Fire Service in training today at Morgan's Point

Large plumes of smoke are expected to be seen pouring from Morgan's Point today as part of a Bermuda Fire Service training exercise.

The exercises will be conducted between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. using live fires, which are expected to cause smoke in the area. Said a spokesperson: "As such, members of the public shouldn't be concerned if they see large plumes of smoke coming from the Morgan's Point area.

"The Bermuda Fire Service assures the public that the fires will be conducted in a safe and controlled environment. Should members of the public have any concerns, they are encouraged to contact the Bermuda Fire Service at 292-5555."

Trash, recycling changed for next week

Due to the Cup Match holiday, trash and recycling collection will take place earlier in the week, at least for those in the West End.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering announced that on the West End of the Island, garbage collection is scheduled to take place on Monday, while both garbage and recyclables will be collected on Wednesday.

Garbage collection on the East End will occur on Tuesday while both recyclables and garbage will be collected Saturday, August 1, the day after Cup Match.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering also reminded the public to bring plenty of garbage and recycling bags when camping, or when visiting any of the holiday events.

Glen Smith named deputy mayor of Hamilton

Alderman Glen Smith was yesterday named as the deputy Mayor of Hamilton.

Mayor Charles Gosling said: "I am pleased to appoint Alderman Glen Smith to the position of deputy mayor.

"I was particularly impressed with Glen's tactical and organisational skills during the election process and how quickly we were able to develop a cohesive team, campaign and ultimately win."

He continued: "Glen was first elected to the Corporation a year ago and brings to the position a wealth of business knowledge together with an entrepreneurial spirit which I know will benefit the Corporation."

Mr. Smith said: "I am honoured to serve in the capacity of Deputy Mayor on the Corporation board. I look forward to working with my fellow Board Members, the staff of The Corporation of Hamilton and the City's residents and business owners as we strive to take the City from strength to strength."

Roadworks planned for St. George's

Roadworks are expected to cause travel delays in and out of St. George's, Police have advised.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes.

Said a Police spokesperson: "The motoring public is being advised that there will be roadwork taking place in the Rose Hill/Wellington Back Road/Wellington Slip Road, St. George's area until further notice. "The motoring public's attention to this matter and cooperation is appreciated."

Road ban for over limit man who 'wasn't drunk'

A man caught drink-driving told a court yesterday that being over the limit "don't mean you're drunk".

Nya Rawlins, 36, admitted driving while impaired but told Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo: "I weren't drunk. I plead guilty because I was over the limit. It don't mean you're drunk."

Crown counsel Carrington Mahoney told the court Rawlins was stopped in Middle Road, Warwick, in the early hours of April 26.

"At about 12.30 a.m. Police officers observed a vehicle travelling west and the driver turned right at the Warwick bowling alley and stopped," said Mr. Mahoney. "The driver's eyes seemed glazed and his speech was slurred. His breath smelt of alcohol."

Asked if he had been drinking, Rawlins told officers: "I had nothing to drink."

Rawlins, a mason from Sandys, said: "My eyes are always red, and I wasn't falling or stumbling. I weren't drunk."

Mr. Tokunbo fined him $800 and banned him from driving for one year.

Ombudsman elected to international board

Ombudsman Arlene Brock has been elected to the board of directors of the International Ombudsman Institute.

Ms Brock was also selected to be the regional vice President at the conference.

There are three directors on the board and the other two are from Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.

This year, some 350 representatives from over 150 national and regional Ombudsman offices around the world gathered in Sweden, the birthplace of the modern Ombudsman institution, to celebrate its 200th Anniversary.