A report into the state of sports and workmen's clubs on the Island has still to be filed two-and-a half years after it was pledged by Government in the 2003 Throne Speech.

But last night as concerns were expressed about the lack of apparent results Rolfe Commissiong, the man leading the report committee, said it would be completed within "three or four weeks". In anticipation $1 million has been assigned towards rejuvenating the community clubs in this year's Budget. But everything is on hold until the report arrives.

The length of the wait is being questioned by Shadow Sports Minister Jon Brunson, who this week put pressure on the Government to reveal what was happening.

In 2003 the Government stated: "Bermuda's workmen's clubs have played a significant role in Bermuda's development. To ensure that they continue to provide a service to the community, Government will review and report on the state of sports and workmen's clubs in Bermuda."

That process began the following year with the setting up of a committee led by Mr. Commissiong, but according to Sports and Community Affairs Minister Dale Butler efforts to compile the report were delayed by around six months because of an initial reluctance by clubs to get involved. He anticipates the report being presented to his Ministry soon and has secured $1 million in this year's Budget expressly to address some of the needs expected to be identified by the report.

However, United Bermuda Party MP Mr. Brunson is questioning the continuing delay. He said: "If the workmen's clubs are critical to the survival of our community then why has nothing been done?

He said a number of legislative amendments to assist workmen's clubs were being held up in lieu of the report's completion.

"There are amendments to be tied into this review once we have the report and know what these clubs require and how they will benefit the community."

He said: "The workmen's clubs have not been able to evolve with the demands of the community. Some of the clubs are in desperate need of funding. We have violence around some sporting clubs and they need CCTV fitted to deter that. The clubs have become places where alcohol is sold and are no longer conducive environments for young people to be around."

Mr. Brunson believes the clubs can play a bigger part in their communities, becoming venues for activities such as after-school clubs, and also where small businesses can be set up and a community focal point for neighbours to be drawn together.

He added: "If Government is not prepared to work with these organisations then it has to come up with alternatives such as strategically placed community centres.

"But before we make that decision it would be a shame to abandon these clubs. I'm not saying the burden is solely with Government, the clubs and management have to play their part, but Government said it was going to lead in this and they have to deliver."

In reply, Minister Mr. Butler said: "We lost six months to begin with because we were waiting for the clubs coming in, after that the committee worked hard."

He said the Government had needed to demonstrate it was serious in its intentions, and he claimed that had been proven through the $11m given to the Bermuda Cricket Board, the purchase of White Hill Field and the leadership certificate program linked to Bermuda College.

He said: "We wanted Bermudians to write this report. We need a comprehensive idea of their needs. There are clubs that do not even have decent changing rooms.

"I can't say I'm disappointed. These matters take time and we have to be realistic and wait. What else can you do when clubs are reluctant to come in."

Mr. Commissiong said the committee was now completing the second phase of its process by visiting the clubs to verify information supplied by the clubs.

He added: "The report is imminent, I'd say within the next three or four weeks. We have been pleasantly surprised as our work has continued over the last five or six months with clubs gaining in confidence that this is a fair and objective process.

"Even clubs that were reluctant before have now expressed an interest to come onboard."

Mr. Commissiong added: "Most of the clubs are in communities that are in need of the greatest help. As we embark on revitalising these clubs the other facets of the Social Agenda will come to the communities around these clubs."