Americas: Bermuda meeting to kick kickstart development?

Officials from the ICC's key Americas' members have met with the ICC's Global Development Officer, Mr. Ross Turner, over the last two days in an attempt to kickstart the continent's ailing development process.

The main goals of the Bermuda get-together of administrators from the host country, Argentina, the Cayman Islands, Canada and the United States will be:

 Organisation of a continental tournament to be held in Toronto, Canada, later this year

 Obtaining feedback from countries on the ICC Americas Development Officer role

While the ICC expansion programme has gathered pace in other development regions, that progress has not been matched in the Americas development region.

A Development Officer has come and gone, and progress has stalled on the organisation of a continental tournament and formation of a regional body.

Sources have told 'Beyond The Test World' the key problem remains the West Indies Cricket Board of Control's unwillingness/inability to take a leadership role in the region.

They claim the WICB's perceived reluctance to become involved in cricket's development in the region is directly hindering the formation of a regional body.

"There cannot be a regional association unless the West Indies takes the lead and they have shown no desire to do so. They are tied up with their own problems," the official said.

"If one of the national associations takes the leading role, then the other countries will be wary. The WICB as a neutral party and the Americas' only Test member should be the ones to play the guiding role."

There is concern this weekend's meeting will not end problems relating to the troubled Development Officer position.

It is understood the new appointee may be located in Toronto, Canada to oversee organisation of next year's ICC Trophy, meaning less time can be devoted to the Development Officer's usual duties.