percent.

Latest figures show 17,765 visitors flocked here during the week, compared to 13,240 in 1992.

While there was a 19.8 percent rise in air arrivals, cruise ship passengers rose by 67.1 percent.

Of the 6,723 cruise ship passengers, a significant portion were from the QE2 .

Between January 1 and June 6 the tally of visitors is 188,811, a 12.2 percent increase on 1992's figure of 168,268.

DEGROOTE SUED CTS Multi-millionaire Mr. Michael DeGroote is being sued by a Bermuda lawyer who says he was wrongfully dismissed.

Mr. Kevin Comeau was employed by companies run by Mr. DeGroote, a top Canadian businessman who has set up in Bermuda.

Mr. DeGroote said yesterday: "His employment was terminated about a month ago. I guess that's what it must be about.'' Mr. Narinder Hargun, attorney for Mr. Comeau, confirmed his client was claiming wrongful dismissal.

The writ was filed by Mr. Comeau in his personal capacity and as trustee of the Comeau family trust, against Mr. DeGroote, Westbury (Bermuda) Ltd, M.G.D.

Holdings Ltd and Republic Waste Industries.

Last month Mr. DeGroote won a Supreme Court battle to buy Perot's Island for $8.5 million.

PLP'S WEEKEND PTL The Progresive Labour Party has a weekend of activities planned to commemorate the anniversary of the Constitution.

The focal point is Warwick Parish, "given the pivotal role it has been assigned in assisting the PLP to forge a new constitutional order after the next general election,'' the party said in a news release. Warwick is seen as a key battleground in the next election, which must be called by next February.

A Warwick walkabout by MPs, candidates, and supporters is planned on Saturday, followed by a pre-Father's Day cruise which leaves Hamilton at 8 p.m.

On Sunday, the PLP is encouraging supporters to attend a morning worship service at St. Mary's Church in Warwick.

Bermuda's Constitution came into effect on June 8, 1968.

ALERT POLICEMAN CRM An off-duty Police officer caught a handbag snatcher on Tuesday after chasing him in his car.

Det. Con. Frankie Foggo was driving along St. David's Road, near the Black Horse Tavern, when he saw the snatch.

The thief rode up to a couple of holidaymakers and grabbed a bag from their cycle basket.

Police spokesman Sgt. John Dale said Det. Con. Foggo went in hot pursuit and caught the man.

A 38-year-old St. George's man is helping Police with inquiries.

PUFFER HULL STOLEN CRM The hull of a Puffer sailboat was stolen from its dry dock off West Side Road in Sandys Parish sometime in May, Police reported yesterday.

It is white, 14-foot long and has the name "Just in Trouble'' printed in black letters on the side.

If anyone knows where it is they can call the Somerset Police Station.