American tourist will learn by next week if his taxi licence will be re-instated.

The Transport Control Department (TCD) suspended Mr. Cross' taxi licence soon after his July arrest, citing his medical condition as the reasoning for their actions.

TCD director Donald Dane yesterday revealed that Mr. Cross would know by the end of week if he will be allowed to resume his taxi business.

"The Public Vehicle Licencing Board had their regular meeting this morning (Tuesday),'' he said, "and we will be discussing the matter further. We should have an answer for him by next week.'' Fifty-six year old Mr. Cross, will face trial at the end of November for allegedly threatening 54-year-old American cruise ship passenger Frank Farley with a knife.

Mr. Farley had reported to police that Mr. Cross became racially abusive and held a blade to his throat as he tried to apologise for accidentally bumping his vehicle with a car door.

In Magistrates' Court back in July, Mr. Cross of Scott's Hill Road in Sandys, denied charges of uttering offensive words in a public place, threatening behaviour, possessing an offensive weapon and intending to cause fear in Mr.

Farley.

"I was threatened and defended myself.'' he told Senior Magistrate Will Francis in his plea court appearance, "I was called a black piece of sh** and I defended myself.'' TRANSPORTATION TRA