disclose the reason.

Sgt. Paul Cranage, who is second in command of the Marine Police and a member of the Police Association, was suspended from the force indefinitely.

The Royal Gazette understands the action was over what was viewed by Police Commissioner Mr. Lenny Edwards as a threat by association members to withdraw labour during the Queen's visit in March.

It is understood Sgt. Cranage, a long-serving officer, was suspended on full pay pending an investigation into the matter.

A Police spokesman said the force had a policy of not discussing "ongoing internal disciplinary matters''.

Police also refused to comment on a media report that disciplinary action was taken against a second officer in the form of a transfer, and that it was the Police special services officers -- including the bomb squad -- that were thought to have threatened to withdraw labour unless they got extra insurance.

The suspension comes days after all Police officers received an average increase in salary of five percent over the next two years after the biennial round of contract negotiations between Government and the Police Association ended.

Apart from the general increase, backdated to October 1, 1993, the negotiations resulted in a number of changes to the Police conditions of service, a Government Information Services spokesman said.

He added, "The successful conclusion of these pay talks is a reflection of the positive approach that both sides have brought to the negotiations, and the steady progress that has been made over the last few months.'' GORDON HITS BACK AT BROWN GVT Sport Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon has waded into the political argument over developing the National Stadium.

She hit back after Opposition sport spokesman Dr. Ewart Brown condemned plans to pick up tips from Canada.

He suggested Bermuda look to a non-white source of inspiration -- such as the Caribbean.

The Minister said Caribbean countries shared Bermuda's "limited experience'' in big projects like the stadium.

Caribbean countries also sought advice from North America and Europe, she said, and a Japanese firm had recently designed and built a "sports facility'' in Barbados.

The design of the proposed national sports centre was developed locally, she said.

"Also, international consultations were sought in Europe and North America to ensure that Bermuda's facilities met all the required international standards.

"Dr. Brown was not based in Bermuda at this time and may not have been aware of this fact.

"When facilities of this sort are designed and constructed there are no cultural biases that reflect on the building's design.''