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Bermuda's History from 2000 to 2006

Significant events and social consequences covering this period

By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us) exclusively for Bermuda Online

When referring to this web file, use "bermuda-online.org/history2000to2006.htm" as your Subject

2000

• The Royal Gazette group reported. The German color mini TV series "Inselfeiber" was filmed partly in Bermuda. It was written and produced by Jens Fintelmann and Thomas Seekamp. 

• The Royal Gazette group reported. Bear Stearns was ordered pay out $125 million to investors who were left high-and-dry by the collapse of Bermuda-administered Manhattan Investment Fund in 2000. The New York broker continued to accept $125 million in margin payments from the fund's Bank of Bermuda account during the final year leading up to the collapse of the fund in March 2000, which left investors with more than $400 million of losses. It has been argued in court that Bear Stearns continued to extend margin to the boss of the fund Michael Berger, up to a year or more after it should have known he was acting in a fraudulent manner. Austrian-born Berger pleaded guilty to fraud in November 2000, some eight months after the fund collapsed. Investors lost more than $400 million when the fund collapsed seven years ago after being exposed as a "Ponzi" scheme that cheated around 300 investors. Companies involved in administering and auditing for the fund were ordered to pay out tens of millions of dollars in liabilities. Deloitte & Touche, the fund's Bermuda auditors agreed to pay $32 million in a settlement relating to its part in the collapse, while Fund Administration Services (Bermuda) Limited, an affiliate of Ernst & Young who administered the fund, paid out $40.8 million. The Manhattan Investment Fund fraud came to light when Deloitte & Touche withdrew approval for the fund's financial statements for 1996, 1997 and 1998.

• Sorry, but other 2000 information is not available here. 

2001

• 2001. The Royal Gazette group reported. NASA's Cooper's Island base was closed. It was first established in 1961 and used as a tracking and communications facility for various space programmes, including the Mercury and Apollo missions and space shuttle flights because of its key geographical position in relation to launch trajectories for space vehicles blasting off from Cape Canaveral in Florida. After  shut down, it became a collection of abandoned buildings and related structures. Part of the area was earmarked by Government as a future nature reserve and visitor centre.
• July.  Tucker’s Point Club Hotel & Spa, St. George’s was approved via a Special Development Order
• September 9. Legendary Travel Journalist Arthur Frommer was in Bermuda at the Society of American Travel Writers Bermuda conference and advised people to stop "trivial" travel writing. He abhors the kind of "trivial" travel writing that does not make waves; is not relevant; does not believe in travel criticisms when due; and encourages journalist and travel writers to write uncritical pieces after enjoying "junkets" - free trips - from hotels or airlines but at local or overseas taxpayers' expense.
• September 11. The world's worst terrorist attack occured at the World Trade Center, New York. More than 2,974 people were killed when 19 al Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger jets. Two aircraft flew into the World Trade Center in New York while another hit the Pentagon and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Among the dead were Boyd Gatton and Rhondelle Cherie Tankard of Bermuda. Mr. Gatton, 38, was working on the 97th floor of the World Trade Center with the Fiduciary Trust Company when the attacks took place. Ms Tankard, an employee with Bermuda-based insurance company AON, had started work there just two days earlier. 
• October.  Harbour Court Tucker’s Point Club, St. George’s was approved via a Special Development Order.

2002

• February 19. The Royal Gazette group reported.  It is said that there is no such thing as bad publicity, but yesterday’s front page story in the New York Times — “US companies file in Bermuda to slash tax bills” is surely the exception that makes the rule. Some weeks ago, in the wake of a series of negative press reports about Bermuda relating to the collapse of Enron and Global Crossing Ltd. and the difficulties facing Tyco and Elan International, this newspaper warned that Bermuda needed to mount a media counter-attack. The need for a full response became more pronounced yesterday when the New York Times — arguably America’s most influential newspaper, if not the world’s — ran its story. The story, quoted at length in today’s Royal Gazette , described how one Bermuda-based company had moved from its New Jersey headquarters to Bermuda and as a result paid $27,000 per year to Government instead of $40 million in corporate income taxes to the United States. Last week, another manufacturing company, the hardware company Stanley Works, announced it was moving to Bermuda as well. The primary reason, the company said, was to reduce its tax bill. And it said its profits would be $30 million higher in the next quarter as a result. Bermuda has spent decades trying to shed the tax-haven label. Yesterday, it came back with a vengeance. The New York Times also added a new twist to the question, by quoting an expert who said the issue for companies was, quite simply, patriotism or profit. Investors and stock analysts may prefer reducing taxes and raising profits, but many Americans, and almost all American politicians, will prefer patriotism in the wake of September 11. The truth is that companies like Stanley Works, which will have no corporate presence in Bermuda, do very little to boost the Bermuda economy. It is the companies with a physical presence — some three percent of the total — that contribute 70 to 80 percent of the money international companies bring to Bermuda. Then too, as Bermuda was at pains to explain to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development last year, Bermuda does not have a preferential tax system. No companies pay corporate income taxes in Bermuda. When the OECD was tackling tax havens, the Bush Administration was reluctant to give it much support , regarding Bermuda and other reputable offshore financial centres as places that increased the efficiency of the global economy. And companies like Stanley Works move because they are at a disadvantage with their overseas competitors. Reducing their tax rate helps them to compete in foreign markets, and that is good news for the US economy. It is also worth noting that companies that move offshore only reduce their tax bills — they do not eliminate them. Even companies like ACE and XL, which were founded in Bermuda and do business all over the world, pay hundreds of millions of dollars in US taxes, they have to do in order to do business there. But that does not mean they should pay taxes to the US on business they do in the UK or Germany. That message must be made to policy makers in Washington and elsewhere. It should be recalled that one prime time TV programme effectively killed the US bases in Bermuda. It is up to Government and the leaders of international companies to ensure that one front page New York Times story does not do the same for international business.
• June. The Royal Gazette group reported. The Queen's Golden Jubilee was celebrated in Bermuda. at Government House. Thousands of Bermudians were invited.
• June. The Royal Gazette group reported. The Bermuda Government's  National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged was formed to provide a central point of access to government services. 
•  The Royal Gazette group reported. David Allen died, of cancer. Minister of Tourism, he was the only white Cabinet member of the PLP Government and had supported it for decades.
• August 19. The Royal Gazette group reported. Patients facing the daunting and ridiculous prospect of having to pay up front to have their babies delivered and for other surgical procedures can, apparently rest easy again after Government announced on Friday that a settlement had been reached between insurers and physicians. But this "settlement" does not constitute a final agreement, merely a ceasefire while a new fee schedule is worked out. That means that doctors and insurance companies may again disagree on what constitutes fair payment for their services. But the row is a chilling sign of how fragile the Island's health insurance system can be and how easily it can be turned on its head. And it is worrying that the dispute could have led to a person being denied an essential medical service because they could not pay up front. It did not come to that, and it is difficult to imagine a physician actually taking this dispute that far; but the possibility nonetheless remained. While the argument between the physicians and the insurance companies has been the most public dispute, it is only one of the potential flashpoints in the health care system. Health Minister Nelson Bascome said on Friday that the health system has worked well, and for the most part he is correct. No one in Bermuda is denied health care. The young and the elderly receive high quality basic care at little or no cost, while Government's Health Insurance Plan (HIP) does the same for people of working age. The private insurance companies provide higher levels of service to people who are employed. The hospital and Government's other health clinics provide a high standard of care, especially given the Island's size. This mixture of public and privately funded health care has served Bermuda well, as Mr. Bascome said. It has avoided the worst problems of 100 percent publicly funded health care, like the years-long waits for "non-emergency" surgery that have come to epitomize Britain's National Health Service. It has avoided the inequities of private health care, as epitomized by the refusal of some US hospitals to treat uninsured patients. Nonetheless, Bermuda's system does face a number of challenges. Clearly, the question of how much insurance companies are prepared to pay physicians is one issue that has to be resolved. More seriously, the issue of elderly patients whose access to major medical health insurance is cut off then they retire has to be addressed, either in conjunction with pension schemes or via some other from of group health insurance. But the notion that a person can pay health insurance premiums for upwards of 40 years, only to be cut off when they most need insurance is invidious. The problem of skyrocketing medical costs is next. Generally speaking, medical costs have risen at three or four times the general rate of inflation in the last five of six years. That's why physicians are arguing with insurers and it is why the insurers are arguing with the hospital, it is also why the hospital runs at a deficit every year and, finally, it is why the consumer keeps having to pay more for health insurance and health treatments. While Mr. Bascome needs to resolve the question of a new rate of payments between the insurance companies and physicians, he needs to solve the more serious issues which are looming for health care.
• September 9. The Royal Gazette group reported. Death, in Canada, at the age of 82, of Edward DeJean, one of the founding fathers of the Progressive Labour Party in Bermuda. Although a Canadian, in Bermuda he was a teacher, school principal, football (soccer) coach, political activist, role model and mentor to many.
• The Royal Gazette group reported. The Government was given $11 million as part of the Baselands deal signed in Washington D.C. In the deal, the US refused to pay to clean up the pollution of its two former bases, but did give the Island $11 million for Longbird Bridge, which US troops built and which has been plagued with mechanical problems.

2003 

• February 9. The Royal Gazette group reported. Death of Dr. the Hon E. S. DD. Ratteray, former UBP Minister (Education, Planning), dentist and activist,  only 68. Full details in The Royal Gazette of February 10, 2003.
• 2003: April 27. Shaundae Jones, 20, was shot in a car pulling away from the Club Malabar nightclub in Dockyard around 3 a.m. The gunman jumped on the back of a motorcycle ridden by an accomplice. Police believe the Bermuda College student may have been the victim of an "east vs west" revenge attack over a relatively minor incident.
• June 13. The Royal Gazette group reported.  Opera singer Jose Carerras - one of the Three Tenors - was at the Maritime Museum to lead an early salute to Bermuda's discovery in 2005. Tickets were over $100 per person.
• July 24, 2003.  The Royal Gazette group reported. The Progressive Labour Party (PLP) again defeated the United Bermuda Party (UBP), this time by 22 seats to 14. Jennifer Smith was deposed as Premier, replaced by the Hon. W. Alexander Scott JP, MP with Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown JP, MP as Deputy Premier. Mr. Scott remained Premier for three years. 
• September 5. The Royal Gazette group reported. Hurricane Fabian ravaged Bermuda. It was the strongest storm to hit Bermuda's coast in four decades. Four people were killed and there was $300m in property damage. Killed were Stephen Symons, Nicole O'Connor, Gladys Saunders and Manuel Pacheco.  They all died when they were swept from the Causeway during the hurricane. Later, the September 5th Foundation, a registered charity, erected a memorial bench in Kindley Field Park, near to the scene of the tragedy. The foundation has since created a scholarship fund for the Fabian victim's children. 

2004

• June. The Royal Gazette group reported. The Washington DC-based World Bank released its World Development Indicators report for 2004, ranking Bermuda #1 in terms of Gross National Income.
• August. The Royal Gazette group reported. An extensive survey was funded by Bermuda-based Atlantic Philanthropies Limited, and resulted in the report "Ageing in Bermuda: Meeting the Needs of Seniors" by Dr. Irene A. Gutheil and Dr. Roslyn H. Chernesky of Fordham University.
• November. The Royal Gazette group reported. The Imperial Hotel which stood at the corner of Church and Burnaby Streets in Hamilton for more than a century was demolished. Built sometime in the late 1890s, the hotel – one of the few black establishments on the Island – played a central role in the movement towards desegregation. Georgine R. Hill, MBE, whose husband Hilton G. Hill, MBE, was a travel consultant dealing largely with the hotel, had remembered some of the hotel’s glory days in Bermuda's socio-economic history as a centre for a great deal of activity. Many famous black people visited the hotel, some from the islands, but most from the United States. One was a young actor named James Edwards who starred in a movie called “Home of the Brave” in 1949, a war movie starring a black protagonist and dealing with racial prejudice. Because of the subject matter, Bermuda’s theatres would not show the movie, Mrs. Hill remembered. However her husband contacted Mr. Edwards, who came to Bermuda of his own volition – bringing with him his own copy of “Home the Brave”. The movie was shown at the Imperial Hotel, and Mr. Edwards traveled throughout Bermuda talking to Bermudians. The Leopards Club also met at the hotel for their famous luncheons, which they broadcast over the radio. At one time, black Bermudians were boycotting the Bermudiana Theatre, which did not allow black people on the basis of being a private club for “those of unmixed European descent”. A Harvard anthropologist visiting the Island had been invited to speak at a Leopard’s Club luncheon at the time, and he explained over the radio the science behind the races – and that there was no such thing as an “unmixed” race. The hotel was a place of great social and political activity, right in the centre of town, a great meeting place. At one point, Frederick Yearwood, an immigrant from the Caribbean, owned it. Jardine Gibbons Properties, who bought it and demolished it, will build a five-storey office block in the hotel’s place, to be used by the Gibbons Group of Companies as well as a local law firm and others. Pending planning approval the development should start early next year and take around 15 months to complete.

2005

• 1st January. The Royal Gazette group reported. Bermuda's seniors who own homes partly or wholly in their own names became exempt from paying land tax from this date.
• February. The Royal Gazette group reported. Lt. Col. David Burch of the Bermuda Government told foreigners trying to get involve in the Island's debate on Independence to "butt out – this has nothing to do with you" when he addressed the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton.
• The Royal Gazette group reported. 40th anniversary of riots between Police and workers outside the BELCO gates. Former BIU organizer Ottiwell Simmons was one of those involved. It proved to be a turning point in labour relations in Bermuda in terms of addressing the inequalities between black and white workers.
• The Royal Gazette group reported. St. George's residents and Mayor E. Michael Jones expressed concern about raw sewage being pumped into the sea near Tobacco Bay through a broken sewage pipe.
• The Royal Gazette group reported. Bermuda is to feature in two documentary films about coral reefs. The films are part of "The Reef Series" being made by award-winning filmmakers Guy and Anita Chaumette.
• The Royal Gazette group reported. New regulations were put in place to prevent foreigners buying property on the Island unless they were buying from non-Bermudians. The policy was criticised as working against Bermudians by limiting their options to sell property.
• The Royal Gazette group reported. Celebration of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of uninhabited Bermuda by Juan de Bermudez, Captain of La Garza, a Spanish vessel. Bermuda is named after him.
• 75th anniversary of birth of radio broadcasting in Bermuda (1930) by Thomas Wadson.
• March 18. The Royal Gazette group reported. Traditionally, when one thinks of an America-made car on Bermuda’s roads, the first names that pop to mind might be Ford, but there’s a new kid on the block, GM’s Chevrolet, thanks to Rayclan Limited. Though introduced to the Island only five short months ago, it seems like just about every other car on the road today boasts a bright gold cross on its bonnet. Recently, Henry Adderley, GM Sales and Marketing Manager of Rayclan Chevrolet, sat down with The Royal Gazette to discuss the new models of cars that appear to be taking the local market by storm. “Chevrolet is now expanding into the Caribbean and South American market, which they had never done before because they did not manufacture cars that were small enough. But when (competitor) Daewoo went out of business, Chevrolet bought its factories and what remained of its business. Doing this allowed them to enter into this market. They looked at what Daewoo was doing, eliminated the bad and kept the good,” Mr. Adderley said. And one of the ‘goods’ was being able to manufacture smaller cars that were right-hand drive. The marketing manager added that while some of Daewoo’s exterior designs were kept, GM replaced the cars’ gearboxes and parts with its own. But how did the popular American manufacturer’s vehicles land on our shores? According to Mr. Adderley, company representatives came to Bermuda looking for a dealership that could sell the cars. After a few hits and misses, they approached Rayclan Limited. The garage and body shop were doing well, so going into sales was the next step for the family-owned business, he added. Rayclan’s president traveled to the Caribbean to get a feel for the cars and decided that they would be well suited for Bermuda’s market. “It was an easy draw for him,” Mr. Adderley said of Daniel Greenslade. The first Chevrolets arrived in Bermuda last October, with three-quarters of the shipment sold before they hit the docks When asked why so many people bought the cars before they even reached Bermuda’s roads, Mr. Adderley responded: “For several reasons. Because of the name GM; Chevrolet has a history of being a good car and because Rayclan is selling them. Rayclan has a good reputation for giving its customers great service.” While the Class D Aveo ($16,500) is by far the most popular model sold by Rayclan, the G Class Optra ($25,500) and Class H Vivant ($26,500) are quickly becoming hot sellers. But Mr. Adderley predicted that the Aveo would remain in great demand because it is economical and seems to fit most people’s motoring needs. “Despite all of the hoopla of the larger cars now available on the Island, Bermudians are buying cars that are only as large as they need and the Aveo fits the bill. Our pricing is so good that we’ve watched the competition drop their prices.” If you want to add extra style to your Chevrolet, for an additional price Rayclan also provides body kits for the Aveo and Optra. We can paint and install them on your car before it leaves the showroom,” Mr. Adderley added. Although we do not sell rims and tyres, we will install them for you and align your wheels. We can also add a remote keyless entry system for those who want it.” And according to the marketing manager, when you purchase your new Chevrolet, it is guaranteed that you are in ownership of a brand-new car. Chevrolet builds all of their cars to order so your car has not been sitting around waiting to be sold. You just can’t beat that!” he concluded.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that Tourism Minister Ewart Brown came under fire from one of his predecessors for an apparent "about-face" over mega-ships. Former UBP Minister Jim Woolridge condemned Dr. Brown's decision to invite mega-ships to the island and extend the cruise ship season until November, pointing to a statement made by the doctor five years earlier in which he said mega-ships would never be welcomed in Bermuda. Dr. Brown was also attacked after the Mid-Ocean News revealed that he attended a banquet hosted by the Reverend Al Sharpton in the USA – at the expense of taxpayers.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that July was a particularly hot month for Government which was even blamed for the weather. A lack of rain had water dealers working around the clock – and chastising the Ministry of Works & Engineering for failing to maintain leaky water tanks.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that an extensive fire at the Belco plant caused an island-wide blackout. The flames took 29 hours to extinguish with up to 75 firefighters battling the blaze at any one time. The Mid-Ocean News revealed that fire inspectors had examined the power plant just weeks before the fire, a precaution that helped them contain the damage.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that Bermudians without family ties to the UK are unlikely retain a British passport if Bermuda goes independent, according to a letter from Governor Sir John Vereker to the Bermuda Independence Commission.
• June. The 30th Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was held in Bermuda.
• 20th July. The body of young, wealthy accountant and businessman Peter Dimitri Pappas, 37, was discovered hanging in a clothes closet in Bermuda. The official legal inquiry to unearth the facts relating to his death - the Coroner's Inquest - has been repeatedly postponed. He was a US citizen, a long-time resident, certified public accountant and businessman in the Cayman Islands who was visiting Bermuda for personal and business reasons. He is survived by his parents, Sue Kongsli and Jack Pappas of Knoxville, Tennessee.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that Auditor General Larry Dennis expressed alarm at another proposed change if Bermuda became Independent – that future holders of the post will be hired by the Public Services Commission on limited terms. Mr. Dennis told the BIC that an auditor appointed by a Government body would be compromised while the idea of a limited term would deter the most capable applicants. In the same week, business executives told the BIC that Independence would not necessarily trigger an exodus of international businesses. Former Attorney General Lois Browne Evans kept the issue bubbling with a further proposal – that an Independent Bermuda should drop the UK Privy Council in favour of the trouble-hit Caribbean Court of Justice. The UK Privy Council is the island's highest court of appeal. International business representative David Ezekiel said such a move had the potential to cause widespread instability in the off-shore sector. When the BIC finally submitted its completed report to the public, it was condemned for containing a glaring inaccuracy on the issue of Independence. The report read: "The Commission learned that, in many cases, the decision on Independence was determined by means of a general election and, in no instance, did the Commission discover the use of a referendum." Pressure group Bermudians For Referendum said the claim was totally inaccurate and illustrated the Commission's bias towards Independence being decided by election rather than referendum.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that following talks with the UK's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in London, Premier Scott revealed details of the meeting to the island's media. He said that his proposal for Independence to be decided by way of a joint referendum and General Election was met with some interest by the British delegation who ruled that "such a unique solution of election and referendum would not necessarily be out of the equation". A Whitehall source later revealed that the UK Government was embarrassed by the leak, adding that protocol forbade either party speaking out on the behind-closed doors talks.
• October. The Royal Gazette group reported that the Premier was at the centre of another political storm. After receiving a terse e-mail from tourism activist Tony Brannon which alleged Government was failing the industry, Mr. Scott sent a memorandum to Department of Communication and Information director Beverley Lottimore – but inadvertently copies it to Mr. Brannon. Mr. Scott's e-mailed memo read: "Madame Director, FYI. "Mr. Brannon. In regard to the Freedom of Speech in Bermuda Mr. Brannon, you exercise it and abuse it every day. "P.S. Madame Director: You can now climb down off the ceiling – I did not send the above . . . I just got it out of my system by sending it to you and you alone. However, I am getting tired of listening to and taking crap from people who look and sound like Brannon." Mr. Brannon, who is white, accused the Premier of racism and made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission. Five days after the Mid-Ocean News broke the story, Mr. Scott issued an explanation through an advertisement in two other newspapers, defending his remarks and referring to Mr. Brannon's original message as "disrespectful and offensive and laced with obscenities". The Premier went on to say that his use of the phrase "people who look like Brannon" was not a reference to Mr. Brannon's colour, but was, in fact, a literary device employed by such scribes as William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. He did, however, apologies for using the word 'crap'. And he issued a veiled threat to curb the constitutional right to freedom of speech by launching "a major initiative to address those elements that seek to divide us". The Human Rights Commission later rejected Mr. Brannon's complaint, saying that, under current legislation, no offence had taken place.
• The Isle of Man and Bermuda became locked in a contest over satellite slot rights. The Isle of Man had intentions to use the satellite slot to earn potentially hundred of millions of extra dollars. But Bermuda counter-claimed to safeguard its slice of outer space.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that the issue of Independence came to the boil, with Premier Alex Scott blasting Governor John Vereker over public remarks made at the Speaker's Dinner. Sir John reiterated to his audience that the UK would withdraw citizenship from an Independent Bermuda – a claim Mr. Scott described as "premature and inappropriate. Responding to questions put to him by the Bermuda Independence Commission, the Premier said he gave the Governor a dressing-down, accusing him of allowing an octogenarian anti-Independence activist "right of Attila the Hun" to write his speeches. "I thought it was premature, inappropriate at the time, and it may have, in my opinion, misled the public because some of what he said will be discussed with the British before it becomes engraved in granite," Mr. Scott told BIC commissioners.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that new Works & Engineering and Housing Minister David Burch was accused of breaching Cabinet rules by continuing to host his Sunday night radio show after being appointed to the Ministry. The Premier eventually rejected Opposition calls for the show to be plugged, saying the code did not prohibit Ministers from practicing journalism. But the Opposition was further outraged when UBP Senator Gina Spence Farmer was told that she could not help produce a radio show presented by Bermuda College students – because of a supposed conflict of interest. The College, whose chairman is a Government Senator, told students that the programme might become political with Sen. Spence Farmer at the helm. Minister Burch kept his radio show in the spotlight by referring to programme callers critical of Government as "house niggers." Another caller took the Minister to the Human Rights Commission after alleging that the host cut her off after she confirmed she was white. The outcome of that complaint is still pending. Minister Burch also came under attack after defending the cost of the Berkeley school project. At a Press conference, he claimed that the final cost of the building would be $121.7 million – just $23 million over the original estimate. But Shadow Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin then accused Col. Burch of trying to mislead the country. She pointed out that Government figures released by Finance Minister Eugene Cox in 2000 put the total cost of the project at $71.2 million – and that the final cost of the school would be more than $50 million over budget. "How gullible does Sen. Burch believe the people of Bermuda to be when he attempts to mislead them with a statement that the project is only $23 million over budget?" she asked.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that Opposition Health spokeswoman Louise Jackson defended the rights of seniors by exposing supposed neglect at a Government nursing home. Mrs. Jackson revealed to the Mid-Ocean News that seniors were living in sub-standard conditions at the Pembroke Nursing Home while disgruntled and non-accountable staff failed to provide adequate care.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that architect Ian Gordon questioned a Government proposal to place prefabricated homes at Morgan's Point, adding that a requirement for an environmental impact study to be carried out before any development got under way appeared to have been waived. And he said contaminants already recorded at the location could be spread through water run-off from the temporary homes.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that The Bank of Bermuda's plans to build a new head office on the site of the former Trimingham's store were thrown into further controversy when the Mid-Ocean News revealed that Government – which has the final say on whether the plan can go ahead – was looking at buying up the bank's former properties if the project gets Planning approval. The bank was also condemned for "consigning Bermuda's history to the trash can" after it removed a series of parish crests that had been decorating the facade of its current head office for more than 30 years. The Bermuda Historical Society accused the bank and its parent company, HSBC, of trying to re-write history.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that Health Minister Patrice Minors hit the headlines after she lashed at out the Salvation Army. The charity cried foul – and called for more funding – after Government confirmed it was spending nearly $1.5 million refurbishing the Premier's official residence, Clifton. When the organization said the money could have been spent on a new homeless shelter – something which has been continually promised by Government in recent years but always shelved at the last minute – Mrs. Minors said she was "fed up" with the charity's request for more cash.
• The Royal Gazette group reported that the construction industry had its own concerns after the West End Development Corporation failed to secure a deal with cement giant Cemex to take over the Bermuda Cement Company.
• National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) amalgamated with the Bermuda Ballet Association (BBA).
• 2005. December 16.  Bermuda Police Service is headed by George Jackson. He became Police Commissioner when Jonathan Smith stepped down. His 2005/2006 salary is $137,000. He is Bermudian, born in St. Vincent. He joined the service in 1975. Roseanda Young is the new Deputy Commissioner.
• 2005. The Royal Gazette group reported one of the biggest political rows of 2005 when Government backbencher Renée Webb sought to introduce legislation protecting gays from discrimination. The former Minister planned to force MPs to vote on the issue after tabling an additional amendment to a bill on the Human Rights Act brought by Community Affairs Minister Dale Butler. But MPs dodged the issue after Mr. Butler's original bill was dropped from the House of Assembly's order paper at the last minute.

2006

• February. Belco signed an agreement with Current to Current Bermuda Limited to purchase up to 20 MW of power. The Massachusetts based corporation and Belco hope to sink the world's first underwater power generator off the south coast of the Island. The Current to Current scheme would capture ocean currents to initially provide nearly ten per cent of the Island's electricity needs.
• March. The Royal Gazette group reported on an ambitious scheme to de-clutter and beautify Hamilton's Front Street waterfront and create new land in the harbour. It was presented by Mayor Lawson Mapp and colleagues to the people of Bermuda at a packed public meeting. It radically does away with the cargo docks and the need for cruise ships to berth alongside Front Street blocking views of the harbour. And an underground car park for 800 cars and 800 motorcycles would both do away with unsightly parking lots spoiling the aesthetics of the scheme, while at the same time boosting the number of parking spaces in the heart of town. Luxury waterfront housing, a hotel, end of pier restaurant and marinas would transform the area, along with landscaped public parks that can be used for hosting open air events, including the potential for 1,000 people to enjoy musical events on a sloping lawn in a new "Parliament Park" opposite the Cabinet Building. The plan would entail building new land mass jutting out into the harbour on which to build a hotel, housing, offices and shops as well as marinas. Early concept artwork showing a signature public park surrounded by pavements and plazas, a new road taking traffic off Front Street half-way between Parliament Street and Burnaby Lane, and a new cruise ship pier angled out of Albuoy's Point. Among those who attended was Deputy Premier Ewart Brown, who spoke at the start of the meeting. It is estimated the plan will cost around $639 million and take between ten and 20 years to complete. Those involved in the five-month project to draw up the waterfront vision believe 80 percent of the development would be funded from the private sector with the remainder – estimated to be $122m – the responsibility of the Corporation of Hamilton. During a public presentation held in ferry terminal shed number one, planning consultant Tony Mallows told the audience: "This plan is a tool. This is the first step in outlining a framework for how a master plan needs to be detailed and implemented. The Corporation has come forward with a vision and a framework. This is not a blueprint for how to build Hamilton's waterfront. My suggestion is that the next step is to refine and define the process where every one can participate." Mr. Mallows, of Massachusetts-based Sasaki Associates, and Patrick Phillips, President of Economics Research Associates in Washington DC, presented the vision that has been created in consultation with the Corporation. The reason for the meeting was to gauge public views and gather input. Further public consultation is planned. It is forecast that the new waterfront would create 860 permanent jobs and generate around $5.4m in property and office taxes. A new cruise ship pier would be able to cope with two small ships, as currently visit Hamilton, or one Panamax-sized cruise ship should the need arise. It is envisaged the development would be done in two phases, with the second phase replacing the cargo docks. It is also intended to break the scheme into development "parcels" allowing a number of developers the opportunity to participate. Tourism department transportation consultant Larry Jacobs indicated that Government was engaged in "generating thought and discussion" about the future of the Front Street docks. He said discussions were ongoing with the Corporation and various groups and authorities to consider the possibility of moving the docks to another location, with Morgan's Point and the area on North Shore near the incinerator amongst the possibilities. Asked what the next stage is, Mayor Mr. Mapp, said: "After we have had these presentations the dust will have to settle and then we will have expressions of interest and see the response we get from there and move forward." Former Premier Sir John Swan first proposed a Hamilton waterfront redevelopment a number of years ago.  The new plan has taken  the idea forward and crucially had found a way of ensuring visiting cruise ships no longer block the view of the harbour from Front Street.
• March 2. The Royal Gazette group reported that the Bermuda Government needs its own television station to speak directly to the public “in an unmediated and unedited fashion”, Premier Alex Scott claimed yesterday. But the Opposition labeled the proposed TV station – on which Government plans to spend $840,000 this year – a “wasteful propaganda exercise”. Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr. Scott likened his job to being CEO of a large, modern day corporation in an era of sound-bites and provocative headlines. However, a Premier came under the close, daily scrutiny of the media – and could be the victim of a “media feeding frenzy” – more than any CEO, he said. This was why the Cabinet Office – of which the Department of Communication and Information (DCI) was one of five Cabinet Departments – was needed, he said. “Don’t go by our press, go by our practice,” he declared. “Historically the Government has placed the entire responsibility of delivering its message to the people of this country in the hands of Bermuda’s media,” Mr. Scott said during the Budget Debate on the Cabinet Office. “While the Government thanks the members of Bermuda’s free press for the public service that they provide for disseminating information, the Government feels it prudent and necessary to speak on a regular basis directly to the people of this country, in an unmediated and unedited fashion.” “A total of $840,000 had been allotted for the equipment purchase and installation for the proposed station which will be built by the Ministry of Works and Engineering and Housing,” he said. “The Government Television Station will be the key pillar in the Government’s intention to communicate more effectively and strategically with the people of this country,” he said. “It will provide a medium for the leaders of Bermuda to detail what the Government is doing, the status of Government initiatives, and the level of progress in reaching important goals for Bermuda.” The “long-overdue” station also gave Government a chance to showcase its relationship with businesses and community organizations. Other stations around the world were considered, including: the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, GOT, a local Government Access Channel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network (C-SPAN), Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). “It was acknowledged that overall, mass media/the press are the primary sources of information. However, virtually everyone said that they believe news coverage to be controlled and likely to be biased,” he said. However, Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert said he would pull the plug on a Government TV station if he was elected to power. “Don’t get equipment that will last a long period of time,” Mr. Furbert quipped. “It would only last a year. It would not last too much longer. That will be the first thing that will be going. While he said understood why Government wanted to get its message across, as it had not been successful in talking about the second senior school which had not offered promised public tours – he said a TV station was not the answer. “What you need to do is knock on doors and talk to people face to face,” he said. “When was the last time MPs from that side went to their constituents and met face to face?” Mr. Furbert asked why Government did not use existing television stations. Minister of Telecommunications and E-Commerce Michael Scott said Government TV was a necessary and excellent idea. He predicted Government TV would be a “hit”. “For the UBP to suggest that the civil service – who will be in charge of the content will somehow capture political messages is not credible,” he said. Shadow Minister of Home Affairs Maxwell Burgess said if the PLP wanted to broadcast its message it should stay away from the public purse. “This is simply not what Government funds are meant for,” he said. “Why not open your own newspaper. Or will that be next?” Mr. Burgess said he took knocks from the press too when he was Minister. “The Royal Gazette declared itself the official Opposition because the PLP was not strong enough to be an Opposition,” he said. “I did not conclude even then the answer was to open up a station or head to a Government paper. What we need is to have accountability at a Ministerial level a lot better than it is now. And if the Minister can’t deliver the message, get someone who can!” There had been a 222 percent increase in Cabinet staff training to $40,000, he said, and asked whether this was to fund movie stars for Government TV. Minister without Portfolio Walter Lister said the British Broadcasting Corporation put out clear, balanced messages. “With DCI doing an excellent job it gives them an extra arm to help convey the message,” Mr. Lister said. Government would “fairly” portray facts to the outside world to help it understand where we are, he said. “Most countries have gone this way. It will enable us to communicate with the people without a lot of spin,” he said, bringing laughter from Opposition backbencher Dr. Grant Gibbons. Dr. Gibbons said Government TV was an “extraordinarily wasteful propaganda exercise”. Government backbencher Renee Webb said Government had the right to shut down any website if it showed anything offensive, in the public interest. “If Limey in Bermuda is being offensive then bring it to the attention of the Minister and action will be taken,” she said.
• April 4-6.  The Royal Gazette group reported that one of Europe’s most innovative figures in the low-price aviation, travel and leisure market arrives in Bermuda as a keynote speaker at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. The conference is presented by the Caribbean Hotel Association, Caribbean Tourism Organization and Burba Hotel Network. It looks at the future of tourism in the Caribbean and ways to stimulate investment and visitor numbers. Greek-born Stelios Haji-Ioannou was only 28 when he set up the ground-breaking EasyJet airline company, which is generally credited with bringing low price airfares across Europe through its own services and those of imitators. The appearance of the EasyGroup owner is a major draw for the conference. The businessman has branched out from the aviation business in the past ten years to offer branded low cost car hire, hotels, cruises, financial and other services linked with the travel and leisure industry. It is expected 300 “top tier executives” representing investors, tourism and a number of governments will attend the three-day event starting next Tuesday. However, it is not expected the EasyGroup entrepreneur will be revealing plans to expand his European-centric airline and cruise ship business to the region. The tourism investment conference features experts in finance, development and tourism fields giving updates on changes and trends within the industry. Amongst the topics discussed are timeshare and fractional deals, development projects, condo hotels, private residence clubs and mixed-use projects.
• April. The Royal Gazette group reported. The Government is to appeal against a Supreme Court judge’s ruling which branded its decision to ban Bermudians from selling homes to foreigners “unlawful”. Randy Horton, Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety, told The Royal Gazette yesterday that the Government had until Thursday to appeal in the GoldenEye case and would definitely do so. He said: “We are going to be filing an appeal. The Attorney General is reviewing the grounds. I have nothing more to say other than that the Attorney General is dealing with the legal aspect of this.” Mr. Horton brought in a controversial policy change last year which prevented Islanders from selling homes to non-Bermudians. Previously, foreigners could buy homes from Bermudians so long as they had an annual rental value (ARV) of more than $126,000. Property developers Alan and Vera Rosa Marshall took the Government to court over the change as it prevented them from selling their $45 million Tucker’s Town mansion GoldenEye, on which they had invested $37 million. They claimed no Bermudian would be able to afford the asking price for the plush home, which is on so-called Billionaires’ Row and has the highest ARV on the Island at $1,182,000. Puisne Judge Geoffrey Bell ruled on March 3 that the Marshalls had a legitimate expectation to be able to sell GoldenEye and that the Government policy change was “unlawful and “an abuse of power”. Mr. Marshall said yesterday he was not aware of the Government’s plan to appeal. “I don’t know what’s happening with that right now,” he said. He would not comment on whether he and his wife would respond to the appeal or on whether GoldenEye had been sold yet. The property, which Oprah Winfrey was once rumoured to have been interested in buying, was put on the global market soon after the outcome of the case. The Marshalls’ QC in the case, Saul Froomkin, a former Attorney General, said he too was unaware of the Government’s decision to appeal. “I didn’t know they were planning that,” he said. “I have not seen any Notice of Appeal so I have no idea what Government is doing.” He added: “If they are going to appeal, they are going to appeal. I don’t get surprised about anything.” Attorney General Larry Mussenden could not be contacted for comment yesterday. Nor could Solicitor General Wilhelm Bourne, who acted for the Government in the case. Mr. Horton has defended his policy change in the past as a way of protecting the land stock for Bermudians and preventing “fronting” i.e. people using trusts to acquire homes for non-Bermudians. Mr. Bourne did not give the original court hearing the reasons for the Government’s amended policy but said the Minister should be deemed to have acted in the public interest because that was his duty. Mr. Justice Bell said he did not infer that Mr. Horton acted in the public interest and found it highly doubtful that the policy change would cause any significant drop in the number of properties owned by non-Bermudians. The judge said a more effective way of achieving that aim would have been to increase the minimum applicable ARV on homes available for sale to foreigners. The case is unlikely to be heard in the Court of Appeals until later this year.
• April. A grant of £44,680 ($89,300) received by the Trust from the Overseas Territories Environmental Programme (OTEP), a joint UK Foreign and Commonwealth and Department for International Development Programme enabled the Bermuda National Trust in late 2006 and early 2007 to carry out extensive nature conservation work including removal of many invasive trees that threatened the survival of native and endemic species and establishment of a habitat restoration project.
• April 7. The Royal Gazette group reported. Opposition MPs Louise Jackson and John Barritt are launching a fresh crusade to help struggling seniors. And as part of the "Silver Revolution" the pair are calling on Government to fund a Seniors' Advocate to give practical help and legal advice to those in need. In a manifesto printed in this month's Mid-Ocean News lawyer Mr. Barritt, the United Bermuda Party whip, and Mrs. Jackson, the party's spokesman on Health and Seniors, called for "a radical rethink on how we can assist and provide for those seniors in need". Initiatives include the introduction of reverse mortgages to help seniors who are asset rich but cash poor, the building of assisted-living apartments and the introduction of a senior healthcare clinic. Yesterday Mrs. Jackson said she and her colleague were prompted into action after being "bombarded with calls" from seniors seeking help on a range of issues. She pointed out that Mr. Barritt has since devoted hundreds of hours of his spare time providing free legal advise to seniors in distress. "There's a crisis out there with our seniors and the whole thing is just so sad," she said. Mrs. Jackson also blasted one Government agency – the National Office for Seniors – for failing to take a hands-on approach to individual queries from seniors, accusing the organization of doing little more than referring clients to other Government departments. Both MPs believe the creation of a Seniors' Advocate would result in individual cases being tackled more effectively. And Mrs. Jackson also expressed concern over regulations on rest homes, claiming they failed to protect residents who were often given poor care. Rounding on her opposite number, Mrs. Jackson said the Ministry of Health needed a Minister "with know-how and heart" who would "acknowledge that we have this problem". "We don't need someone who's learning on the job," she said. And she also dismissed claims by Premier Alex Scott that Government was ushering in a new "age of empowerment". "I was stunned when the Premier gave his address earlier this week about empowerment and mentioned that seniors get a tea once a year and have been given some computers," she said. "Hello? Doesn't he realize that we've got seniors who are dying because they can't afford their medication, seniors going without food because they don't have money for electricity."
• April 28. The Royal Gazette group reported. Jay Bluck clinched a knife-edge election victory to become the new Mayor of Hamilton. Mr. Bluck defeated Sonia Grant by just 21 votes, as former Mayor Lawson Mapp's six-year reign ended. Mr. Mapp – who had led the City since 2000 – failed to secure a controversial third term in office. He received just 22 votes as the electorate decided it was time for a change at the top. Mr. Bluck polled 115 votes, narrowly seeing off the challenge of Miss Grant on 94 votes. Mr. Bluck, 65, pledged to introduce constituency clinics and regular consultation sessions, particularly on the massive $630 million waterfront development. The Somerset resident stated that he would be "re-establishing contact" with developers interested in building a new hotel on Par-la-Ville Road. Retired merchant Mr. Bluck takes control of a $20 million budget, praised his successor Mr. Mapp and said he was sorry that he attracted such a small number of votes. "He has put in a huge amount of service for Hamilton and has given great service to the city." Mr. Mapp, who had served at City Hall since 1979, said his biggest achievement in office was the beautification of Hamilton's parks; while his biggest regret was not getting a developer to sign up for the Par-la-Ville hotel project.
• May 2. The Royal Gazette group reported. Premier Alex Scott will head a Government delegation to Washington, DC for groundbreaking talks with a host of influential American politicians. Mr. Scott, who hailed this month’s two-day trip to Capitol Hill an historic first for the Island, will meet Speaker of the US House of Representatives Dennis Hastert – third in line for presidential succession. Other key White House policy-shapers on the agenda during a whirlwind of diplomatic activity include Senate leader Bill Frist and Senator John McCain, defeated for the Republican nomination for President in 2000 and expected to run again for the presidency in 2008. US Consul General Gregory Slayton organized the whistle-stop visit he said should give Bermuda lawmakers “unprecedented” access to key movers and shakers in the US establishment. Concrete details of what will be discussed on the pioneering trip to the seat of US political power were not outlined yesterday. But the delegation will use it to boost relations between the two countries – and it is understood that trade, tourism, the war on drugs and homeland security issues will be on the table when Mr. Scott’s team arrives. Another topic likely to be on the agenda will be international tax laws. And Mr. Scott will be seeking to issue assurances in the wake of comments made by Presidential hopeful John Kerry in the 2004 campaign, when the Democratic challenger said he would shut down tax loopholes that allowed “$40 billion” to go to Bermuda. Mr. Scott said he understood the tax topic had slipped off the “front burner” in the US after that election – and he said the trip to Capitol Hill would give him chance to hammer home the facts face-to-face with decision-makers, ensuring they speak from “first-hand knowledge” and not from a campaign speech. “Our tax policies have not changed in the last 100 years. We did not create a tax regime aimed at avoiding taxes,” he told the press conference, adding that monetary authorities ensured the country met international finance rules. The Premier said that Bermuda’s success in the international business arena had catapulted it into a worldwide leadership role – and given it a global reputation as a major player. “We guard jealously our reputation for fiscal prudence,” Mr. Scott told reporters, stressing the “mutually beneficial relationship” between the superpower and the Island over the centuries. “But Bermuda did not get here alone. One of our noteworthy partners, the United States of America, has been on this journey with us almost from the year of our discovery in 1609.” He added: “Bermuda has unique connections with the USA. In history, commerce, culture, education, tourism and trade. That connection has produced a business and diplomatic relationship that bodes well for our two countries. We are certainly proud to be a partner in this diplomatic effort.” The Premier said that the “historic initiative” on May 17/18 was the first official bilateral visit of Bermuda Government officials to Washington, DC. Joining him on the visit to Washington will be Finance Minister Paula Cox and Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton, due to discuss drug enforcement, the role of the US Coast Guard and the impact of new immigration terms on key executives. Consul General Mr. Slayton said: “For the first time in diplomatic memory, the US Chief of Mission in Bermuda will escort a delegation from the Government of Bermuda to Washington DC to meet with key decision-makers.” Outlining the itinerary, Mr. Slayton said House of Representatives speaker Dennis Hastert will host a diplomatic reception with other House leaders. And Senate leader Bill Frist has agreed to a private meeting with the Bermuda delegation. Elsewhere, private meetings on the Hill have been organized with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including Senators Norm Coleman, Mel Martinez and George Allen. Behind closed doors talks with Susan Collins, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Sam Brownback, a member of the Committee on Appropriations and the Joint Economics Committee and John McCain – one of America’s best-known Senators – have also been confirmed. Discussions will be held with the Congressional Black Caucus, including Congressman G.K. Butterfield, whose father emigrated to the US from St. George’s in 1905 and fought for America in the First World War. The itinerary will take in meetings at the US Department of Commerce, the US Department of the Treasury, the National Security Council and the World Bank. Mr. Slayton said the trip was an “historic opportunity” for Bermuda’s Government to build a rapport with Washington’s major players, to which the Premier’s team should have “unprecedented access”. He added: “It is an extraordinary agenda and I’m grateful that I have been able to draw on my relationship with these public figures on behalf of Bermuda. “In my experience, the value of friendship is incalculable; there is no better time to establish an alliance with friends than before one is required to call upon them. “There is no doubt that constructive and positive dialogue is the most effective tool in the diplomatic arsenal. And that is what this bilateral visit is all about.” Asked whether President George W. Bush would be meeting the Bermuda team, Mr. Slayton said the itinerary was still being finalized. “President Bush will be aware of our presence,” added Mr. Scott, who hailed the work of the Consul General in setting up the meetings and said Governor Sir John Vereker had backed the plans. Also on the agenda is a breakfast and conferences at the White House.
• May. Who the Premier and Ministers met in Washington DC:
  • Susan Ralston: Assistant to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove, senior adviser to George W Bush. Manages Rove’s office. Her brief states she is in charge of presidential events and one of her biggest tasks was providing co-ordination between the White House and the victorious Bush-Cheney campaign in 2004. The highest-ranking Filipino American with close access to the President.
  • Ruben Barrales: Named among the most influential Hispanics in the US in the 90s, the son of Mexican immigrants is a financial whiz whose tax expertise has helped make a California state a debt-cutting pioneer.
  • Congressman Charles B Rangel: Serving his 17th term as a Harlem representative and founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Democrat was the driving force behind a $5-billion Government empowerment zone reviving neighbourhoods across the States. He is also chair of the Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control and leads the battle against drug abuse and trafficking. Member of the House Judiciary Committee during the Nixon impeachment hearings and fought in Korea from 1948-52, the Harlem resident was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze star for wartime bravery.
  • Senator George Allen: Touted as a possible future Republican President in some Washington circles. Self-proclaimed “common sense Jeffersonian conservative”, he pledges to cut the tax burden on families and small business bosses. As chairman of the Senate High-Tech Task Force the Virginian introduced broadband-friendly policies and helped curb Internet taxation. Tabled a Congress bill that raised the death payment to families of soldiers killed in service from $12,000 to $100,000. Political heroes: Ronald Reagan and Thomas Jefferson.
  • Senator John Ensign: Former veterinarian from Nevada, his gamble to open the first 24-hour animal hospital in Las Vegas paid off. Fights for smaller Government, strong national defence and an aggressive approach to terrorism. Also a keen environmentalist and was named legislator of the year by the Humane Society of the US for his commitment to fair treatment of animals.
  • Senator Norm Coleman: From anti-war and pro-civil rights student protestor in the 60s to Minnesota state prosecutor in the 70s, Senator Coleman has had a richly varied career.
    The former mayor switched from Democrat to Republican in 1996, has lobbied hard on behalf of farmers and is a strong believer in renewable fuels. Chair of the Permanent Sub-Committee on Investigations that carried out the groundbreaking probe into allegations of abuse related to the UN oil for food programme – uncovering Saddam Hussein’s role in the scandal.
  • Senator Melquiades Martinez: The Florida representative is the first Cuban-American to serve in the Senate. Came to the US as part of a humanitarian scheme to help Cuban children escape Castro’s communist regime. Has helped promote home-ownership for low-income workers.
  • Senator Susan Collins: Maine Senator is chair of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which has power over the Department of Homeland Security. Co-wrote the most sweeping intelligence reform for more than 50 years in the wake of 9/11.Her family runs a fifth-generation lumber business and seen as a tireless advocate for education. The LA Times called her a champion of good Government.
  • Dennis Hastert: Speaker of the House of Representatives. Third in line of presidential succession and is also a member of the Minor League Baseball Caucus. Time with the influential Republican was seen as a major coup by the Bermuda delegation.
  • Congressman GK Butterfield: His father, who hails from St. George’s, Bermuda, was the first black elected official in east North Carolina in the 20th Century. His son served on the Supreme Court until 2002 and often returns to Bermuda where the Democrat has many relatives.
  • Senator David Vitter: Seen as an outspoken conservative reformer who puts his Louisiana state first. Focused on lowering prescription drug prices and saving the coastline.

May 26. The Bermuda Post Office released this stamp to commemorate the 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition in Washington DC.

June 7.  The Royal Gazette group reported. Spanish Point Park was awash with binoculars and digital cameras as crowds turned up in droves and trained their sights on the dramatic Norwegian Crown rescue. Amazed bystanders unfolded beach chairs, weighed anchor and made themselves comfortable almost from the moment the news filtered through that the 34,000 ton cruise ship had run aground near Dockyard just before 8.30 a.m.
By 7 p.m., she was finally free. An hour of frenetic high-tide activity involving at least three tugs and several circling speedboats ended the Norwegian nightmare. The rumor mill was in full swing, with speculation running wild. Some said the pilot made a misjudgment; or the wind was too strong; or torrential rain squalls and poor visibility sent the ship veering off course. The Norwegian Crown became the latest in a long line of ships to run aground on an Island renowned for its perilous reefs. Every Spanish Point spectator had a different story. But they all agreed that this was worth witnessing – and something Bermuda had rarely seen before.

June 23.  The Royal Gazette group reported. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal (formerly, Princess Anne) visited Bermuda. She arrived from London's Gatwick airport and was met by Governor Sir John Vereker. She was accompanied by Miss Amy Briggs.

July.  The Royal Gazette group reported. Bermuda Tourism offices in Halifax and Toronto were closed. 

July 3.  The Royal Gazette group reported. 10th anniversary of death in Bermuda of Canadian tourist Rebecca Middleton, 17 years old. She was raped, sodomized, brutally stabbed and cut 35 times, beaten, tortured, and then murdered, at Ferry Reach. It was the worst, most brutal and savage murder ever committed on a woman anywhere in the world. When contacted by The Royal Gazette for his comments on the Middleton case a decade after a murder that stunned the Island, the former Commissioner stressed he did not want to get involved in Bermuda affairs. In an interview marking the tenth anniversary of Rebecca’s death, however, the UK-based former top cop briefly touched on some issues surrounding the saga – and spoke of his “terrible sadness” for the Middleton family. “Within a few days of arriving in Bermuda, Rebecca was forcibly kidnapped, terribly sexually assaulted – her underwear was cut from her body – violently raped and sodomised and clearly tortured before being stabbed to death,” said Mr. Coxall. “She was stabbed nearly 40 times. “I find it outrageous that nobody has been held to account for those most serious offences.” Asked about the severity of the murder, one source told The Royal Gazette: “On a scale of one to ten this is about as bad as you can get.” Mr. Coxall said the chain of events – spanning from Rebecca’s death to the murder case collapsing against one suspect, after another got five years for an accessory role – was the biggest injustice he had witnessed in a policing career covering four decades. “I can’t recall a worse miscarriage of justice in my 40-year policing career, most of which was spent as a chief officer in London and elsewhere in the UK. “I truly believe, and I’m saddened to come to the conclusion, that this child and her parents have been poorly served by Bermuda’s Government, judicial and prosecution systems and Police service. “They have all failed this family and this child.” Mr. Coxall, said he was disappointed to hear that it appeared that Police had not reviewed the case on a regular basis – and claimed this amounted to “neglect”. “In line with British and international best practice, cases of this seriousness that are outstanding are normally re-investigated on a regular basis, in line with developments in DNA testing and other improvements in forensic science. “I’m disappointed to hear from The Royal Gazette that this appeared not to have taken place. “I believe this is a neglect.” And he added: “The way the entire judicial system of Bermuda dealt with the murder of that poor child was a travesty and Bermuda should be ashamed”. Asked if he would have done anything differently, knowing what happened in the weeks after Rebecca’s death when one suspect was charged with being an accessory before the murder case against another defendant spectacularly collapsed, he replied: “Definitely. I would have grabbed hold of the case from the start. “That’s with hindsight. I could never have guessed it went that way. “Truly, I think we did the best we could. We threw all our resources at it and the highest-ranking officers. Then it went wrong after the arrest.” At least 20 officers were assigned to the case, led by Senior Investigating Officer Vic Richmond. Head of Operations Harold Moniz oversaw resources, while Michael Mylod handled family liaisons. Asked about the quality of the original Police investigation, Mr. Coxall stated: “I believe that officers did their best in line with the level of experience and training that existed at that time. “They did their best.” Mr. Coxall said that he hoped him speaking out on some aspects of the murder would help kick-start a debate about the case – and lead to new serious sexual assault charges being laid. “I hope this will stimulate a discussion to have this case thoroughly re-examined using the very best investigative skills off the Island,” added the ex-Commissioner, now an expert on terrorism in the UK and working for a firm helping London bolster security ahead of the forthcoming Olympics. “The most modern methods of science are not there on the Island. Using them, I truly believe it (the Middleton investigation) could be rescued and new charges brought forward.” He pointed to several long-standing rape cases in the UK – just as old as the Middleton case – that had been solved with minute DNA fragments thanks to technological advances. And he said there should be “masses of DNA” from the case still in cold storage at Police HQ that could be sent overseas for review. Now a tiny flake of skin can trace a killer, and sources say Rebecca’s body would have been “littered” with the DNA of her killers. Sources contacted for the Middleton anniversary said the case started going downhill after the two suspects Justis Smith and Kirk Mundy were arrested. An accessory plea was accepted from Mundy, who claimed he had sex with Rebecca but later found Smith killing her, and the indictment was split. They said this broke the “golden rule” of charging two defendants accused of a violent offence together – so they can blame each other in front of the jury. “This was the fatal and fundamental error,” said one source. The Royal Gazette understands Mr. Coxall was not consulted on the Attorney General’s decision to accept what sources said was a “totally flawed” consensual sex alibi from the suspect later convicted of the accessory charge. This came at a stage when the investigation was far from complete, sources indicated, with results on DNA removed from Ferry Reach crime scene still to be confirmed. DNA evidence later showed only Mundy’s semen inside the victim’s body. After finding out about the accessory charge, sources said Mr. Coxall and some senior officers held a series of heated meetings with the Attorney General Elliott Mottley where the Police team strenuously argued that, based on the evidence available, both suspects should be charged with murder. A forensic expert told one of the meetings that she was prepared to go on oath and say the murder was almost certainly a double-hander. The Royal Gazette understands that the former Commissioner left Bermuda at the end of 1997 having been told by the AG that both men would be charged with murder and tried together. Both suspects were eventually charged with Rebecca’s murder, although in March, 1998 a higher court blocked attempts to prosecute Mundy and said the decision to charge him with accessory was too hasty. The case against Smith was thrown out by a judge at his trial in November, 1998. Meanwhile, Mr. Coxall said that his stance on the evidence being re-tested was backed by a recent review of the case by DPP director Vinette Graham Allen. He said her report, outlining why fresh charges would not be filed, stated that the two suspects could have been prosecuted for murder in 1996 on the state of the evidence as it stood then. She added that no new evidence had emerged, and Mr. Coxall said that this was a effectively an admission that if new evidence came forward then fresh charges may have followed. The Commissioner of Police when Rebecca Middleton was murdered, Coxall has described her death as the worst miscarriage of justice of his 40-year career. But he said he remained confident the ten-year-old case could still be cracked – if the Middleton file was re-opened and investigated again by overseas experts. Speaking in detail publicly for the first time about the Canadian teenager’s death, Mr. Coxall said he found it “outrageous” that nobody has been convicted for the savage killing. Bermuda should be “ashamed” of the way its judicial system handled the case, he stated. Responding to critics who say the case was botched from the start, he maintained that officers did the best job they could given resources available on the Island in 1996. Ground-breaking advances in forensic techniques meant the investigation could still be “rescued”, he believes. And he said he was confident there was “masses” of DNA in the case that could be probed by experts as part of a new review by senior Police from Britain or America. Mr. Coxall told The Royal Gazette: “I believe it’s still not too late. Cases of rape and serious sex assault are now regularly being solved in the UK many years later as a result of developments in DNA testing. “I believe that a sufficiently skilled investigation team of international standing – either from the FBI in the US or from British Police service – could re-investigate that case in its entirety and even now bring it to a successful conclusion.”

July 7.  The Royal Gazette group reported. Top British Policeman Bryan Bell was appointed Bermuda's new Assistant Police Commissioner. Mr. Bell arrived in Bermuda a few days earlier and will focus on crime, drugs and intelligence during his three-year stint. He will work closely with the National Drug Control ministry. With more than 30 years policing experience, Mr. Bell was the first national coordinator of Special Branch which oversees UK security matters. That post involved working with the British Government, intelligence agencies and 55 Police forces in the UK.

July 21. The Royal Gazette group reported. Bermudian homeowners are getting rich off the island's expatriate community, charging exorbitant rents for relatively moderate properties, according to a British daily. London's Financial Times said locals are taking advantage of stringent regulations which prevent foreigners from buying their own homes. In response, companies are forking out huge housing allowances to keep executives happy because they are intent on maintaining a presence in "one of the world's most important centres for reinsurance." The island was described as a known "tax haven", said to attract well-paid executives whose rental homes come with a monthly price tag of $24,000. According to Heather Botelli, a real estate agent with The Property Group, foreign workers typically receive a monthly allowance in the region of $5,000 and $10,000. "For the lower sum, you can get a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo, but this would have no frills, probably no view, and the closer you get to Hamilton, the more you pay." She told the Financial Times that many foreigners come to the island with specific requirements. "They want views of the ocean, a swimming pool, an old traditional house or a modern place. And, more often than not, they want something with easy access to Hamilton, near schools for their children." A second agent, Gail Aruda of Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty, agreed it is rare to find a place that matches every expectation. "Bermuda is sophisticated but it's small and what many people don't understand when they arrive is that means there is not a large choice and therefore they have to be flexible," she said. There is no doubt, however, that Bermudians are benefiting from the influx. The Financial Times spoke with one local who said many homeowners use their property today for additional income instead of investing in the stock market. "The pirate in Bermudians came out," the relocation specialist said. "These companies were so keen for a part of the reinsurance pie, so the locals saw they could make money by renting out their homes at pretty much whatever price they wanted. Now everyone is trying to build or buy something so they can get on this bandwagon of rentals. People used to trade in stocks. Now this is the way for Bermudians to make money." At least one expatriate appears mindful of that fact. The Financial Times spoke with Anna Smith, who moved to the island with her reinsurance executive husband and their children four years ago. "It was very hard when we first arrived," she said. "There was very little on the market and even though we knew the island, the house we went for was the only one on offer. I think the company was a little horrified that it was going to be $11,000 a month. (But) it's getting more and more difficult for the tenants. There are not enough properties and often Bermudians are taking advantage of the situation to inflate the prices. There are a lot of great things about moving here: it's a very beautiful place, you have great weather, the sea. And for the men (typically the ones working), it can be fantastic, with no commuting like in London but for the women it can be a big shock. Here they are in a strange, expensive place, on a small island and often immigration laws mean they cannot work. There is a serious lack of schooling for boys and then if they have trouble with their landlords that's an additional worry."

July 22.  The Royal Gazette group reported. Death in Bermuda of former Deputy Premier John Irving Pearman, aged 79. Acting Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley described the retired politician as "one of the bedrocks of the United Bermuda Party" in the 1980s and 1990s. He said: "He contributed greatly to the success of the Island. "I think he came from pretty humble beginnings and rose through the ranks. He certainly had a lot of compassion and empathy with people and that's why he got involved in politics and did a fantastic job for the people of Bermuda." Mr. Pearman, of Warwick, became a Senator in 1982 and was elected an MP the following year. He served as Deputy Premier under Sir John Swan and held the Cabinet posts of Tourism Minister, Home Affairs and Labour Minister and Youth and Sports Minister. He is survived by his wife Erminie, son John, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. His daughter Desiréee died in 1991. His son noted his father had lung cancer and died at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. "When I saw him at the hospital there was only one thing I came up with," he said. "He was a good man. He was a very dedicated family man." Gary Phillips, who served under Mr. Pearman as Director of Tourism and taught his daughter at Berkeley Institute, said: " We had an extraordinarily close relationship and developed a very, very strong friendship. I'm just overwhelmed by this loss." He said Mr. Pearman brought a "fresh, business approach" to the Ministry of Tourism and was Acting Premier on a number of occasions. Former UBP Education Minister Gerald Simons was Mr. Pearman's running mate in the old Warwick East constituency for four consecutive General Elections. He said: "He had the amazing ability to relate to people from all walks of life. He was 20 years my senior but the friendship developed. I have known him all my life and he was a well-known person in the parish." Shadow Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess said: "He was certainly a guiding force in politics." Mr. Pearman was born on April 28, 1927. He worked at the naval annex in Southampton during the time the US Navy was positioned there. In 1950, he joined car distributor and service garage Holmes, Williams and Purvey. He worked his way up from panel beater to become managing director and chairman of the company, retiring in 1996. He served as director on a number of company boards, including the Bank of Bermuda and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and former president of the Employers' Council. He served on the Royal Pitt Commission in the late 1970s with Premier Alex Scott. 

July 23. Jason Lightbourne,18, was shot dead behind the wheel of a car in Ord Road, Paget. Despite the offer of a $50,000 reward, Police have been unable to solve the case.

August 7.  The Royal Gazette group reported.  The head civil servant at the Human Rights Commission (HRC) resigned weeks after the chairman of the Government board also stepped down. Mr. David Wilson’s resignation came after Rod Attride-Stirling, then chairman of the HRC, called for jobs to be lost over the Commission’s repeated failure to produce annual reports in compliance with the Human Rights Act. The last annual report for the HRC was filed in 2001 and a report for 2005, which should have been presented to the Minister for Community Affairs by June, had not been delivered.

October 3.  The Royal Gazette group reported. It was announced that French oil company Rubis SA has purchased Shell Oil’s operations in Bermuda. It continues to be marketed under the Shell brand. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Rubis revealed that Shell, which in Bermuda owns two major fuel depots, one liquefied natural gas terminal and 12 gas stations, has sales of $45 million per year in Bermuda and net income of $3.6 million. The agreements signed with Shell provide for a licence to use the Shell brand in the service stations as well as finished goods supply contracts. Rubis already has an extensive network of energy businesses in the Caribbean and French Guiana. The deal was announced in July 2006 at when Phil Burton, country chairman of Royal Dutch/Shell Companies Bermuda said a final decision was subject to the approval of shareholders and the Bermuda regulatory authorities. Shell has had the Bermuda operation on the market since late 2005. Rubis is one of the largest bulk storage operators in France. Through Rubis Gaz, the company distributes liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to retailers as well as propane and butane to residential and commercial customers.

October 6. The Royal Gazette group reported. A task force set up to secure better-paid jobs for Bermudians will put key recommendations to Government within the next two months. The news came as a new report revealed a growth in the earnings gap between Bermudians and non Bermudians. The Labour Market Indicators (LMI) survey also showed that the working week has got longer, the workforce has aged, and women still do not pack the same earning power as men. Overall, the report showed the median annual gross earnings – the mid-point of those surveyed before commissions and bonuses – rose from $46,772 in 2004 to $48,183 in 2005. However the contrast between Bermudians and non-Bermudians was marked. While the figure for Bermudians was $45,559 last year, the mid-range earning power of non-Bermudians stood at $58,315 – almost 22 percent more. In addition, the figures showed the gap had widened since 2004, when non-Bermudians earned just under 20 percent more than Bermudians. The report, which is based on the annual employment surveys conducted by Government between 2003 and 2004, notes: “The decision to provide indicators on the basis of Bermudian status reflects the increasing trend by employers of recruiting non-Bermudians to fill skilled and non-skilled positions.” It also compared the earning power of men and women, with a gender divide becoming apparent. Women worked an average working week of 30.1 hours – six less than men – last year and their mid-point salaries were $4,283 per year less than their male counterparts. Government launched its Workforce Development Task Force in March, in partnership with organizations such as the Ace Foundation, to provide better opportunities for Bermudians to fill jobs currently held by expatriates and address other disparities in the workplace. Four committees have been working on the areas of education, employment transition and work preparation, training, and industry and commerce. Deputy Chairman Ralph Richardson, Executive Director of the Ace Foundation, said: “Each of these groups are going to make recommendations to the Task Force and the Task Force will present them within the next month or two to Government. “It has been given a strong commitment by the previous and current Ministers of Labour that they will take this seriously.” Ed Ball Jr., General Secretary of the Bermuda Public Services Union which represents nurses, civil servants and administration and clerical staff among others, said if bonuses, commissions and relocation fees paid to foreign workers had been taken into account in the LMI report, the gap between the earning power of Bermudians and non-Bermudians would be even wider. “It may cause an issue of perception that expatriates are being treated better for whatever reason than Bermudians,” he said. “That’s something that has to be borne in mind. These are some of the matters that concern unions.” He added that such surveys sparked “that continued discussion of who’s first class and who’s a second-class citizen in the country”. Mr. Ball also questioned whether the apparent drop in unemployment shown in the survey – from three percent in 2000 to 2.1 percent in 2004 – was a true reflection of reality. He said he would like to see a system where those out of work must sign on to an unemployment register, as the figure at present may reflect those who go to the Labour Department rather than those who do not wish to work. However, he said although a gender gap is still apparent in the workplace “women have been closing in on the pay differential for a number of years’’. He added: There has been a more significant gap and it is narrowing. Women are displaying their true worth in the work place.” Shadow Minister of Race Relations and Economic Empowerment Jamahl Simmons said it was important to get already-qualified Bermudians into higher paying jobs, and train those who are not qualified. He cited examples of people with master’s degrees driving taxis and working as waitresses because they could not find jobs matching their skill levels. And he added: “If you are working in a dead-end job, no matter what you do, you don’t make enough money to progress. You can’t make it in Bermuda working for $10 an hour.”

October 26.  The Royal Gazette group reported.  Marcus Gibbings, 32, was found stabbed to death inside an apartment on Derwent Road, Devonshire, on October 26. Police have in the past hinted that there's more than one suspect - warning those responsible that they "should be looking over their shoulder". However, they are yet to charge anyone over the death of the popular Trinidadian, who worked in Bermuda for more than eight years.

October 27. The Royal Gazette group reported. The Hon. W. Alexander Scott, JP, MP was challenged for the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party and as Premier and defeated by Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown JP, MP. Dr Brown was Deputy Premier, Minister of Tourism and Transport until October 2006, but resigned to contest the position of Premier with then- Premier Alex Scott. He has now resumed being Minister of Tourism and Transport as well. He is 60 in 2006, married, three children with a previous wife, a physician. Born in 1946, he is the son of the late Ewart and Helen Brown of Flatts. He represented Bermuda in the 400 and 1400 meter relays at the (British) Commonwealth Games in 1966. He graduated from Howard University with a B.Sc in Chemistry and an MD. He earned an MPH from the University of California, Los Angeles. He spent many years as a medical doctor at Vermont-Century Medical Clinic in Los Angeles. He became an American by residence years ago. He was first elected to the House of Assembly in 1993. He became Transport Minister in 1998 when the PLP was first elected to power. He was elected Deputy Premier in 2003 when Mr. Scott instead of himself became Premier in a keenly fought contest, He was appointed Tourism Minister in 2004 after Renee Webb resigned.

October 27. The Royal Gazette group reported. Bermuda moved a step closer to adopting a national policy on disability yesterday when a raft of recommendations on what it should include was presented to Health Minister Patrice Minors. A committee formed in January 2005 to consider what the policy — aimed at ensuring inclusion and access for all — should encompass told Ms Minors that Bermuda was seriously behind when it comes to dealing with disability. The group discovered that the Island has insufficient data on the prevalence, impact and management of disability; that current legislation is inadequate in protecting disabled people from discrimination and giving them equal opportunity; that Bermuda is not in line with United Nations rules on equal opportunity and that disabled people are rarely consulted about most aspects of everyday life. Committee chairman Lisa M. Lister Currin, speaking after a press conference at the Cabinet Office, said that despite laws dictating that all new buildings have to provide adequate access for all, many don’t. “There are still many facilities that are designed, built, that are not modified appropriately,” she said. “More enforcement is needed.” Committee member Jennifer Fahnbulleh said deaf people should be provided with a fulltime, qualified, professional translator. “Deaf people in Bermuda do not have access to closed-caption television on local news channels or relay services to make independent phone calls.” Mrs. Minors acknowledged that a national policy was needed and said she set up the committee with that in mind. “The objective of the committee was to determine the guiding principles. Bermuda does not have a consistent approach to providing access to people with disability. I’m pleased that we now have the recommendations in hand. The next step is to put this forth to Cabinet and subsequently to be tabled in the House of Assembly.” She added: “My intention and my desire is that this group does not now disband and that they continue for the purpose of being the voice that communicates to the Ministry of Health on this issue.”

October 27. The Royal Gazette group reported. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Bermuda, and the island has a higher cancer mortality rate when compared to the United States, one of the disturbing findings of the released in 2006 but commenced in 2004 Cancer in Bermuda Study. The co-author of the study, Dr. Frederic Dellaire, said the study compared the incidence of cancer in Bermuda and in the United States. Bermuda had a 45 percent higher mortality rate for all cancer "sites" than the US and the mortality for prostrate cancer was 2.65 times higher in Bermuda despite a comparable incidence rate. Dr. Dellaire cautioned: "The differences between the two countries must be viewed with caution. Nevertheless, it seemed likely that the mortality rate for prostrate cancer, pancreas cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer were higher in Bermuda." Some other key findings of the report were: 25 percent of all deaths in Bermuda were attributed to cancer in 2005. Cancer rates in white women were found to be higher in Bermuda. In whites, the specific cancer types that had a higher rate in Bermuda when compared to the United States included; oral cavity cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer (in females) and breast cancer. In blacks, the specific cancer types that had a higher rate in Bermuda when compared to the United States included: oral cavity cancer (in males), and ovarian cancer. Lung and colorectal cancers had lower rates in blacks from Bermuda when compared to blacks from the US. Recognized risk factors for oral cavity cancer are tobacco use, alcohol consumption and a diet poor in fruits and vegetables. The most common types of cancer in Bermuda include (in descending order) prostate, breast, colon and rectum, lung and bronchus, and skin. On the positive side, Bermuda's women reported good screening practices. In 2006, 84 percent of women over 35 reported having had a mammogram, and 72 percent had had it in the previous year. Similarly, 96 percent of women reported having had a Pap test, and 74 percent confirmed they had a Pap test the previous year. Men, as the trend is globally, are slightly less proactive, but the 2006 self-reports are positive, with 75 percent of men over 40 saying they'd had a PSA test (56 percent in the previous year); and 77 percent of men over 40 said they'd had a digital rectal exam (DRE), with 60 percent in the previous year.

October 27.  The Royal Gazette group reported.  A mystery illness struck guests at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. It appears to have been a strain of virus commonly known as the “winter vomiting disease” and can cause violent vomiting and be spread easily between people. The source of the illness, which may have affected more than 200 guests and staff including a number of international doctors and medical professionals attending a conference, has still to be found. Laboratory tests appeared to show the illness belongs to the norovirus family, the most well-known of those viruses is the Norwalk virus which has been known to close entire schools and quarantine hospitals in places like the UK and US, plus cruise ships, because of its contagious nature. Bermuda's Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann said: “We have results from a sample which leads us to believe it is a viral gastroenteritis – an irritation of the stomach – that can be spread by a number of routes. “It is a form of virus, the Norwalk-like group of virus. We would like to confirm its source. It can be passed on through hand and mouth contact, through water and food, person-to-person contact and respiratory.” What is still eluding the investigation is the initial source of the illness that affected so many guests at the hotel with a number being taken to hospital by ambulance and given intravenous medication. Further tests, including some being undertaken overseas, are yet to be concluded. It is possible the vital clue that will pinpoint the source of the illness may not be found in the samples taken. According to Dr. Cann because some hotel staff were also taken ill it is unlikely a single food source was not to blame, however that cannot be ascertained for sure until all samples of water and food have been fully tested. The Chief Medical Officer praised the hotel for work it has done to reduce the virus from spreading further. This has been achieved through upgrading food preparation areas and practices, placing hand sanitizers in guests’ rooms and providing information letters to guests. “We have had a decline in the number of cases reported and for a period have had no new cases. It appears at this point the situation has been contained,” he said. Reports of the illness spreading through identifiable groups, such as four separate conferences being held simultaneously at the hotel at the end of October bears out the theory the virus belongs to the norovirus family and commonly spreads from person to person. Dr. Cann said: “What we don’t have is evidence that this was the initial way the people were exposed to the virus.” The number of people affected is through to be at least 51 and may be higher than 200. One of the difficulties in calculating how many people were hit by the virus is the variable time it takes for symptoms to show up in some people. There were reports of people becoming ill during airplane flights back to North America, including the instance of one Air Canada flight being temporarily quarantined when it landed at Toronto after a number of passengers became violently ill returning from Bermuda. Doctors and medical professionals from various parts of the US have since contacted The Royal Gazette relating their experiences in the wake of attending the Ninth International Conference on Mechanisms and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain at the hotel. A number of delegates at the doctors’ conference were affected. Norman Mastalir, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts managing director in Bermuda, said: “We understand that our colleagues at the Department of Health have identified that the illness affecting some of our guests is a viral gastroenteritis. “The most probable agent is norovirus. Symptoms tend to last 24 – 48 hours at which time they generally subside and the individual returns to normal health. “On the advice of local heath authorities and our own experts, we have been treating the outbreak as norovirus from the beginning. “We have taken and continue to take every precautionary measure that has been recommended to us to protect the health and safety of our guests and staff.” 

October 27. The Royal Gazette group reported. Meals on Wheels has been delivering healthy meals to the elderly and the infirm since 1975. It continues to do so under the direction of administrator Tannika Rodrigues and her staff, and a host of long-serving volunteers. “I get referrals from (King Edward VII Memorial Hospital), from social workers — some people call for themselves and I go and visit them to assess their situation, to see if there really is a need,” she explained. Doctors are contacted, asked to provide an assessment of a person’s dietary needs, before they are accepted as a client. “We usually average about 200 deliveries a day,” Mrs. Rodrigues added. “(On Monday), we delivered 195 and it usually stays within that ballpark figure. We’ve gone a little over but it always comes back. Some people go into hospital but we always have new people coming on. The programme is subsidised, enabling clients to receive the three-course meals at a cost of only $4. Some people who can’t afford that but we do have people who sponsor the programme. Approximately one-third of the people can’t afford to pay. But most people do pay for their meals.” Finding volunteers can be a problem for the charity. A drive is launched at different points throughout the year, to ensure that there are sufficient people to keep the programme running. Many have been involved for several years, their commitment led by a genuine need within the community. “At 80, we try and ease them out of driving unless we can see they’re still capable and not going to go out there and make a lot of mistakes because we are dealing with people’s diets,” Mrs. Rodrigues explained. “We’re basically here to help the elderly and the infirm. It doesn’t have to be an older person. We’re here for anyone who is in a position where they can’t cook for themselves — maybe they’ve had surgery and are temporarily bedridden. We have people like that and we have older clients who need help with their diets. They’re at a point in their life where they are not cooking for themselves anymore and it helps their families if we provide them with a meal at lunchtime when they’re out to work.”

October 28. The Royal Gazette group reported. Bermuda’s new Premier had no last-minute stage fright or pre-election jitters, according to the woman who knows him best. Wanda Brown said last night that her husband was no different than normal as the couple prepared for what was to become the defining moment of his political career. “He was actually the same as always,” she told The Royal Gazette. “We had a lot of things to do so he’s a busy guy. He didn’t seem unusually nervous.” She stressed that Dr. Brown was not over-confident, but added: “He thought that it looked good. He was confident that it looked good. We were just waiting to see what the delegates had to say. He’d been working very hard talking with the delegates, trying to share with them his vision. Many of them had voiced their support.” The Island’s new First Lady admitted that she too felt unusually calm as the count came in. “For some reason it was not nerve-wracking. I had this feeling that everything was going to be OK. I didn’t know but I thought he was going to be OK. People had said that it might be closer but I wasn’t surprised.” Mrs. Brown said the realization that he had won hit her when delegates started standing up as the count progressed. “It was just sort of weird because we got the vote one by one so it was sort of a slow thing and then we realised he had it. “Everyone was standing up and was excited. I just told him: ‘Congratulations’.” Mrs. Brown described herself as “very, very happy for the country and for my husband”. Asked how she felt about her husband taking on an even bigger workload, she said: “I don’t know how that could be possible. He just is very, very, very busy. I don’t know how much more time could be devoted.” She turned to her husband to ask him whether he would continue working one day a week at his medical clinic. Dr. Brown replied: “I definitely won’t be able to participate on any regular basis.”

November 4. The Royal Gazette group reported. The Bermuda Union of Teachers last night urged new Education Minister Randy Horton to tackle the Island’s dismal graduation rate — and publish this year’s results for the two public senior schools. Union president Lisa Trott told The Royal Gazette that increasing the number of graduates from CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute was critical for Bermuda’s future. In 2005, just over half of the Island’s public school students graduated with a Bermuda School Certificate (BSC). The Ministry of Education has not yet released the 2006 figure — four months after graduation ceremonies took place. The Royal Gazette has made repeated requests since June to the Government for this year’s graduation rate without success. The Department of Communication and Information did not respond to a request for comment yesterday. Ms Trott said: “One of the things that we really hope he does is stop and have a look at the graduation rate and the graduation numbers and look at the improvements that need to be made. That’s something that we have been talking about forever. Here we are in November and they are still telling us that they can’t tell us how many students graduated in June. Every year it goes like this and before you know it we are into the next school year and talking about the next set of graduates. The public is paying for these public schools and they have a right to know what product they are getting. Last year we asked for this information and to this day we still don’t have that information. How can you expect the public to be behind the changes that need to be made if you can’t even show them where the deficiencies are.” Freddie Evans, president of the Association of School Principals, added: “I think that we need to be very transparent in all that we do.” The criticism from teachers came as the Shadow Education Minister questioned what effect having three different Education Ministers in the space of two months — the result of recent Cabinet reshuffles — could have on public schools. Neville Darrell said: “It really concerns me. I have been Shadow Education Minister for a little over three years. During that time the Honorable Paula Cox was Education Minister, then it went to Terry Lister. Then it was Neletha Butterfield and now its Randy Horton. Public education needs someone who will see it as a full-time challenge. We need to have a substantial commitment on the part of this Government that we have some continuity.” He said the Government had the right to reshuffle the Cabinet but asked what message was being sent out by changing the leadership of the Ministry with the second largest budget so often. “It’s very, very disconcerting,” Mr. Darrell said, adding Ms Butterfield had assured him recently that this year’s graduation rates would be made public shortly. “I’m trusting that Randy Horton will see that what we are simply asking for is information so we can really understand and support the public education system.” Ms Trott said a true graduation rate would show how many students began school in Senior One and how many left with a BSC from Senior Four. “We need to know the numbers in terms of retention and to see how many students are spending six years rather than four years at senior school level. I would venture that the teachers don’t even know and if they don’t know the public certainly doesn’t know. I think at the end of the day we all agree that vast improvements need to be made.”

November 4. The Royal Gazette group reported. Government is to abolish duty on materials for affordable housing development and build 100 homes in Sandys. The development in Ireland Island could start in the first quarter of next year said Housing Minister David Burch who said conceptual drawings had been done. These units will be offered first to tenants in Albert Row and Victoria Terrace which are in dire need of renovation. The remaining 76 units will be allocated to registered applicants of the Bermuda Housing Corporation.