development group founder did not pay a prominent US humanitarian, a Police spokesman confirmed yesterday.

The Royal Gazette understands that Coretta Scott King -- the widow of Martin Luther King Jr. -- was allegedly not paid after she spoke at a symposium on May 28.

The event was organised by research and development group Akinstall International which was founded by Valirie Akinstall.

It is also understood that an anonymous benefactor paid the bill -- which is believed to be in the region of $20,000 -- in order to save embarrassment for both local and US officials.

Cable Network News International executive producer Pam Benson, Working Woman publisher Deborah Armstrong and leading American feminist Gloria Steinem are past guests of the group.

TWENY SPINY LOBSTER LICENCES AVAILABLE FHP GVT Twenty spiny lobster licences available The Ministry of the Environment, Planning and Natural Resources have announced that a total of 20 commercial spiny lobster licences will be available this year.

A Ministry spokesman said the total number of traps in use is the same as last year.

He added that while the right of first refusal would be extended to fishermen who held licences during the 1996/97 lobster season, it was anticipated that there would be an opportunity for new entrants.

Environment Minister John Irving Pearman has also approved the concept of an area expansion to allow licence holders to avail themselves of more of the reef platform at the start of the season, he continued.

And a limited inshore fishery will be permitted during the winter months.

The fishery is open to recognised full-time fishermen who are in good standing only.

Other requirements include the possession of an operative vessel capable of working the gear and a commitment to deploy the traps prior to September 15.

Fishermen interested in applying may do so at the Division of Fisheries at Coney Island or at the Department of Agriculture at the Botanical Gardens.

The application period started yesterday and ends on August 14.

Those interested are asked to send a $1,000 application fee with their application and they must sign the forms personally.

POLICEMEN INJURED IN SCUFFLE WITH TEENAGER CRM Policeman injured in scuffle with teenager A Police officer suffered minor injuries early yesterday morning while struggling with a 17-year-old traffic offender.

Police said the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Cochrane Road in Sandys Parish when officers stopped the teen in connection with a traffic offence.

The officers told the 17-year-old he was under age for the type of bike he was riding. And he was also suspected to be riding while impaired.

While attempting to arrest the teen, a violent struggle took place and both he and one of the officers fell down a small embankment.

The officer received "a slightly injured shoulder and arm''.

Police inquiries were continuing.

FIREFIGHTERS CELAN UP HAMILTON OIL SPILL FIR Firefighters clean up Hamilton oil spill Six firefighters were called on Thursday evening to clean up an oil spill in Hamilton.

Fire Service spokesman Lt. Jon Thompson said the firefighters and a crew from the Corporation of Hamilton attended the scene of the diesel oil spill near the corner of King and Dundonald streets at 9.18 p.m. that day.

The spill, caused by a van which was experiencing mechanical problems, covered an area of 60-feet-by-20-feet.

Firefighters applied sphagsorb (made of peat moss) to absorb the oil.

AUSTRIALAN MISSIONARY CONTINUES HER APPEAL COA Australian missionary continues her appeal An Australian missionary's appeal against the $500 fine she received for obstructing a Customs officer is still before the courts.

Hare Krishna Eva Salla, 36, is appealing the sentence and conviction she received earlier this year. The appeal has been before the courts since February and a date for a hearing has yet to be set.

Yesterday her lawyer Carlsen Philip told The Royal Gazette : "I am continuing to pursue the matter. Our appeal is before the court.'' Salla, who returned to Sydney about six weeks after leaving Bermuda early in February, is not expected to return to Bermuda for the hearing.

Magistrates' Court heard during the trial that Salla arrived in Bermuda on January 15 on board a Continental flight from Newark, New Jersey.

It was alleged she refused to pay attention to Customs Officer Stacey Trott who wished to search her bags.

But Salla, who was celebrating her fourth wedding anniversary, claimed she was poorly treated by Ms Trott and complained of harassment.

She was taken to the Airport Police Station and charged with obstruction.

Magistrate Cheryl-Ann Mapp found her guilty of the offence and fined her $500.

MAN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DRINK-DRIVING CTS Man arrested on suspicion of drink-driving Police arrested a 23-year-old Smith's Parish man on suspicion of impaired driving after his car collided with a bus shelter.

The accident occurred at 3.44 a.m. in Bailey's Bay, near Cottage Hill, in Hamilton Parish.

A Police spokesman said the man was travelling east when he lost control of his car, mounted the sidewalk, and collided with a bus shelter.

Some $2,000 worth of damage was caused to the car.

The driver was not injured.