announced the appointment of Dr. Larita Alford to the controversial post of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

However present incumbent and rival for the post Dr. Donald Peters received a stay of execution.

He will remain in the post until December, 2000 while Dr. Alford will join in September 2000 to provide an overlap.

The appointment has been a headache for the College with leaked letters and flyers appearing on the campus claiming there was a conspiracy to remove Dominican Dr. Peters in favour of Bermudian Dr. Alford.

Yet other College insiders had alleged that Dr. Peters was in the driving seat for the job because he had powerful backers in the Government.

Dr. Peters told The Royal Gazette the issue had revolved around nationality.

He said: "The board and Government are going after an objective -- that institutions should be governed by Bermudians and I don't have a problem with that.'' He added: "I had some goals when I came here and I have reached most of them and I can reach the rest of them by next year.'' Dr. Peters explained: "When I came here you couldn't find a student on the campus after 3 p.m. now you can't get them out of here. The library is open 24 hours a day and the lab is open at weekends.'' At yesterday's press conference the two candidates shook hands and paid tribute to each other's abilities.

Dr. Peters said: "We have been caught up in emotions that we had no control over and I would like to give her my total support.

"It's my pleasure to continue working here.'' Dr. Alford also made a brief statement before heading back to her job at Columbia State Community College.

She said: "I have always had a desire to return to Bermuda to work and to do what I can to positively influence and enrich the lives of young Bermudians.'' Topics she intends to tackle include providing Bachelor's degree access in some areas and developing academic programs for males.

Alford to succeed Peters in 2000 Bermuda College Board Chairman Randy Horton denied the one-year extension to Dr. Peters' contract was a compromise measure or an unusual move.

He said: "After the initial three-year contract when people start here, the extensions can be whatever.'' And Mr. Horton would not be drawn on why the board had taken the decision they did.

He said: "It was in the best interests of Bermuda College but I am not going to tell you any specifics in making our decision.'' "Both candidates are happy with the decision and in agreement that it is in the best interests of the college.'' College president Dr. George Cook denied there'd been a problem with the way the appointment had been handled He said: "We have followed the same process we always follow. We have advertised the post, set up a committee who made a recommendation for the board to decide. Controversy is caused by people jumping to conclusions.'' Opposition Education spokesman Tim Smith said he welcomed the decision: "Dr.

Alford appears to be well qualified and I am glad she will be afforded the opportunity to prove her skills.'' Rivalry over: Bermuda College Vice President Dr. Donald Peters shakes hands with Dr. Larita Alford who will take over from him in December, 2000. A smiling College Chairman Randy Horton looks on.