the new year.

An advertisement was placed in yesterday's newspaper requesting applicants for the responsible position to come forward.

The successful individual will replace current executive director Delcina Bean Burrows, who, according to chairman Colin Curtis, "has decided to move on''.

He said: "We are very sorry to lose her as she has been an excellent administrator. She has got another career move in mind but will be staying long enough to give her predecessor a helping hand.'' The charity, which celebrated its 900th anniversary this year, arrived in Bermuda in the 1800s and has more than 20,000 members worldwide.

Its volunteers are committed to providing free injury control services at community events and injury prevention courses aimed at protecting children.

Mr. Curtis took the opportunity to highlight some of the improvements the Brigade was hoping to make in the new Millennium.

"Basically we just want to take apart what we've got, examine it and see if we can make any improvements as we put it back together,'' he said.

"We'd like to expand our role in terms of financial support and expand our efforts in teaching first aid and also re-invigorate our badger and cadet programmes for younger members.

"We're also planning to go on a major recruitment drive as, although we're not suffering a major staffing shortage, we could definitely use some more hands.'' He added that one of the ways they were hoping to do this was by re-initiating the brigades role in the Island's schools.

And in regards to plans for the distant future, the chairman explained that the order was looking at a re-shuffling of the organisation on a global scale.

"Recently, the order has just been decentralised from London,'' he said, "and, out of this, we were thinking of forming a Commanderie right here in Bermuda.

"I think, if this happened, there would be some interesting changes for the Brigade in Bermuda, although it is a little premature to say exactly what they would be.'' Asked what sort of person should apply for the position of executive director, Mr. Curtis said: "Basically someone who has very good organisational skills, along with the ability to make their own decisions.'' In addition, the advertisement said: "The executive director must be computer literate, possess skills of an executive secretary, and have good interpersonal skills.'' Anyone wishing to find out more about the St. John Ambulance Brigade can call its office between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on 236-7831.