aid project.

Students in the private school's grades nine through 11 decided to ship a container of goods to assist Antigua which was devastated by Hurricane Maryland.

Teacher Mrs. Frigga Simmons said they had been collecting clothing and other goods for the container which they hoped to send off before Christmas.

"Unfortunately,'' she added, "we have not received enough items.'' Canned goods, dry goods, clothing "in excellent condition'' and "good reading materials'' were among the items needed.

The container, which will be shipped to Florida by Meyer Agencies at no cost, is scheduled to leave Bermuda on December 15.

But Mrs. Simmons said the school must come up with $3,000 to cover shipping costs from Florida to Antigua.

"Consequently,'' she said, "our students are selling microwave containers, Christmas candles, Christmas ornaments, dishcloths to help defray that amount.'' Donations for the container should be dropped off at the school on Middle Road in Warwick by Monday, December 11.

He said because of the cost the Corporation of St. George's would have to look for alternative forms of income -- its annual income is about $1.5 million currently -- and diversify the economy.

"We decided to look at a pro-active approach. Along came the base lands and we approached the Government and asked it to give us Marginal Wharf which could be developed to bring in Blue Fish Tuna or for containers.

"We are still in discussions with the Government and we are also getting some interest from international business which is starting to look at various projects,'' added Mr. Smith.

Last night, St. George's Mayor, the Wor. Henry Hayward, confirmed presentations on the plan had been given to international businesses, but he declined to say who.

"What we would like to see is for these companies to take on a section of the plan as prices vary -- such as putting up town gates which would cost about $18,000.

"The plan might be spread over 20 years,'' said Mr. Hayward. "We are hoping that between the Corporation, private donors and the Government we can get most of it done.'' said to be: Garages, one delegate; Printers, one delegate; Union Executive, one delegate; Construction, two delegates; Marine and Ports, one delegate; Public Works, three delegates; Telco, three delegates; Post Office, one delegate; and Supermarkets, one delegate; Air services (Bermuda Aviation Services), one delegate; Agriculture and Fisheries, two delegates; Port workers, one delegate; Truckers, one delegate; Hospitals, two delegates; and Bus drivers, two delegates.

"Normally the hotels division supports the candidate which wins, but you never know,'' said the source.

"It has been known for delegates to go into a conference and change their minds, voting a different way than was expected.'' Mr. Burgess and Mr. Furbert have been keeping a low profile.

Both were reluctant to comment to The Royal Gazette , although they confirmed they had been nominated to stand in the race.

"The people will nominate who they think can best serve them over the next two years,'' Mr. Furbert said recently.

"Other than that there is not a whole lot that can be said. I will try to attend the meetings and explain why I think I am a good candidate for the job.'' It is not the first time the pair have squared up.

The BIU reportedly engaged in an internal "power struggle'' before Mr.

Furbert was named full-time divisional organiser and negotiator in January.

The general council was said to favour Mr. Burgess for the post, while the executive council successfully backed Mr. Furbert.

"They both should be interviewed. They are two entirely different candidates,'' the source said.