Compared with show caves around the world the Crystal and Fantasy Caves in Bailey's Bay may be at the small end of the scale but that hasn't stopped experts from around the globe who viewed the Island's underground treasures from speaking highly of what they saw.

And nor has the fact that the Island is the smallest of the 28 member states in the International Show Caves Association from electing David Summers the new president of the organisation after Bermuda became the first non-European venue to host the Association's four-yearly congress.

It is a ringing endorsement for Bermuda and the owners and operators of the Crystal Caves that the Island is now held in such high esteem by the show caving community of the world.

In the coming months and years it may pay further dividends for the Island as Bermuda's name is given a higher profile at international events due to Mr. Summers elevated position with the ISCA and the possibility of link-ups and twinnings with show cave attractions in other parts of the world.

As the President of the Crystal Caves, Mr. Summers played host to 76 delegates from 28 countries who attended the show cavers congress at Grotto Bay Beach Resort in October. During the event show cave operators and owners shared information on how to improve the running of caves open to the public and how to protect them from damage, such as the growth of algae that can take a foothold near artificial lights used to illuminate caves.

The overseas guests were shown a number of Bermuda's caves including Crystal and Fantasy Caves and came away impressed by what they had seen, said Mr. Summers.

"They thought our caves, while diminutive in scale, were exquisite in their formation. We had compliments from some of the most knowledgeable show cave experts in the world," he said.

The congress event was a success and focused on topics such as conservation and preservation of caves.

"The worst thing that can happen to a cave is that it gets discovered. The next best thing thing that can happen is to make it a show cave so that it comes under lock and key and becomes an educational environment."

Mr. Summers is staggered by how many Bermuda residents have never visited one of the Island's most spectacular natural treasures.

Important issues raised at the congress were advances in designing lighting that prevents formation damaging algae from growing in the caves, and the safety of staff and visitors to places where Alpha radiation naturally occurs, such as in caves.

Over the coming year Mr. Summers expects to visit show caves in Australia, Italy and Puerto Rico in his role as ISCA president.

On his election as president, Mr Summers said: "Being elected of this world-wide body was an incredible experience. It was an amazing display of confidence in Bermuda and Bermudians."

Mr. Summers was due to be personally congratulated by Premier Ewart Brown this week.

The next ISCA congress is to be held in 2010 in Slovakia.