George's branches at 3.30 p.m. today so that employees who use public transportation will not be left stranded.

The bank's marketing manager Andrew Burnett Herkes said that the decision was made to allow the staff the opportunity to "cash up and catch the last bus out of town.'' He added: "Fortunately we have a tremendous number of staff who rely on public transportation and we need to be sure that they are able to get that public transportation.

"There is really nothing more to it than that.'' Meanwhile, at the Bank of Bermuda it will be work as normal for staff. Mark Perreault, senior vice president, Human Resources, said it will be business as usual.

However, if certain staff express a wish to be let off earlier, he said, then an arrangement would be reached with their supervisor.

"If our staff need to get home because of the situation with public transportation then they will be allowed to do that on a request basis,'' he explained.

The issue of a stoppage in bus service emerged after bus operators informed PTB director Herman Basden that they will not be driving after 5.15 p.m.

today.

CONSTITUENTS TAKE ADVANGTAGE OF ADVANCE POLL PTL Constituents take advantage of advance poll The first votes in the Pembroke West by-election were cast yesterday.

A total of 31 constituents took advantage of the advance poll for the November 6 contest.

Now the ballot papers will be kept secure until the official election date and counted with the rest of the votes.

The by-election was caused by the decision of then-Youth and Sport Minister David Dyer to quit politics.

GOVT. STANDS BEHIND REGIMENT GVT Govt. stands behind Regiment Government stands firmly behind the Bermuda Regiment as an institution although its role on the Island may need some adjustment in light of changes in society, the Minister responsible for the local force said yesterday.

In a prepared statement, Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said that no firm decision has been made on this issue.