Flatts Bridge traffic restrictions lifted two months ahead of schedule

Traffic restrictions at Flatts Bridge have been lifted two months ahead of schedule.

The Ministry of Works and Engineering yesterday confirmed roadworks at the bridge have concluded, although repairs are still outstanding on the guide rails and sidewalks.

However, traffic signals which reduced access to one lane will now be removed. Instead, motorists will be directed by manual Stop/Go signs for the next month.

A Government spokesman said yesterday: "The Ministry of Works and Engineering today advised that the traffic restrictions on Flatts Bridge have been lifted.

"The concrete repairs have been made to the approach span and the remaining construction works are now restricted to the guide rails and the sidewalks.

"Over the next three- or four-week period the contractor for the project will, on occasion, have to control the flow of traffic by the use of go/stop signs for the removal of construction equipment and materials.

"The public are encouraged to obey the traffic signs and travel slowly to ensure the safety of the work crews."

Government announced commencement of repairs on the bridge on January 26, warning motorists to use alternative routes until April 15 while the bridge was reduced to single-lane traffic.

Church raises $20,000 for Haiti earthquake relief

A church with a congregation of less than 100 donated more than $20,000 in aid relief to Haiti yesterday.

Restoration Fellowship raised an impressive $20,600 the funds were divided equally between two charities.

Pastor George Smith and Bishop Christopher Haynes, along with congregation members, presented the cheques to Major Doug Lewis of the Salvation Army and Ann Spencer-Arscott of the Bermuda Red Cross.

According to Bishop Haynes, Restoration Fellowship started their appeal for Haiti three weeks ago. The Caribbean nation was devastated by a magnitude seven quake last month.

"These were sacrificial donations," he said. "The members of our church are not very wealthy people and they dug deep into their pockets for this cause.

"Giving is at the centre of the church and they realised that it is more of a blessing to give than to receive."

Mrs. Spencer-Arscott said that Bermuda's donations to the Red Cross are now in excess of $900,000.

Enterprize statue to be unveiled Thursday

The unveiling of the statue commemorating the arrival of the Enterprize is to take place this week.

Stormy weather and hurricane force winds led to the cancellation of last Thursday's event at Barr's Bay Park. Chesley Trott's statue marking the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the slave ship will now be unveiled this Thursday at 5.30 p.m.

Health check attracts hundreds

More than 200 people had a free health check at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with one person being immediately admitted with dangerously high blood pressure.

Nurses from KEMH's Diabetes Centre, Cardiac Unit and Dialysis screened people for blood pressure, blood sugar, weight circumference and Body Mass Index last week.

About one third of those screened had high blood pressure readings and one person was sent directly to the emergency department due to dangerously high blood pressure levels.

According to a hospital spokeswoman, many of those screened with high blood pressure confirmed they had not been taking their prescribed medications.

She added: "Although there were no newly diagnosed cases of diabetes, a number of people had high blood sugar levels and were advised to contact their healthcare provider."

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women around the world and affects one in two Bermudians. Research has shown that by controlling risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, weight and physical activity, the chances of developing this debilitating and sometimes fatal condition can be reduced.

Burglars busy over the past week

Police reported a number of burglaries last week, with culprits stealing from churches, businesses and homes.

Officers responded to a reported burglary at J&M Trucking & Auto Service in Pembroke around 8.10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The complainant stated that sometime overnight someone gained entry and stole a quantity of electronic equipment.

Later that morning, Police attended a reported burglary around 9.50 a.m. at the Southampton Seventh-day Adventist Church.

It appears that sometime overnight an unknown culprit gained entry into the church and stole a quantity of cash.

At 12.30 p.m. that same day, Police responded to a reported burglary at an Anchorage Lane, St. George's residence.

The complainant stated that sometime between 7.40 a.m. and 8.10 a.m. that day, someone gained entry into his home and stole a black HP laptop computer.

Around 1.05 a.m. on Thursday, Police received a report of a burglary at Smatt's Livery Cycle Ltd. at the Fairmont Southampton.

It appears that sometime Wednesday evening someone gained entry into the premises and stole cash.

Fitness Fest to be held next week

Healthy food, a fitness fest and a spa weekend are all on the menu to support Live Healthy Bermuda thanks to the Fairmont Bermuda group.

Restaurants Bacci, Jasmine Lounge and Waterlot Inn at the Fairmont Southampton Princess and in the Heritage Court at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess will all feature healthy menus with listed nutritional content.

And yesterday Shelly Meszoly, regional director of sales and marketing, Fairmont Bermuda announced a Live Healthy Fitness Fest on February 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairmont Southampton.

This will be followed a Willow Stream Live Healthy Bermuda Weekend on March 5 to the 7, which will include a cooking demo, yoga, aqua-aerobic class, a treatment and Boot Camp.

Ms. Meszoly added: "We're excited to be introducing the Live Healthy Bermuda Fitness Fest and Spa weekend this year. Staying on course during a diet and exercise regimen is always a challenge.

"We hope these Fairmont additions will keep participants focused on their goals and provide motivation along the way."

For more information call the Fairmont Southampton at 238-8000 or the Fairmont Hamilton Princess at 295-3000 or visit www.fairmont.com.