(5,992) compared with the same period last year, according to Immigration department statistics released this week.

It was the sixth consecutive week air visitor arrivals were up. However, visitor arrivals by air for the year so far were down by 2.8 percent, which represents a loss of 10,328 visitors.

The Department reminded the public that the number of air arrivals could only be a "rough guide'' to the performance of the tourism industry. The best measure of performance is total gross expenditure by visitors, it said.

AA READIES FOR ANNUAL CONVENTION CON AA readies for annual convention Alcoholics anonymous is holding its annual convention at the sonesta beach Hotel in southampton tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.

More than 150 members from Bermuda, the US and canada are expected to attend.

A spokesperson said: "Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve thier common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution, does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes.

"The primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.'' The Bermuda AA is still meeting more than 30 years after is was formed. The central group holds meeting in the Astwood Hall at 8.30p.m. on Mondays, but more than 30 meetings per week are held all over the Island.

BE COOPERATIVE, MOTORIST URGED TFC Be cooperative, motorist urged Police yesterday advised motorist to be cooperative when travellint along McGall's Hill, Smith's, where road works are underway.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Andre Brown said whild temporary traffic ligts and detour signs have been erected in the area to assist traffic, motorist should be patient and cooperative when travelling along that stretch of road.

If possible, traffic was advised to use an alternative route during rush hours.

TAXI PASSENGER LEAVES DRIVER SHORT CRM Taxi passenger leaves driver short A taxi driver was left shortchanged yesterday when a passenger abandoned him after paying $5 of a $22 fare.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Andrea Browne said the passenger was dropped off at wellington Lane, St. George's, around 1:45 yesterday morning.

He handed the driver part of the fare and said he was going to hget the balance, she said.

The passenger never returned, leaving the driver $17 short.

UNAUTHORISED SLEEP COST MAN $100 CTS Unauthorised sleep cost man $100 Sleeping in an abandoned building cost a 43-yuear-old sandy mans $100 in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Kenneth Eric Alonzo Brangman, of Fairhaven Lane, pleaded guilty to trespassing on The Bermuda Nurses Associaiton's property without their permission.

At 4:20 a.m. on November 20th, Police found Brangman sleeping on the floor, prosecuting Insp. Peter Duffy said.

After waking Brangman, Police were told he had missed his bus and needed somewhere to sleep.

Police then said there were "No tresspassing'' signs out front. Brangman said that he did not see the sgins. Brangman is a golf caddie.

HOMES TARGETTED CRM Homes targetted Two Pembroke homes fell prey to thieves on Tuesday night, Police reported yesterday. A thief entered a house at Leeside Drive and took $290 from a wallet. A Casio watch and various food items were stolen from an apartment on Reid Street.