Much is expected to come out of the recent talks between Bermuda Cricket Board of Control and officials of the West Indies Cricket Board.

Such was the success of the local Board's meetings with Dr. Michael Seepersaud and former Test wicketkeeper Jeffrey Dujon, chairman and assistant chairman of the WICB's Development Committee, that BCBC president El James said this week that Bermuda's players and fans should prepare for some exciting news in the near future.

"I can honestly say that if we get half of what we talked about then it's going to be a tremendous boost for our cricket programme," said James.

"It was definitely a worthwhile effort to get them to come here to see our programme and hear about our needs. After this first-hand look they are in a better position to understand how serious we are about the continued development of this great sport in our country."

The consensus has long been that the WICB has in the past treated Bermuda unfairly and the present Board took the initiative to set up a meeting in the hope of improving their relationship.

But James was quick to dismiss any negative feelings that Board members had of the WICB.

He stressed that the purpose of the visit by the officials was to build bridges, strengthen ties and see what assistance could be obtained from the WICB who are responsible for the development of cricket in the Americas Region which includes Bermuda.

"That was our purpose and the talks went very well. It gave us the opportunity to discuss our future development, to discuss our links with the West Indies Cricket Board beginning right at the youth level and through to the seniors," said James.

"We discussed the possibility of tours at all levels, including those involving the West Indies teams, both at a Test level and at a national level such as Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and the rest."

The officials also came with news that the WICB were ready to include Bermuda in tournaments, seminars and workshops that take place in the Caribbean.

James was particularly excited to hear of Bermuda's inclusion in the prestigious cricket academy held in Grenada, and he said the Board would be following up to ensure that dates did not conflict with the school period in the Island.

"If this academy takes place for example during the Easter or Summer break then it would be ideal for our youths, but if they decide to have it when our boys are in school then it may be rather difficult," explained James.

"Dr. Seepersaud and Dujon also came here to establish some other things that will eventually depend on the availability of our teams, so there may be a number of new developments for our cricket if they can be fitted in."

Other items discussed at the youth level were tournament participation, both here and abroad, for under-13 and under-15 national teams with a view to hosting reciprocal tournaments.

At the senior level, international tournaments and tours both on the Island and abroad were discussed in detail, incoming tours to include both the West Indies Test team and Island teams.

"The talks were so positive that I think the relationship will definitely benefit us in the long run, and I think we will see either these two officials or others come back in the very new future to discuss additional plans," said James.

"They were impressed with our programme and they visited some of our cricket facilities and a few of our schools. They saw first hand how keen we were to progress and in the end our overall game should receive a big boost from our friends at the West Indies Cricket Board."