Long-service awards were handed out to Marine and Ports staff in a ceremony on the J.L. Cecil Smith ferry.

Akil Lambert, Cecil Pitcher and Reginald Matthie have completed ten years each; Ricky Pitcher, Carlton Smith and Dennis Cross 20 years; Francis Richardson, LoWaynne Woolridge, Michael Lightbourne and Mario Thompson 25 years; Raymond Burchall, Melvin Martin and Wendell Simmons 30 years; and Noel Butterfield has retired after 33 years' service.

Premier Ewart Brown, who handed out the awards yesterday, congratulated and thanked all workers on their efforts.

• After the ceremony, Mr. Richardson, the Director of Marine and Ports, said that the service to St. George's would be back and running by next Monday at the latest.

Mr. Richardson said a mechanical problem — which caused the suspension of the route yesterday — was in the process of being fixed.