Fredjun Hughes, of Rocklands Road, was accused of the charge after he allegedly stabbed 36-year-old June Hayward, of Smith's Parish, in the chest on September 11.

The incident was believed to have been the result of an argument over damage to a cycle at Devil's Hole.

Hughes was not required to enter a plea in Magistrates' Court.

He has been remanded in custody at the Co-ed Facility in St. George's for two weeks when he is scheduled to return to court for mention.

Hayward was yesterday listed in stable condition on a general ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

RETAIL SALES DOWN BUC Retail sales down Retail sales dipped in July for the sixth consecutive month, according to figures released yesterday by Government's Statistics Department. Gross sales in July were estimated at $45.7 million, up 2.5 percent from the same month a year earlier. But when the figures are adjusted to remove the effect of the 2.8 percent inflation rate in July, retail sales actually dipped by 0.3 percent, the department said.

It was the sixth consecutive month that a drop in retail sales was recorded.

Before adjusting for inflation, receipts in the motor vehicle and service station sector fell 3.2 percent below the level reached in July 1994.

In the general retail sector, receipts were up 3.0 percent year over year, with more than half the stores catering to domestic demand reporting stronger sales for items like furniture, appliances, building supplies, and pharmaceuticals.

But stores catering mainly to visitors reported reduced sales in July, "directly reflecting the continued decline in visitor arrivals.'' Gross receipts at liquor stores were up 7.5 percent in July. The food store index has been temporarily suspended due to restructuring.

Residents returning from overseas in July declared purchases of $1.95 million, down 7.1 percent from a year earlier.

PARK CONCERT ENT Park concert A concert featuring "All that Jazz and Some Soca'' will be held in Victoria Park tomorrow.

The three-hour concert -- sponsored by the Bank of Butterfield and the Corporation of Hamilton -- will feature several local musicians, including Finesse, Legacy, the Doc Simons Trio, Max Maybury's Quartet and Nuance.

In case of inclement weather, the concert -- which will begin at 6 p.m. -- will be held in the Number One Shed on Front Street.

FINED FOR STEALING CTS Fined for stealing Giving his employer's goods away cost a man $500 in Magistrates' Court this week.

Basil Bean, 55, pleaded guilty to stealing from his employer, Dismont Robinson & Co. Ltd., on three separate occasions.

Police prosecutor Sgt. John Dale said a video surveillance camera in the store on Front Street had taped Bean giving another man groceries and liquor on three separate occasions July 8, July 10 and July 13.

Bean was subsequently fired.

Magistrate the Wor. Edward King fined Bean $500 after Bean told him he knew what he was doing was wrong and that he intended to repay his former employer.