have already arrived in Barbados, and will be joined on Thursday by runners Kavin Smith and Xavier James.

The pair changed their travel plans because of the funeral today of Otero Allers, who is a relative of James and Smith's co-worker at Bermuda Telephone Company.

Damian Simmons and Ashley Couper flew out yesterday with team manager and national coach, Gerry Swan and Sharon Wilkinson, who is the assistant manager and chaperone. They were met in New York by middle distance runner Terrance Armstrong while triple jumper Brian Wellman and Devon Bean were due to join them in Barbados last evening.

The arrival of Smith and James will complete the team for the three-day championships which kick off on Thursday with the opening ceremony.

Competition will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the team return on Monday.

Armstrong will run the 1500 metres and possibly the 800 metres, while Bean will compete in the 100 metres and long jump. Couper will run in both the 800 and 1500 metres depending on the schedule.

Simmons, who recorded a 1:54.20 time in the 800 metres in New England on the weekend, is also due to compete in the 400 metres. James will run in the 100 and 200 metres while Smith lines up in the half-marathon.

Kavin Smith: will run in the half-marathon at this weekend's CAC Championships in Barbados.