Husband and coach of Bermuda's top female middle-distance runner Jennifer Fisher said yesterday he was surprised to hear the news that a leading competitor would be brought in from the Bahamas to run against her in the 800 metres at the annual Heritage Day event planned for National Stadium on May 5.

Eddie Fisher said he was shocked that neither he nor his wife had officially been informed about the event or had even been asked whether Jennifer would be available to compete.

Following Jennifer's controversial exclusion from the CAC Cross Country Championships at Belmont two months ago, husband Eddie admitted they were now "completely in the dark'' about plans for the Heritage Day meet.

"We have heard nothing from anybody,'' said Eddie. "I was a little surprised to read in the Gazette that somebody was being brought in to run against Jennifer in the 800 metres without anyone even asking us whether we were going to be on the Island at that time. That strikes me as a little strange.'' "What's happening about the event anyway. Is it still on?'' he asked. "I can quite categorically state that we have had no confirmation, heard nothing from anybody about this whole matter other than what we have read. We know zero.'' Yesterday efforts to find out which athletes would be competing at the Heritage Day meet proved fruitless. Bermuda Track and Field Association president Stanley Douglas could not be reached while secretary Pat Lake confessed that it was only he who could provide answers about the organisation of the event.

Earlier this month Douglas was upbeat about the prospects of bringing in some top international athletes, indicating that attempts were being made to invite competitors such as world outdoor triple jump record holder Mike Conley of the United States, Jamaican sprinter Raymond Stewart and sprinter Geir Moen of Norway, who captured a gold medal in the 200 metres at the World Indoor Championships in Spain in February ahead of Bermuda's silver medallist Troy Douglas.

Bermuda's two top international athletes, triple-jumper Brian Wellman and sprinter Douglas, would also be brought back for the event, said the BTFA chief.

Fisher noted yesterday that he had had a brief discussion with former Heritage Day meet director Mike Charles who he said "was just as much in the dark as I am.'' Fisher said he was making a public comment on the matter only because he wanted to know what was happening, and not "to stir up any problems.'' "Quite frankly, Jennifer hasn't competed on the track since Argentina (Pan-Am Games) because there haven't been any races here. We have a few things lined up for her this year, including the bi-athlon where you run and shoot and we will be going to a few of these in the United States.

"But as far as track is concerned, we just do not know. There doesn't seem to be much more happening this year. I don't know, I may be wrong.'' Jennifer Fisher was outstanding at the Pan-Am Games last month, setting personal bests and new Bermuda records in both the 800 and 1500 metres.

JENNIFER FISHER -- still waiting to hear from the BTFA about next month's Heritage Day meet.