Huge blow to cruise trade
In the second on what would prove to be three successive blows to tourism, the Bermuda Sun revealed that Holland America would pull the plug on its visits to Bermuda in 2013. The Veendam, pictured here on Front Street for Harbour Nights, made 24 visits from New York to the island this year.
The move came just weeks after we revealed that Carnival Cruise Lines would be slashing its visits from 16 to four. By the end of November a third line, Princess Cruises, would announce similar cutbacks.
Sign of the times
We revealed that children are going to school with empty lunch boxes as parents struggle to cope with the recession. Volunteers help out by serving meals at schools, including Victor Scott Primary.
OBA scores first win
The OBA’s Craig Cannonier romped home in a Devonshire South Central by-election to become the Leader of the Opposition.
He drew 504 votes compared to the 75 garnered by the PLP’s Anthony Richardson and 29 cast for Independent David Sullivan. The seat was previously held by John Barritt and had been a UBP stronghold.
Bone marrow appeal
The family of former national team footballer Malcolm Lewis launched a public appeal to find a match that would enable him to have a bone marrow transplant.
Mr Lewis has leukaemia and was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Boston.
Flying the flag for Bermuda
Millions of TV viewers around the world saw Miss Bermuda Jana Outerbridge vie for the crown of Miss World. Her parents Gregory and Glenda flew to London for the glittering ceremony, where they saw Miss Venezuela take the crown. Runners-up up were Miss Philippines and Miss Puerto Rico.
Roban out
Walter Roban quit Cabinet in a row over planning applications by two Cabinet colleagues. He said he didn’t want the Government to be hurt by the heavy criticism of his actions.
‘Sorry’ for racist past
Bermuda’s Methodist church apologized for its segregated past.
Wesleyan Methodist synod chairman David Atwood made the apology as the church rededicated a plaque in St George’s saluting James Stephenson, pictured, who was jailed 200 years ago for refusing to stop preaching to slaves.
The church admitted that in the past it had fallen short of his example.
Gambling poll mulled
Goverment’s legislative plans were outlined in the annual Throne Speech.
A referendum on casinos was among the ideas floated; others included a softer approach to minor drug offences, a harder line on drink driving and a one-stop job centre to help get people back to work.
The Government, led by Paula Cox, pictured, also promised measures to liven the tourism product and a loosening of rules to give foreign job creators more stability on the island.
Year in Review 2011