MWI to hold annual Pre-Heritage Day parade

The Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute will hold its 18th Annual Pre-Heritage Day Parade on Thursday.

According to learning disability activities coordinator Juliette Basden, no one will be disappointed by the festive display.

This year's theme is 'It's Reflection Time — 1609 to 2009'. Approximately 30 clients from MWI's Learning Disability Programme and from community homes will parade in costumes reflecting Bermuda's 400-year history.

The event was originally created to provide an alternative for clients at MWI who were not able to attend the Bermuda Day festivities, said Ms Basden.

Over the years it has grown in popularity, drawing large crowds and tons of community support.

She added: "Our parade promises to be an evening of family fun with activities, entertainment, music and food.

"No one will be disappointed with this year's lively costumes and colourful floats."

In addition to the floats, there will be performances by majorettes, drum core groups, Gombeys and The Bermuda Island Pipe Band; face painting for children, food stalls and an ice cream truck.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for our clients to express their creativity and celebrate the approaching Heritage Day with the public," said Ms Basden.

The parade begins at 6.30 p.m. in the parking lot for Turning Point and the Learning Disability Programme, off Devon Springs Road.

Parking will be available in parking lots at the Elliot School, The Barn and the Recycling Plant.

Devon Springs Road will be closed at 6.15 p.m.

Teen was riding while impaired

A 16-year-old caught riding while impaired by alcohol, received a two-year vehicle ban yesterday.

Officers spotted Owen Robbins on a sidewalk following a cycle crash on April 11.

Crown counsel Larissa Burgess told Magistrates' Court Police took Robbins to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.

He was later questioned, during which time the officers noticed his eyes were glazed, he smelled of intoxicants and his speech was slurred.

Robbins was then arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station where he refused to take a breathalyser test.

Yesterday, Robbins apologised to the court.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner fined him $1,000, disqualified him from driving for 12 months and gave him ten demerit points.

Because Robbins had demerit points from previous convictions, he was disqualified from driving all vehicles for two years.

Anti-drug play to premiere Friday

Schoolchildren will be putting on a skit to demonstrate the dangers of drugs.

'The Wizard of Isle' is a version of 'The Wizard of Oz' set on the streets of Bermuda revolving around somebody battling drug addiction.

It is run by the Department for National Drug Control and the Berkeley Institute Drama Department and will take place at the Berkeley Institute Auditorium on Friday at 7 p.m.

The event is free to students and is being videotaped so it can be used as an educational tool for pupils.

The show was originally crafted by the programme manager and staff of the Camp Spirit Treatment Programme.

The Drug Prevention Unit of the Department for National Drug Control says one of its goals is to target youth with wider, clearer messages that use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is unacceptable.

For more information, call 292-3049.

21 injured in road accidents last week

Over the past week there were 57 reported road accidents, 21 of which resulted in injury.

And five people were arrested on suspicion of impaired driving according to Police who continue to advise the motoring public to drive/ride responsibly on the Island's roads.

Persons travelling in cars are urged to use their seat belts at all times and those on motorcycles to fasten their helmets and avoid making a third lane.

In the past week there were also 15 vehicles reported taken without their owners' consent, according to Police.

Eight were taken from Pembroke, two each from Hamilton Parish, Devonshire and Warwick and one from Sandys.

The majority of the vehicles removed were either auxiliary cycles or motorcycles, with one motocross cycle and one pedal cycle also reported stolen.

Of the 15 vehicles reported stolen, three were subsequently recovered.

Frenchman still missing

French national Mehdi David Yahi is still missing and Police are continuing to appeal for the public's assistance in finding him.

Mr. Yahi is described as a white male approximately 5ft 7in tall of slim build, clean shaven with black hair.

He apparently arrived in Bermuda on a British Airways flight on Sunday, January 25.

According to Police, Mr. Yahi was travelling alone.

He was last seen around 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 31 at the Fairmont Southampton Resort where he apparently attended the Heather Nova concert.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Yahi is encouraged to telephone Police on 295-0011.

Victoria park toilets undergo repairs

Public toilets in Victoria Park will close for repairs over the next few weeks.

A public advisory was issued yesterday by the Corporation of Hamilton, warning the rest rooms would close next Monday, May 18.

A spokesperson said they would remain closed for four weeks and in their absence, persons should visit the facilities on Victoria Street across from Victoria Park.