The coordinator of Crimestoppers in Bermuda has been elected as director of the whole organisation in the Caribbean and Atlantic Islands.

Crimestoppers International chose Alex MacDonald as regional director following his success in helping to combat crime in Bermuda.

And just days before the international conference in Vancouver, Mr. MacDonald travelled to the Bahamas where he had been asked by the Chamber of Commerce and the Police to help launch a Crimestoppers programme.

He held a series of meetings with business representatives, law enforcement agencies and church leaders, and was involved in the selection of a Crimestoppers chairman.

He was then accompanied to Canada by the new chosen chairman, the Rev. Tyrone McKenzie, and officially introduced him as a delegate.

Yesterday, Mr. MacDonald, who has been involved in Crimestoppers in Bermuda for two-and-a-half years, said he was honoured to have been elected director of the civilian crime-cracking organisation for the region.

He added: "I think I was chosen as director of the whole Caribbean region because I worked very closely with my predecessor, who was from the Cayman Islands, and we were both very familiar with all of the islands and their individual problems.

"It will mean a lot of work, and there will be a lot of travel involved, but I think it will be very satisfying. I will still, of course, continue my role in Bermuda.

"However, I will also be trying to encourage other Caribbean countries who are not yet involved to join us.'' But he said he was glad the Bahamas was now on board and hoped it could be linked to the call centre in Miami, as Bermuda is.

A director of the Bermuda branch, Brian Callaghan said the board was delighted Mr. MacDonald had been elected as regional director.

He added: "It's quite an achievement. He has been a dynamic driving force for Crimestoppers in Bermuda, especially in the liaison with different agencies and in getting people involved.'' Anyone with information about a crime can call Crimestoppers in confidence -- calls are not traced -- at the centre in Miami on 1-800-623-8477.

Rewards are offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects.

New job: Alex MacDonald