Debt Enforcement Unit pulls in $1 million for government coffers

Government has recovered nearly $1 million of money owed after the Debt Enforcement Unit was set up in February.

It was set up in the Attorney General?s chambers to grapple with the large amount of uncollected pension contributions and payroll and land taxes owed to Government. Attorney General Larry Mussenden said yesterday: ?The Government has a duty to protect these funds on behalf of the workers and we are determined to do so.

?The people of Bermuda will be happy to know that since the Debt Enforcement Unit was established in February nearly $1 million has been collected in tax debt by sending out letters threatening to take employers to Court. We will soon commence taking legal action in the Courts against employers and others who owe back taxes and who have not addressed that debt. We must protect the taxpayer and we must protect the worker?s pensions.?

UBP to announce new candidate

The United Bermuda Party will be announcing a new candidate for Warwick North Central at a press conference this afternoon.

Yesterday a UBP spokesman declined to confirm rumours that Wayne Scott will be named as the new candidate. Currently PLP backbencher George Scott holds the seat in Warwick North Central.

OIL group offers two scholarships

Two full-time scholarships are being offered by the OIL group of companies. The $25,000 awards are available for full-time post-secondary education at overseas accredited universities or colleges.

The awards will be based on academic achievement, leadership qualities and strength of character. In addition recipients will be offered an optional 12-week summer internship at the OIL Group.

The scholarships are available for any field of study and there is no requirement to return to Bermuda to work. Selection will be made by a team of young Bermudians working for OIL. Applications must be submitted by June 17. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during the first week of July and the winners announced in early August.

Pink Ladies get cash boost

The Bermuda Hospitals Board has been given a sizeable cash boost by the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda (Pink Ladies) to the sum nearly half a million dollars.

This donation brings the total amount of money handed out by the HAB in less than a year to $750,000. ?We are extremely grateful to the HAB for its generous donations which will benefit so many of our patients,? said BHB CEO Joan Dillas-Wright.

?The HAB has given us tremendous support over the years and its important contributions are felt strongly throughout the hospitals.?

The donations of the HAB since June last year have provided for a long list of additions to the hospital?s resources, including transport vehicles, beds stretchers and automated floor cleaners. The HAB runs the gift shop and popular cafeteria in the foyer of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital as well as its main money earner, The Barn.

Man mugged on Hamilton street

A 20-year old Smith?s parish man was mugged on Ewing Street in Hamilton on Tuesday morning resulting in the loss of his cellular phone and injuries his face and hands.

The victim told Police he was accosted by two men ? one of whom is known to him ? at around 9.20 p.m. The other suspect is a 22-year old Warwick man, Police said.

And a Pembroke woman had to get stitches after she was set upon by a St. George?s woman outside the Swinging Doors night-club early on Monday morning. The 24-year-old victim told Police she was outside the Court Street nightclub at about 2.30 a.m. on Monday when she was approached by the suspect, a 19-year old St. George?s woman.

The two women were talking when the St. George?s women allegedly attacked the older woman. Police are appealing for any witnesses to call Hamilton CID on 295-0011.

Red Cross to hold a ?grub? day

In celebrating Red Cross Day, the Bermuda Red Cross will be holding a red and white theme grub day on Friday, May 13 and are inviting schools and businesses on the Island to participate.

The Bermuda Red Cross was founded in August 1950 while the International Red Cross was founded in 1863 and is one of the oldest aid organisations in the world.

Director Ann Spencer-Arscott said letters and participation forms have been sent across the Island asking everyone to recognise this day by wearing red and white and donating $2 per person towards the Bermuda Red Cross. Even though May 8 is officially Red Cross Day, the Bermuda branch decided to celebrate on May 13 because of the Salvation Army Red Shield appeal and MS Society appeal the previous week.