Bermuda boost on New York newscast

Tourism got a boost on Tuesday evening during a live interview on New York City's Fox 5 News featured Bermuda.

The news segment was the direct result of a lunch in New York last week with top New York media, hosted by the Minister of Tourism and Transport Ewart Brown, said a Government Press release.

The live interview featured Departures Magazine's executive editor Caroline Haberfeld who discussed Bermuda holiday travel packages, the golf/spa/tennis season, and Bermuda's 2005 Companion Flies Free programme, (which gives travellers booking a four-day/three-night getaway free airfare for a guest or a $310 air credit toward their vacation package).

During last week's meeting, which Ms Haberfeld attended, Dr. Brown discussed the viability of year-round travel to Bermuda, in particular the golf/spa/tennis season from November through March, when the weather in Bermuda is temperate.

He also introduced the editors to the concept behind the Island's newest advertising campaign, which states that Bermuda is just "putting distance" away.

Dr. Brown said: "The level of enthusiasm about Bermuda that came out of the meeting with New York's top media last week was very exciting. We are definitely building momentum and getting the message out that Bermuda is a year-round destination, with great things to see and do in all seasons.

"This interview, directly on the heels of our meeting, is proof our message is reaching a receptive travelling public."

Police search for missing teen

Police are asking for the public's help in locating 15-year-old Teretha Talbot, who has been missing for nearly two weeks.

Ms Talbot was reported missing on November 15 after she failed to arrive at her father's Seagull Lane, Pembroke, home on November 12.

She left her mother's house on Talbot Lane, Smith's, at 7 a.m. en route to her father's home but never showed up.

It is believed she is staying with friends. Ms Talbot is about 5ft 2in tall, brown skinned, medium build, with shoulder length hair. Anyone with information on her whereabouts asked to call the Juvenile and Domestic Crime Unit on 299-4518 or Police on 295-0011.

Police would like to remind the public that anyone found harbouring a missing juvenile is committing an offence and will be prosecuted.

Thief breaks into Pembroke home

A Pembroke residence was broken into on Tuesday night when a thief got into the Rambling Lane home and made away with an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery.

At 6.05 p.m. Police went to the home and spoke with the complainant who told them that sometime between 6 a.m. and 3.20 p.m. the unknown culprit gained entry into her home. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

$110 missing from Church Street shop

Sampson's Tailoring shop on Church Street was broken into on Tuesday morning by a thief in search of cash.

At 9.20 a.m. Police went to the shop and spoke to the complainant who stated that at some time between 6 p.m. on Monday and 8.05 am on Tuesday the culprit got into the store and made away with $110 in cash. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Trip ends on sour note for Pembroke man

A King's Court, Pembroke resident who had been off the Island on a trip had a shock when he returned to find a thief had broken into his home and stolen a number of pricey electronic items.

The thief stole a 21-inch Panasonic TV, a Panasonic VCR, a Sony DVD player, a stereo system and a grey watch. Inquiries into this incident are underway.

Pettit winner announced today

The winner for the eighth annual Tom Pettit Thanksgiving Essay Competition will be announced today at Camden House.

Seven finalists will gather with family, principals and teachers.

Premier Alex Scott will host the event and present certificates and grants to the winners.

A $1,000 grant will be awarded to the winner as well as $1,000 to the winner's school. A "Commendation of Excellence" certificate will be awarded to each of the six finalists along with $500.

The finalists are Bermuda High School for Girls students Chan Del Valle, Emily Dunne and Erin Marini, Saltus Grammar School students Krista Dyer and Meishka Zuill, Learning Express Academy student Christian Stevens and CedarBridge Academy student Stephanie Williams.

The annual competition was established by Patricia Pettit in 1997 in memory of her late husband Tom Pettit, an Emmy Award winning NBC journalist.

Premier treats students to dinner

A group of Bermudian students who are pursuing an education in the United Kingdom were treated to dinner by Premier Alex Scott last week.

At the conclusion of his business trip to London Mr. Scott hosted the second annual "Student's Dinner" with Finance Minister Paula Cox and E-commerce Minister Michael Scott.

Students from the London School of Economics, the University of Kent, the University of London School of Oriental and African studies and Buckingham attended the dinner.

In his speech to the group, Mr. Scott said: "The pride that parents hold when they see their child or children becoming thriving, successful human beings could be no greater than what I am feeling as I look at you this evening. In acknowledging my colleagues around the room I acknowledge our country's present but as I look at you I am looking to the future. You are exception of young men and young women and I am so pleased that our future looks to be in good hands."