With Bermuda confirmed as hosts for the 2004 CARIFTA Games, Bermuda Pacers track and field coach Cal Simons has urged all parties in the sport to come to the bargaining table and iron out their differences.

Athletics' governing body, Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA), have over the years been involved in a number of disputes with road running and track and field clubs, the most recent involving Mid Atlantic Striders who were incensed when the BTFA refused to give their blessing to an educational tour which had been planned around the popular Penn Relays.

Given the estimated price tag of $500,000 for the Games, Simons said he concurred with both BTFA president Judith Simmons and Sports Minister Randy Horton who have both stressed that the event can only become a success following a community effort.

"Yes, we do have some discrepancies in a lot of areas," Simons admitted.

"I think that the parties will need to come and sit down together.

"Maybe the BTFA will have to call in all the affiliates or any other organisations (corporate) who are interested in promoting track and field or sports period, because it's a major sporting event. It's not just about the BTFA, it's all about the country and our image. And if it doesn't happen, then it just isn't going to go down well.

"We've put the bid in and for whatever reason if things don't materialise, then it definitely won't look good at all."

Simons felt that it was imperative that everyone rallied together to encourage the corporate community to help in financing the Games.

"If we are able to come together, I think that the Island can make a better statement to the corporate sector because I think that it takes somewhere in excess of half a million to host this event."

He added that the Island's schools also had a role to play.

"I think that the association (BTFA) is going to have to be flexible when it comes to selecting athletes because you have a lot of multi-talented athletes, those who play both cricket and soccer who also do track and field.

"So it's also going to take a combined effort from all of the Island's sporting bodies.

"We just have to go out and find them (athletes) and train them and that's where the Bermuda Schools Sports Federation will also have to play their part because we are also going to be looking to identify kids from those high and middle school championships.

"So it's definitely going to take a combined effort from all sporting bodies, but first we still have to first sort out our differences."

Contrary to Tuesday's report on Bermuda's medal winning performances during last weekend's CAC championships in Barbados, Brittaney Marshall had in fact won a bronze in the girls Under 17 shot putt with Latroya Darrell winning a silver medal in the girls Under 17 triple jump.