Bermuda Shorts
Light session expected in Senate today
Just two of the items on the Senate's agenda will be discussed during today's session in the Upper House according to Senate President Alf Oughton.
The Motor Car Amendment Act 2003 and The Investment Business Act 2003 will be debated, while The Statutory Instruments Amendment Act 2003 and The Education Amendment (No. 2) Act 2003 will be held over for debate next Wednesday.
The motion to be moved by Senator Raymond Tannock, notice of which was given on November 12, 2003, "that the Senate take note of the Government Green Paper entitled 'E-Business Green Paper: The Second Wave'" will be carried over because it has not been dealt with yet in the House of Assembly, Mr. Oughton said yesterday.
A taste of Bermuda in New England
The spirit of Bermuda was alive on the streets of Boston recently when the Department of Tourism hosted New England travel agents to thank them for their support of the Island.
The event was held at Hampshire House and the Tourism Department's regional manager Thomas McDonald said the event was to thank the 50 travel agents for their support of Bermuda throughout the year but also to celebrate Tom Kershaw's birthday.
Mr. Kershaw is the owner of the Hampshire House and the world famous Cheers Bar on Beacon Street.
He is an avid promoter of Bermuda and told more than 100 of his friends, who were present for the celebration, that Bermuda was the ideal place to travel during the winter.
The Bermuda theme continued with food as guests were treated to cassava pie, fish cakes, rum swizzle and Dark 'n' Stormies.
Artist Michael Swan was the special guest at the event with eight pieces of his work on hand along with pieces from fellow artists Carole Holding and Robert Bassett.
Fire vehicle to be used for training
Motorists are being advised that firefighters will be undertaking drivers' training for the next fortnight.
Bermuda Fire Service spokesman Lt. Dana Lovell said the vehicle which will be used for the training will have yellow plates on the front and rear of the appliance.
Firefighters will be using full emergency gear with sirens and lights during the training session.
Boat parade still accepting entries
Organisers of the annual Christmas Boat Parade are still seeking participants.
"I think we are struggling with entries this year because of damage done to boats from Hurricane Fabian," organiser Ian Coles told .
The parade will take place in Hamilton Harbour on December 13 and while the number of boats participating as floats is growing, organisers still hope to swell the entries.
"At the moment there are 45 boats registered but we are hoping to get about 20 more," said Mr. Coles.
"Only boats entered in the parade will be allowed near the route for safety reasons, so the best place to watch the parade is in the parade."
People can sign up online at www.bermudaboatparade.bm or call 295-0530.
Last year 55 boats participated in the parade.
"It is a marvellous community event," Mr. Coles said.
Carolling at Camden tomorrow
The cheerful sounds of Christmas will be ringing through the trees at the Botanical Gardens as families gather around the steps of Camden for an evening of carolling tomorrow.
Premier Alex Scott and his wife will be sharing in the festivities organised by the Masterworks Foundation.
Families are invited to bring a picnic dinner and a blanket and listen to popular Christmas tunes performed by the Adventist Chorale, the BHS Primary Chime Choir, the Choir of the First Church of God, the St. John's Youth Choir, the Salvation Army Band and the Warrenaires.
Steve Easton will be performing a new, locally-composed carol called 'Christmas in Bermuda'.
It was written by Linda Lovett.
The festivities begin at 5.30 p.m. at Camden and revellers can look forward to hearing classic tunes such as 'Away in a Manger' and 'Silent Night'.
Safety lights added to Causeway
New ultra reflective road reflectors are being installed on the Causeway and could soon become a familiar sight on Bermuda's roads.
Eight of the solar powered implants have been installed in the last two weeks but broken down equipment has stalled the completion of installation across the whole bridge.
Works and Engineering consultant Peter Havilicek said the "cats eyes" charge up their solar cells during the day and then shine brightly at night.
"My initial reaction is pretty positive," said Mr. Havilicek. "We have about 100 in. We will see if they are any good or not.
"They are expensive which is the reason why they have a limited application ? for the centre line of the Causeway and also for pedestrian crossings.
"They are used quite widely in other countries."
He said the reflectors were useful for centrelines where there were no lights such as the Causeway.
Library to close early Friday
The Adult Library and the Youth Library will close at 2 p.m. on Friday to allow staff to attend their annual Christmas party.