West Indian exhibition.

The West Indian Association on the Island donated $1,000 to the museum yesterday to help it fund the Caribbean room, which is set to open this summer.

The money was raised from ticket sales from the Association's comedy play held last September.

President of the group Shurnett Caines said: "The maritime museum is doing a wonderful job and it is keeping history alive.

"The fact that we are to have a Caribbean room that we can be proud of -- we were more than happy to donate cash.'' Director of the museum Dr. Edward Harris said the organisation was heavily reliant on donations and said he was very glad to be receiving the funds.

He added: "We do get help from Government, but most of the money we get comes from private donations, such as this one.

"We are very pleased to have this contribution, which will go toward the West Indian room at the museum. It will display Bermudian connections with the Caribbean.'' The main sponsor for the permanent exhibition will be the Bank of Butterfield. And the Association yesterday also donated $300 to Christopher Famous, who collects clothing and shoes for the needy around the Caribbean islands. He was not available to be photographed yesterday.