before their departure of securing pay for those players who were employed by Government.

"We're still building a national stadium for cricket whereas these countries have had stadiums for 10, 15 years,'' said Bailey.

He explained that the BCBC received a grant of $100,000 a year from Government but spent more than twice that amount last year on five incoming and outgoing tours, coaching and administrative expenses.

Bailey said emphasis was being put on developing the youth programme, including getting cricket programmes established in the schools.

To run the youth clinics for five weeks in the summer cost $35,000 while the ICC Tournament set the Board back another $100,000 of which $10,000 came from Government. To host the International Youth Tournament in July will cost the Board another $50,000 just to house the seven competing countries for a week and a half.

"We are desperately working on sponsorship to raise that money,'' said Bailey. "If some of the critics are so interested in helping, maybe they can offer their services to the youth or in other areas where cricket is lacking.

"Some of the people speaking haven't done it in the best interests of the sport. I can't understand why they are saying some of the things they are saying.

"If people are so interested, why not come out and assist us financially.

Cricket will only progress according to the funds that are available. The Board is just a voluntary organisation and we depend very much on public support, both financial and otherwise, to get any programmes going.'' Added Bailey: "Countries like Bangladesh, Holland, Kenya, Scotland and Ireland are raising over half a million dollars a year to finance their programmes. Some of the clubs here haven't paid their dues for two years.

"We need an injection of more funds, better facilities and more people to get involved to spend time with the youngsters.'' Bermuda's team never lived up to expectations in Malaysia, failing yet again to qualify for the World Cup as Bangladesh, Kenya and Scotland clinched the three places for England in 1999.

"We were in the most serious competition that we've ever been in and it was a wake up call not only for Bermuda but other countries like Holland and the UAE,'' said Bailey.

However, he proudly pointed out that, despite the size of Bermuda, the team was all Bermudian -- except for Barbados-born Roger Blades -- while some other countries fielded teams made up mostly of players who qualified through residency.

Hong Kong, who finished ahead of Bermuda in Group D, had just one Chinese born player, Bailey said, while group winners Scotland fielded at least three foreign born players, including a Bajan.

Winning the Plate final in the consolation group meant that Bermuda finished ninth overall.

Bailey, who served as a match referee during the tournament, disclosed that plans were afoot to create a separate ICC Tournament for just the top 12 teams in four years' time with the other 10 countries playing in a separate tournament.

ED BAILEY -- `the development of Bermuda cricket is the general community's responsibility.'