School teachers Albert Steede and Arnold Manders have been included in the Bermuda squad for the ICC Trophy, now that clearance has been given for them to receive full pay while in Malaysia next month.

The Department of Education was reluctant to pay the pair for the four weeks they would be away representing their country. However the matter was resolved this week after the Department of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation, at the request of the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, intervened on their behalf.

Yesterday, Director of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation, Brenton Roberts, confirmed that a decision was made for Steede and Manders to receive full pay while abroad.

In fact, his department had already made plans for one of its own staff in the squad, Charlie Marshall, to receive full pay while he was away from work.

"Government has reaffirmed its position that success in international competition has an important impact, not only on the individual, but on national morale,'' said Roberts yesterday.

"In this sense it has reaffirmed its position and policy that persons representing Bermuda in the world competitions that Government supports such as the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games, Central American and Caribbean Games and indeed the ICC World Cup which we have supported for many years, would be permitted to go with full play.

"We also applaud and recognise the support that private sector businesses give to the development of sport in Bermuda by joining Government in allowing their players to partcipate in these events.

"We feel that the sacrifices that players are compelled to make to qualify to represent Bermuda certainly ought to be supported when they are selected to go off and represent Bermuda.'' The decision means that the BCBC, who are receiving a grant assistance from Government to help cover expenses of the trip, have selected their strongest team in their attempt to qualify for the 1999 World Cup in England.

"The board is elated that Government is going to support this worthwhile venture,'' said president Ed Bailey.

"It has been a great sacrifice on the administration to raise funds and make it possible for Bermuda to compete. Certainly it will be a great relief for all the players affected, and their families, that they are not burdened by the fact that they are leaving behind financial commitments that could jeopardise them in the future.

"I'm sure the players will give 100 per cent for the country knowing that the Government, their employers and community in general is giving them this support.'' The team will leave on March 15 and coach consultant Bob Simpson will meet them in Malaysia.

Malaysia bound Squad: Albert Steede (capt), Clay Smith (vice capt), Dean Minors, Arnold Manders, Del Hollis, Charlie Marshall, Glenn (Smith) Blakeney, Janeiro Tucker, Roger Blades, Kameron Fox, Kevin Hurdle, Lionel Cann, Jermaine Postlethwaite, Corey Hill, Roger Trott, Bruce Perinchief.

Standby: Dexter Smith, Jason Simons.