editor, the magazine's editor-in-chief said yesterday.

But Mrs. Barbara Tober would not say whether the 400,000-circulation magazine based in New York would ever hold another sales meeting in Bermuda.

"That's too far in the future,'' Mrs. Tober told The Royal Gazette .

Mrs. Tober brought about 60 magazine employees to the Island on June 16, when tabletop, food and wine editor Ms Donna Ferrari had five valium tablets seized at the Airport and was charged with possession of a controlled drug.

The charge was dismissed in Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after Ms Ferrari produced a doctor's prescription. But to clear herself, she had to stay two to three days longer than her colleagues.

"To spend an extra few days awaiting the outcome probably did cause her a period of anxiety,'' Mrs. Tober said. "She was concerned about how it would come out.'' But a public apology from Tourism Minister the Hon. C.V. (Jim) Woolridge was impressive, she said. "I think it's very generous of him. I think it's all turned out for the best.'' In a letter sent to Ms Ferrari yesterday, Mr. Woolridge went one step further, inviting the 39-year-old for a complimentary return visit "so that you may continue to view us as a warm and friendly people''.

Mr. Woolridge apologised on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda and expressed regret he was unable to speak to Ms Ferrari personally before she left yesterday.

Rather than charging the woman, officials should have asked that her doctor's prescription be faxed to Bermuda, Mr. Woolridge said.

Collector of Customs Mr. Gerry Ardis has said his officials acted properly.