Zoom allowed to fly more direct route to the UK

Civil aviation authorities in the UK have granted Zoom Airlines permission to fly a more direct route between Bermuda and London Gatwick which should improve the carrier's on-time reliability.

Zoom was restricted to flying within 90 minutes of an emergency or diversion airport with one engine inoperative, but now it will be permitted to fly within 138 minutes of an emergency or diversion airport.

The difference allows Zoom pilots a wider choice of airports which will make the shorter, more direct route more reliable for travellers between Bermuda and the United Kingdom.

Bermuda Civil Aviation Director Thomas Dunstan said: "This is very good news for Zoom and Bermuda. The additional time limit will allow Zoom to provide consistent flight times across the Atlantic.

"Previously Zoom was very reliant on the weather at St John's Newfoundland being acceptable with the 90 minute routing and so this new approval will further improve Zoom's ability to take the most efficient routings between Gatwick and Bermuda."

Zoom Airlines resumed its seasonal service between Bermuda and London Gatwick last Friday with flights connecting to New York's JFK airport.

On May 22, Zoom will cease its continuing service to JFK and move its U.S. stop to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Man admits using threatening words

Clarke George Burgess, 51, Orchard Grove, Pembroke, admitted to using threatening words toward his sister-in-law when he appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard from Crown counsel Cindy Clarke that on Saturday the complainant, Marrionette Bean, reported to Police that she returned home and noticed that four beers were missing from beneath a chair.

When she questioned Burgess about the beers he began yelling: "I'll kill you, I'll kill you, you better go."

Ms. Bean also said that Burgess was brandishing a bat at her.

Police were called to the home and Burgess continued yelling to Police: "I'll kill her so my brother can get some peace. I'll kill her."

When Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner asked him if he had anything to say he said: "Your honour I said those things in the heat of the moment. I was in an agitated state. I am not a violent man."

He added: "I didn't kill her – she has been living in that house for 15 years so I have had plenty of opportunity." He added: "I never had a bat."

Burgess also informed the court that he went to the Police station on his own accord to make his statement and was subsequently arrested.

The matter was adjourned to March 24, and he was given $1000 bail.

Second drug policy meeting on Thursday

The next public meeting to discuss the recently released National Drug Control policies and Master Plan will be held on Thursday.

The Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) under the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation is organising a series of community meetings to discuss the drug plans.

The next public meeting will be held on March 20 from 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Anglican Cathedral Hall, on Church Street, and will feature a panel of experts from the Police, H.M. Customs and representatives from the Department of National Drugs Control.

Principles for drug prevention, demand and supply reduction, treatment and enforcement will be discussed and the National Drug Control Master Plan. A free lunch will be provided

Cyclist injured on Mullet Bay Road

An 18-year-old Pembroke man suffered scrapes and bruising to his head and right knee after colliding with a truck on Mullet Bay Road, in St. George's.

It happened on Sunday near the junction with Stokes Point Road and the victim was riding an auxiliary cycle.

It appears that the truck was travelling east on Mullet Bay Road and the cycle was travelling in the opposite direction when the vehicles collided.

The victim was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in an ambulance for treatment of his injuries which have been deemed non life threatening.

However, the cycle received extensive front end damage. The truck driver, a 46-year-old St. George's man, escaped injury and his truck took on a broken windshield and moderate front end damage.

Police are investigating this incident and are appealing for any witnesses to contact PC Dawnett Walker or the Roads Policing Unit on 295-0011.

Complainant finds suspect in his home

Police attended a reported burglary at a White Crest Hill, Hamilton Parish residence.

On arrival, officers spoke with the complainant who stated that around 3 a.m. on Sunday, he was woken up by noises in the dining room. When he went to investigate, he saw a man inside his home.

The complainant confronted the suspect who then fled on foot with cash, despite being chased by the complainant. The suspect then fled the area on a motorcycle.

Cash, jewellery stolen

A Burglar struck a Highwood Lane, Paget residence, taking cash, jewellery and personal items. It happened on Sunday around 2.50 p.m. Police spoke to the complainant who stated someone had gained entry to her home.

Laptop stolen

Police attended a reported burglary at a Mission Crescent, Paget home.

The victim told officers that sometime between 9.45 p.m. on Saturday and 2 a.m. on Sunday, someone gained entry to his home and stole a laptop computer.

Police are looking into the matter.