fallen flat, with news that most of the international stars originally invited will not be competing.

World 60 metres record holder Andre Cason was slated to headline the meet along with triple jumper Mike Conley and a host of other world class athletes, but a shortage of cash has caused organisers to drastically curtail plans.

Ironically, Conley, who coaches Bermudian triple-jumper Brain Wellman was similarly included in the build-up toward the same the meet last year, before pulling out.

A poor response to appeals for sponsors has been blamed for the latest fiasco, as well as the unwillingness of the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) to deplete their finances on a venture having an estimated price tag of $13,000.

"We don't have the funding to support these high profile athletes,'' said BTFA vice-president Stan Douglas. "Secondly, the idea of the Heritage is to highlight locals of high calibre.

"Thirdly, we have an obligation to the people that support us --the different clubs and affiliates -- to spend money that is earned in a reasonable manner and in a way that it benefits most people.

"We cannot go out and spend money willy-nilly.'' Douglas praised the efforts of the three-man team of meet director, Mike Charles, Steve Burgess and Richie Latham for their efforts in recruiting such notable overseas talent, but insisted that the association could not risk its financial future at this time.

The sport of track and field has been in decline since its heyday back in the 1970's, however interest appears to have been peaked lately and Douglas indicated that such expenditure would only set things back.

"Sometimes you walk, fall down and then have to crawl before you can get on your feet again. That (crawling) is where I see the association right now,'' said Douglas. "We will still support the event, although as a more low key affair.

"The officers of the association have decided that we can use the event to highlight our Commonwealth hopefuls and still produce a good quality meet which would not leave the association or Heritage in severe debt.'' Remaining on the card at National Stadium (6 p.m. start) are the likes of high-jumpers Stephen Woodley and Rohaan Simons, distance runners Kevin Tucker, Kavin Smith and Jay Donawa among the men and female running ace Jennifer Fisher.

It is not known whether Wellman will make the trip home, however, the absence of college student Terrance Armstrong, fresh off a successful Penn Relays, and sprinter Troy Douglas have been confirmed.