Wolde Place, 19, appeared for a preliminary hearing at Fulton County Magistrates' Court in Atlanta, Georgia.

Judge Craig Schwall ordered Place be returned to Fulton County Jail until January 20.

The former schoolboy soccer star and education award winner is charged with robbing another student at gunpoint when his car was stopped at traffic lights.

It is alleged Place, whose parents live in Pembroke, fired shots at the student, Fraanje Vandiver, of Atlanta, as he tried to flee the scene.

But Mr. Vandiver escaped unhurt and was able to give police a description of his attackers.

He told Georgia Institute of Technology police he had been forced from his car and ordered at gunpoint to lie on the ground. His wallet and a set of keys were stolen.

Place, of Peachtree Street, Northeast Atlanta, and two others, believed to be US citizens, were later arrested near the scene of the December 13 incident by officers from the Georgia Tech Police.

Officers rushed to the scene after a nearby resident called in a tip-off that he had heard shots being fired.

Place is also charged with possession of a firearm, aggravated assault and possession of marijuana. He has been in Fulton County Jail since his arrest.

A spokeswoman for the Atlanta District Attorney's Office told The Royal Gazette last week that offences of this kind are taken "very seriously.'' She added that if Place was to be convicted he faced at least 10 years in jail -- with no chance of parole.

Last June, Atlanta Metro College student Place was awarded an International Business Education Award, organised by the Chamber of Commerce.

The computer science student had hoped to move on to Georgia Tech later this year to complete his studies.

A Chamber spokeswoman yesterday said they were shocked at the news of Place's arrest -- the first time a recipient of the awards has hit serious trouble.

She added: "He had extremely good references and we were very happy to give him an award. He wrote us a wonderful letter and came in person to thank us.'' And she said: "Our thoughts are with his family.'' But now Place, if convicted of an offence, faces losing the award under the Chamber's rules.

It is understood further installments are conditional on satisfactory performance by students in their studies -- and if Place is sentenced to a jail term, he will not be able to finish his studies and become ineligible.

FRESH DESIGN GVT BUC Fresh design needed Local firms are being asked to come up with a fresh design for a new sewage treatment plant.

The Bermuda Land Development Company is planning to have the new works up and running at Southside, St. David's to replace the US Navy run plant at Annie's Bay which is now reaching the end of its serviceable life.

The new plant will have to incorporate modern biological processes that meet Bermuda environmental standards.

The contract will be in the form of a design/build agreement to maximise the range of opportunities for participation by local companies.

Companies interested in submitting plans should contact the BLDC offices.

BERMUDIAN BDA