stores last week.

And it is understood that the bare shop shelves were caused by the absence of two container ships from their regular runs to Bermuda and a decline in airline cargo volume.

Lindo's Market managing director Giorgio Zanol said: "We did not have any fresh vegetables or fruit last week. We had some frozen but not fresh which is what people want.'' Fresh fruit and vegetables are normally shipped to the Island on the container vessels at the start of the week. Smaller shipments of highly perishable goods are usually flown in later in the week so stores can refill shelves for weekend shoppers.

Both the MV Oleander and the Bermuda Islander spent last week in their respective US ports after observing the Christmas holiday in Hamilton Harbour.

Meanwhile Delta Airlines, which operates daily flights out of Atlanta and Boston to the Island, switched to using a smaller airplane on the route which meant less cargo space.

Butterfield and Vallis produce manager Eric Bell said the significant absence of produce was mainly caused by the reduction in cargo space on Delta airline jets out of Boston. However Mr. Zanol said the situation had eased this week with the arrival of the MV Oleander .

"We are putting fresh vegetables and fruit out right now. The shelves look much better.'' Container Ship Management vice-president Robert Lewis said the MV Oleander normally made 51 trips each year. But it skipped a trip over the Christmas week, he continued.

VEGETABLES VEG