Tracking sharks across the sea
Research on sharks tagged in Bermuda suggests they could be using sophisticated “mental maps” to roam the ocean, swimming huge distances between their favourite spots. A location map of the 30 sharks tagged on Challenger Banks over the past three years shows pin-points scattered across the western Atlantic.
Tourist dies after diving
Hartley's Helmet Diving had its licence temporarily suspended by the Department of Marine and Ports after an 52-year-old cruise ship passenger died from a heart attack.
New regulations require Hartley’s to have a more stringent medical screening process.
Education and golf staff axed
Thirty teaching assistants were cut and 12 positions from the Ocean View and Port Royal Golf courses were axed as Government trimmed costs. The 30 teaching positions were estimated to save the Education Department $1.35 million. Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said the 30 paraprofessionals were “surplus” to what was needed.
Water shortage has truckers scrambling
With rainfall levels being about 50 per cent below normal, Bermuda’s water truckers were working around the clock to keep up with the demand. At one point the island had received 13.2 inches of rainfall compared to 25.24 inches. Truckers reported a 50 per cent in rise in calls and difficulty in making deliveries due to the Port Royal water station closing early and the North Shore station being closed.
Anguish over being fired
As job losses mounted, workers told the Bermuda Sun of being humiliated as they were escorted from their desks “like criminals” and escorted from their buildings by security. Bermuda Public Service Union president Kevin Grant urged employers to handle redundancies with “dignity and respect.
Boldens not guilty of theft
David and Antionette Bolden broke down in tears after they were cleared of stealing more than $250,000 from Emerald Capital International. They were also cleared of money laundering.
Power of love helps Jeff heal
Jeff Johnston and his fiancee Stephanie Outerbridge arrived back in Bermuda ten months after he was nearly killed in a kite-boarding accident.
Mr Johnston suffered serious brain damage and had been receiving extensive treatment in the US since the accident with Miss Outerbridge faithfully by his side.
Miss Bermuda is crowned
Jana Outerbridge, representing St George’s East, won the Miss Bermuda Pageant at the Fairmont Southampton Resort over 14 other contestants. She encouraged others never give up as she got a GED and went on to university to earn a degree.
Year in Review 2011