Last of ten new buses arrives

The final bus in the new fleet arrived on the Island this week.

Direct from Germany, the new Public Transportation Board vehicles have a slightly different paint job with pink “waves” along the main body of the buses.

The bus is the last of the 10 new vehicles purchased and have mini cameras fitted to the rear to help drivers reversing out of parking bays at the Central Bus Terminal and a camera that replaces the near-side exterior mirror to lessen the damage caused by the old mirrors striking roadside obstacles such as overhanging trees.

They also have smaller entrance steps and bus drivers will now be able to hydraulically lower the vehicle closer to the kerb to make it easier for the elderly and those with physical difficulties to board the bus.

The buses have 38 seats, air-conditioning and more leg room for passengers. The PTB will also be able to count the number of passengers on routes with a new automated system.

Minister of Transport Dr. Ewart Brown said he was delighted to have the new fleet on the Island and added that they met the Euro 3 standard for emissions and the PTB is working towards meeting the stricter Euro 4 standard.

Govt. to create DVD of Dame Lois’ funeral

Government information officers are creating a special commemorative DVD of Dame Lois Browne Evans’ funeral.

In a press release last night, a Government spokesperson explained that there had been “a huge number of requests” for footage of the procession and service and it would be available “shortly”. The Cabinet Office has also asked the public to refrain from selling any personal footage that may have been shot last Tuesday.

Youth Library closes for maintenance

Bermuda Youth Library has closed for the rest of June so maintenance work can take place. People are advised library books can be returned via the outside book drop throughout the month, while some usual sessions have been rescheduled.

Book Babies classes will be held on Thursdays only at 9.30 a.m. at the Community and Cultural Affairs boardroom, at 81 Court Street.

Registration of Summer Reading Programme activities can be done at the Youth Library until Friday. After that, registration will take place at the adult library in Queen Street, from Monday to Friday.

The Youth Library reopens on Monday, July 2.

North Hamilton restarts Culture Fest

Tonight sees the return of the Uptown Market Associations’ Culture Fest.

The street festival in Court Street — started last year — includes music, ethic foods, craft stalls and more for children, teens and adults alike.

The launch will feature Roots’ Gombey Troupe, DJ Fatman and his karaoke machine, a talent competition called “Uptown Superstar”, especially created for the youth, and Me-we a Brazilian Drum Troupe. An automotive audio demonstration is also on the list by Antoine Place of Custom Acoustics.

Elmore Warren, President of Uptown Market Association said, “Culture Fest is expected to draw record crowds this year particularly during the months of July and August. The response to the musical line-up has been fantastic and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Culture Fest is scheduled to run every Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. until October. Patrons can look forward to a variety of musical acts and the new addition of Kids Zone, taking place one a month.

Street marshals will be on patrol to ensure the festival runs smoothly every week.

Burglar tried to escape by sea

A burglar tried to escape by jumping off a balcony into the ocean yesterday morning.

Police attended a reported burglary at a Sandy’s parish guest property. The complainants — who are visitors to the island — said they woke up around 6 a.m. and found a man they did not know lying on the floor of their room.

When they confronted him, he ran out of the room and jumped off the balcony. A security guard tried to apprehend him but he jumped into the ocean and tried to swim away.

Marine Police found him in the water, but the man refused to get in the boat. He was eventually pulled aboard when a violent struggle broke out. Officers had to use pepper spray to subdue the 35-year old Sandy’s parish suspect. He was arrested and taken to the Somerset Police station.

St. George’s garbage collection slows

Residents living east of Longbird Bridge will experience a delay in garbage collection.Due to the bridge in St. George’s operating under limited weight capacity the Ministry of Works and Engineering will be using smaller trash trucks in the area.

Because of this it is likely that it will take longer than normal to collect garbage in the area.

The Ministry seeks the public’s patience while we work on improving the Longbird Bridge.

Child’s swing recalled

A child’s swing has been recalled due to what officials call an “entrapment hazard”.

The Fisher-Price Rainforest Infant Swing was recalled by the Department of Consumer Affairs and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Model numbers are K7203, K7192 and K7195. According to a Government press release, infants can shift to one side of the swing and get caught between the frame and seat, causing entrapment.

Anyone who is currently using the product should immediately discontinue all use. If purchased at Gibbons Company, customers are asked to bring the swing back to the store manager of the infant department and receive store credit in exchange. Customers who purchased the item elsewhere are asked to contact Fisher-Price’s recall hotline at 888 303 5631.