officiate in two matches which will feature the use of the new Duckworth/Lewis calculation format currently being used by umpires in the World Cup.

The system is not yet being employed in local cricket, but Francis pointed out that it was something that would have to be implemented if Bermuda was to keep pace with the rest of the world.

"We simply have to keep up with the times. They are using this system throughout the world these days, in the World Cup and throughout the Caribbean, and we must get it into local cricket,'' he said.

"If we don't use it we will only fall behind the rest of the world and we wouldn't want that to happen. This high-tech procedure is something that will benefit the local game all around.'' Francis has jumped at the opportunity to umpire in Jamaica once again after being invited by Johnny Gayle, secretary of the Jamaica Cricket Umpires Association, to officiate two All Island Sandals knockout matches, one being played at the popular Sabina Park Test ground and the other at Chadwin Park in St. Catherine today and tomorrow. He has umpired there on several occasions with another top local umpire, Randy Butler.

Francis, who has been one of the most active officials in the past few years, does not go into the weekend matches without any knowledge of the new calculation system, having been briefed by Butler before his departure.

Last year Butler attended a special conference in Antigua called by the WICUA to be thoroughly informed about the procedure and is expected to hold seminars in the near future to update other local officials.

Francis, who was Bermuda's lone official at the 1994 World Cup in Kenya, is keen to get actual experience in using the new system. But he is also hoping that his involvement in the Jamaican series will pave the way for others to be invited to similar matches in the Caribbean, especially the Red Stripe Bowl which is scheduled for later in the year.

"Naturally I feel good about being invited back to Jamaica this year, but we really want to see others get the opportunities to get experienced in umpiring away from home, especially in recognised multiple day fixtures like the Red Stripe Bowl,'' he said.

"We have some talented people here who can only sharpen their skills by going to umpire under conditions that they are not accustomed to. Getting them away will also give them some incentive to better themselves.'' A former player with Willow Cuts and Somerset Bridge, Francis is concerned about the diminishing numbers of umpires in the Island.

Secretary of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association until 1994, he gave up that position ain order to concentrate on his officiating. But he is still gravely concerned about the dwindling numbers of officials.

"When I was secretary we had 30 members. Now that number has dropped considerably and we are in desperate need of assistance, especially from the former players. Maybe if the public can see the many opportunities that exist out there for umpires then others will be more willing to join our ranks,'' he noted.