Construction worker has narrow escape

A construction worker had a narrow escape on Monday after the tractor he was driving overturned at a Southampton construction site.

The driver managed to jump free of the tractor before it overturned, escaping with a cut to the forehead and a minor injury to his right wrist.

Police were called to the Granaway Heights construction site around 5 p.m. on Monday, where it appeared the driver had lost control of the tractor while operating it on a small embankment. The tractor came to a rest on its side.

The driver, a Pembroke man, was treated at the hospital and released.

Hotel employee trapped in elevator

Firemen rushed to the Fairmont Southampton Hotel yesterday after a hotel employee was trapped in a smoking lift.

The 47-year-old woman was freed by Otis Elevator Company technicians at 12.30 p.m. She walked out unharmed as the smoke had soon subsided. Otis Elevator Company is now carrying out an investigation into the incident.

Brief Senate session expected

Senators will have a brief day today with just two pieces of legislation to be tabled this morning.

The Historic Wrecks Amendment Act 2004 and the Criminal Code Amendment Act 2004 will both be tabled tomorrow for debate next week, Senate president Alf Oughton said last night. No further business is scheduled.

Hundreds obtain forms for housing lottery

More than 300 people have picked up forms to enter the lottery for $200,000 homes at Southside.

And Bermuda Housing Corporation, which is organising the lottery, is to run information sessions on how to fill in the application form.

BHC General Manager Vance Campbell said the sessions would be held on December 1 and January 5 at Heritage Hall in the New Testament Church of God on Union Street from 6-8 p.m.

The forms, which must be completed by March, are 13-14 pages long including six or seven pages which must be filled out in order to enter the lottery to buy one of the 98 homes.

Another 98 homes are being sold at market price at the Bermuda Homes for People Limited project known as Harbourside Village.

On Monday, Housing Minister Ashfield DeVent issued a Press release clarifying comments in the media by Shadow Minister for Housing Wayne Furbert, concerning the income eligibility for the affordable units.

He said: "The income levels for each household size represents the maximum income that the household can earn and still qualify for the affordable units.

"Applicants do not need to be earning between $65,000 and $85,000 as Mr. Furbert indicated.

"In other words, the most that a two-person household can earn and still qualify is $65,000 and this goes up in increments of $5,000 for each additional member of the household to a maximum income of $85,000 for a six person household."

Thief grabs large haul from Ferry Road home

A thief made off with a Sony Playstation, cash, and jewellery after breaking in to a Ferry Road home on Monday.

Police were called to the St. George's residence at 3 p.m. on Monday, where the complainant stated that sometime between 8.15 a.m. and 2.45 p.m. that day the thief broke into her home.

The culprit stole a Sony Playstation 2, $900 in cash, and several pieces of jewellery. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Televisions stolen from primary school

A thief broke into the Paget Primary School at the weekend, stealing two televisions.

Police were called to the Ord Road school at 9.55 a.m. on Monday, where the complainant said an unknown culprit broke in sometime between 7.30 p.m. on Friday and 2.45 p.m. on Sunday.

The thief stole a 13-inch Emerson TV/VCR and a 27-inch Toshiba TV.

Inquiries into this incident are underway.