not race is an issue in this case.'' Defence lawyer Delroy Duncan made the remark as he questioned why his client -- who is black -- was in the dock. ---- Page 2 BERMUDA AIDS TOLL NEAR 300 AID Bermuda AIDS toll nears 300 Nearly 300 people have died as a result of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in Bermuda, statistics released yesterday revealed. ---- Page 5 PETITION ALL SET FOR MINISTER GVT Petition all set for Minister A Southampton man is expected to present a petition against fireworks displays at Southampton Princess to Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness this week.

---- Page 5 APPEALS JUDGES TOSS SENTENCE COA Appeals judges toss sentence The Court of Appeal on Monday quashed a jailbreaker's three-year sentence and ordered a retrial. ---- Page 5 AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT RETREAT CHU Author to speak at retreat Internationally-acclaimed author Dr. Ronn Elmore will visit the Island this weekend. He will be among a bevy of motivational speakers attending St. John AME's Retreat '96 scheduled to begin on Friday. ---- Page 6