Bermuda and Canada have begun talks that could see the two countries involved in an annual cricket competition at both senior and junior level.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James confirmed yesterday that he had met with his Canadian counterpart Dr. Jeff Edwards during the tour of Toronto with Bermuda's under-16 squad earlier this month.

"We are happy to announce that an agreement has been reached with Canada to play on an annual basis featuring the senior and junior national teams of both countries. But there are a still a lot of negotiations to be done before things can be finalised,'' said James.

He indicated that further talks would be held to discuss dates and venues and a decision would be made on which country would host the inaugural tournament.

James said Canadian officials were equally keen to launch an annual international tournament, having benefitted from previous competition against Bermuda during the 1970s Sir Henry Tucker triangular tournament which also involved the United States.

And there remains a possibility that the US could again be involved with Bermuda and Canada in the tournament being planned, although the Americans are understood to be experiencing administration problems and not yet prepared for international competition.

James said he was hoping that Bermuda and Canada would be able to get the tournament underway by next year.

"The important thing right now is that we have agreed to revive the once good working relationship that we had with Canada during the '70s. Both cricket boards are excited about what has been agreed and we are looking forward to finalising this new tournament.'' Reviving the Sir Henry Tucker tournament was one of the recommendations that a committee chaired by Jim Woolridge three years ago put forward, but it was never given much consideration until James and his committee took over last summer.

At the time James said it was a good idea since it was imperative for Bermuda players to have the opportunity to play against foreign opponents as often as possible.

Ultimately James envisions Bermuda getting involved in an even bigger tournament that would feature all of the teams in this ICC region -- including Argentina, Belize, Bahamas.

Bermuda's national youth team coach, Wayne Smith, who led the team's tour to Toronto and who was present during talks with Dr. Edwards, was thrilled about the opportunities the new tournament would offer his young players.

"This definitely will give the players something extra to strive for each year. I can tell you that all of the players who went to Canada this summer are keenly interested, there are at least six others who didn't go but who are nevertheless aiming to be part of the team next summer and for the tournament, whether it is held here or there,'' said Smith.

"This new tournament hasn't even started but it has already generated a lot of interest in the minds and aspirations of Bermuda's young cricketers. St.

David's player O.J. Pitcher is one who didn't travel with us this year but who, as recently as Saturday, told me he is looking forward to challenging for a place in our squad.'' Smith pointed out that Canada had a lot of talent with experienced players constantly arriving from foreign countries where cricket is played at Test level.

Their outstanding young player Ashi Bagai, who slammed a century against Bermuda, had already shown his worth this year by being voted top batsmen at the Natal youth cricket tournament in Trinidad and Tobago.

"I understand that he has also performed well during visits to England. They also have some good young spin bowlers and their batting is solid,'' added Smith.

"The formation of a tournament at a junior and senior level will play a vital role in the development of our overall programme.''