Premier will attend Summit of the Americas

The Premier will discuss the Island's sustainable development initiatives at the Fifth Summit of the Americas this weekend.

Dr. Ewart Brown and his wife left Bermuda yesterday to travel to Port of Spain on the invitation of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

The Premier will meet with other Caricom leaders to address issues of water transportation and the challenges facing the financial services sector. Other issues include energy security, climate change and sustainable development. The Summit brings together Western heads of state to forge a shared vision for the economic, social and political development of the region and to find solutions for common concerns.

Dr. Brown said: "This is an invaluable opportunity to be representing Bermuda at this forum.

"I expect that there will be some critical topics of discussion among the countries represented, chief among them being the economy and what effect it is having on the region."

The theme of the Fifth Summit is 'Securing Our Citizens' Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability'.

US President Barack Obama is to address the Summit this afternoon. At its conclusion the Premier is to join the Bermuda delegation at the Annual RIMS conference in Orlando. On Wednesday he will then travel to New York and Philadelphia for Bermuda Department of Tourism (BDOT) events aimed at boosting visitor numbers to the Island.

Consumer Affairs issues scam warning

Local businesses have been warned to steer clear of a US company inviting them to become members of a Who's Who-type registry and receive a foreign holiday.

The Office of Consumer Affairs said yesterday that the offer of a free trip to an exotic location in exchange for a membership fee was believed to be a scam.

A spokesman said the office had received information from local businesses who had received unsolicited telephone calls from the New York State-based company. "The company uses the names of other local business owners and prominent residents in the community as an incentive to join," he said. "Consumer Affairs suspects this is not a legitimate company and has requested assistance from the Commissioner of Suffolk County Department of Consumer Affairs and the New York State Assistant Attorney General.

"In the meantime, it is advisable for all companies that receive similar calls not to give out any personal information and financial — credit card — details until this investigation has been completed and it has been determined whether or not it is a legitimate company."

Hands of Love looking for new HQ

Charity worker Fern Wade is looking for a Warwick-based premises to distribute her second-hand clothing.

Ms Wade, of the Hands of Love, has been operating out of skips for several months since having to move out of a Middle Road, Warwick premises after the owner received permission to build a restaurant. Ideally the building would be 600-800 square feet said Ms Wade, who has been helping the homeless and needy for nearly 30 years. And she is willing to pay a modest rent.

Ms Wade said demand for her charity has increased recently with another 30 families wanting help, adding to 500 families and 100 seniors already wanting assistance. She said: "More people want help — especially the unemployed and single-parent families."

Anyone who can help out with premises should call Ms Wade on 333-6789 or 238-2059 (after 6.30 p.m.).

Police warn: Wear your helmet properly

Police are to patrol the Island specifically targeting motorists in contravention of helmet laws.

A spokesperson said yesterday: "The Roads Policing Unit would like to advise the motoring public that officers will be patrolling the Island's roads focusing on helmet offences.

"Anyone riding a motorcycle/auxiliary cycle without a helmet, with the helmet unfastened or improperly fastened will be ticketed."

Golf tournament will raise money for college tours

Golf lovers have the chance to help young students at a charity tournament taking place later this month. Passports to College is holding the event at Belmont Hills Golf Club at 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28.

Participants pay $250 each and can sign up at www.passportstocollege.bm, by calling 295-4640 or emailing info@toatee.bm.