More soccer violence arrests expected

Police are hoping to make two more arrests this weekend to bring into custody the majority of people suspected of being involved in the football violence at Wellington Oval.

Seventeen people have been arrested so far after thugs wielding guns, swords, machetes and knives fought openly at last Sunday?s match between Somerset Eagles and North Village.

Detective Inspector Stuart Crockwell, who is leading the investigation, said two young men handed themselves in with their lawyers on Thursday evening bringing the total number of arrests to 17.

?We have identified two other men and we will be attempting to pick them up over the weekend and that will be the bulk of those involved in the incident,? he said.

Private jet makes emergency landing

A private jet with eight people on board was forced to make an emergency landing in Bermuda yesterday after developing engine trouble.

The Citation Jet developed low oil pressure and one engine had shut down, said Fire Service spokesman Lt Dana Lovell.

Seven fire trucks rushed to the Airport, but the jet touched down safely at 12.41 p.m. No further details were available.

Security in place for Carifta Games

Sports fans should not let the violent fracas at Wellington Oval last Sunday deter them from attending the Carifta Games this weekend.

The games began yesterday, and Sports Minister Dale Butler assured the public security measures are in place. ?You may not see them, but they?re there,? he said. ?It?s very, very safe.?

Without going into detail about security at the games, the Minister said the Bermuda Police Service and the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA), the organisation hosting the event for Bermuda, have met and approved security regulations.

The measures were first presented to Cabinet in January, he said, and then again in March. They were revised for the final time just this past Tuesday.

?We need Bermudian support,? he added. ?Come out to the games!?

BTFA president Judy Simmons also guaranteed tight security.

?They can feel assured that with the security we have organised with the Police, the Bermuda Regiment and Guardwell Security, they will be safe.

?I would like to invite everyone to come and enjoy the Carifta Games.?

Government Ministers give cars to the cause

Dignitaries visiting for this week?s Carifta Games are to be given the large cars normally used by Government Ministers.

Exemptions on Bermuda?s car size laws for the Governor, Premier and US Consul were controversially expanded to Government Ministers early in the Progressive Labour Party?s first term which led to the importation of larger Peugeot 406s. Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown was one of the beneficiaries. He told a press conference that part of the rationale had been to hand them over to visiting dignitaries and this pledge was being stuck to this weekend. Dr. Brown said he would be giving up his car.

One arrested for violence Wednesday night

Despite heavy Police presence and heightened security an assailant punched a Pembroke man around the head and body during the football at BAA field on Wednesday night. The victim suffered swelling and bruises and a 21-year-old Devonshire man was arrested soon after.

Easter Gospel Explosion expected tonight

The Reserve Police Easter Gospel Explosion will be held tonight at the First Church of God on North Shore Road, Pembroke at 7 p.m.

Participants include the First Church of God Choir, First Church of God Dancers, Seventh Day Inspirational Choir, Bethel Family Choir, Better Covenant Choir, The Rising Stars, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Proceeds from a free will offering will go to the Fallen Officers Trust Fun.

CableVision fixes fault

CableVision customers who have lost service following the company?s maintenance work are encouraged to unplug and then re-plug them to regain pictures.

Bermuda CableVision Manager Jeremy Elmas said following satellite dish maintenance a fault had occurred with analogue scrambling.

The fault has now been fixed but some customers have been locked out or turned off. Mr. Elmas advised re-plugging the converter box to restore service.

Mr. Elmas apologised for any inconvenience. Extra channels have been laid on for this weekend.

Police motorcyclist injured

A Police motorcyclist was injured in a crash outside Warwick Camp at lunchtime yesterday.

The male officer suffered cuts to his hands face and arms and was given a surgical collar after apparently losing control of the bike, said the Fire Service. No other vehicle was involved in the crash.

Police urge public to stay safe over weekend

The Bermuda Police Service are urging the public not to drink and drive this holiday weekend.

?We would like to remind the public there are a number of family-oriented events going on over Easter Weekend,? a Police spokesperson said. ?In light of this, we are urging members of the public not to drink and drive ? or, if you must drink, establish a designated driver to get you home safely.

?There are also a host of social events planned for the weekend, and we will have a full compliment of officers ? including the Police Support Unit ? who will be deployed over the Island to ensure a safe and secure weekend for all.?