Bermuda is to become the nerve-centre for the Caribbean Union of Teachers, it was revealed yesterday.

And Bermuda Union of Teachers president Mike Charles said he was delighted the Island had been picked from a field of four contenders to host the secretariat of the CUT.

Mr. Charles said last night: "It will mean more work for us -- but it's prestigious.

"I feel very proud that we could be seen as the place where they want to put the secretariat.

"Three countries had offered themselves, but the executive committee decided Bermuda was well placed to do the job.'' Mr. Charles said it was accepted that Bermuda was not central to the Caribbean -- but that was not felt to be a disadvantage with hi-tech communications at people's fingertips.

He added: "Most of the members have alluded to the fact that Bermuda is such an ordered society and with so much advanced technology, they don't see that as a negative.'' The two-yearly conference hosted around 100 delegates from 14 countries for five days, ending yesterday.

Mr. Charles said that a massive amount of work, including the passing of 15 separate resolutions, and left the CUT well-prepared for the start of a new century.

Among the future plans are a drive to raise cash for volcano-stricken Montserrat and the setting up of a special committee to look into the problems of Haiti, which has expressed a desire to join the CUT.

Mr. Charles said: "The CUT will also play a more active role in women's issues, looking at strategies which will deal with women in a more positive way and making sure women take their rightful place -- not just in the CUT, but in society as a whole.'' EDUCATION ED