Premier gives best wishes to Kim Swan

Premier Ewart Brown has sent a well-wishing letter to new United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan — and told him he believes he is up to the difficult challenge ahead.

In his correspondence to Mr. Swan — whom despite six years of experience as Opposition Senate leader only became an MP for the first time in last month's General Election — the Premier wrote: "Dear Kim, congratulations on your election as leader of the Opposition.

"As the framers of the Constitution intended, it's a job with tremendous responsibility. The Bermudian people will place significant demands on you, but I have no doubt you are up to the challenge. Best wishes in your new role. I look forward to working with you."

KEMH phone system off-line tonight

People are urged to make emergency calls only to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital between midnight tonight and 2 a.m. tomorrow as the telephone system is upgraded.

Hospital bosses say they chose that two-hour period as it is the time when the public will least be affected.

A Bermuda Hospitals Board spokeswoman said a second upgrade is scheduled for the coming weeks. Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute will not be affected. BHB apologises for any inconvenience and thanks the public for its cooperation.

Woman robbed of debit card at knifepoint

A woman was chased by two men on a motorcycle and forced to hand over her debit card at knifepoint.

The 31-year-old was travelling east along South Road in Smith's at 11.45 p.m. on Monday when she noticed the two men following her. As she reached Cherry Dale Road, they confronted her and one then wielded the knife.

A Police spokesman said: "The woman denied having any money but the suspect then took a bank card from her bag.

"Both men made good their escape on their motorcycle, travelling down Knapton Hill towards South Road. The victim was not injured and inquiries into this incident are underway."

The men are described as young black males, approximately 5ft, 4in tall, and wore dark helmets with visors. One also wore a multi-coloured bandana. The motorcycle is described as black with slim wheels.

Any witnesses or those with information are urged to contact the St. George's Criminal Investigation Unit on 293 2222.

iPods, laptops stolen

Burglars broke into a house in Warwick on Monday, stealing three iPods and two laptops.

The break-in took place in Dunscombe Road between 1.40 p.m. and 4.45 p.m. A Toshiba laptop, Apple laptop, three iPods, Sony CD player and an external computer hard drive were stolen from the property. Police inquiries are continuing.

Police saw cyclist riding erratically

A Warwick man admitted to drunk driving after Police observed him swerving his cycle on East Broadway.

Robert Purnell of Farm Lane, pleaded guilty to impaired driving yesterday in Magistrates' Court. He was arrested on December 8 on Trimingham Road after he was seen riding a cycle erratically and swerving.

Acting Magistrate Tyrone Chin gave the 35-year old defendant a $1,000 fine, ten demerit points and disqualified him from all vehicles for 12 months.Purnell was arrested after being stopped.