I think congratulations are in order to Trimingham's and Cooper's this week, for giving us sales that truly were sales. Trimingham's was "mobbed'' last Friday with both locals and visitors, and the comments I heard were indeed very complimentary.

It seems that our retailers have finally gotten the message. Give us sales like that and we won't shop abroad. As an avid fan of such stores as T.J. Maxx and Ross in the States, I think that even they couldn't have matched the prices on Reid Street.

CAROL A. CARVALHO Warwick Tower presents hazard January 28, 1999 Dear Sir, Government has a lot to say: The new Government is grandstanding on the issues of seat belts and zero alcohol tolerance for drivers. They may see fit to impose these safety measures on a reluctant general public. I wonder what research they have done, to justify their enthusiasm, into what difference these measures will actually make? Government has nothing to say: Meanwhile, in Warwick a potential health risk is being imposed on a neighbourhood, which includes a broad cross section of Bermudians from South Shore Road along Dunscombe Road and around into Glenwood Park Crescent. The cellular tower to be built at 22 Faraway is opposed by 99 percent of the residents. A petition with about 100 signatures, at last count, is being circulated. Those who have signed range across the spectrum from Rastafarians though high level executives and non-Bermudian hotel workers to many average black and white Bermudians.

Appeals to relevant Government departments and politicians over a long period as yet have produced no reaction. I wonder what information they have, to justify their apparent apathy, on the long term effects of round the clock exposure to non-ionising microwave radiation at frequencies which result in peak absorption by the watery tissue of the brain? To quote Dr. Neil Cherry, Lincoln University, New Zealand: "Strong claims by industry (cellular) representatives and their consultants that there is no scientific evidence to justify the public's fears is scientifically demonstrably wrong.'' Is this a dynamic, pro-active Government operating behind the scenes, on behalf of the people, in the face of "big business'' pressures? Or has the new Government suffered a collision with cold reality? The opportunity to look and act on this issue remains on offer, not only to Government but also to the large land owners and organisations, including BDC, who have colluded in the siting of this tower.

OTHERS WILL TAKE OVER FROM HERE Warwick Lobster divers must unite January 28, 1999 Dear Sir, I write to enquire whether any licensed amateur lobster divers among your readership are now as concerned as I am to ensure that the Honourable Arthur Hodgson, JP, MP, Minister for Planning and the Environment is properly and fully apprised of our views when considering the extent to which the fishery can be adequately managed to ensure the maintenance of sustainable development of the various catch options presently harvested.

I understand there are 504 licensed divers, the views of whom can unfortunately now only be considered by Government in piecemeal fashion rather than within the context of a fully unified group which we used to most constructively comprise via the Bermuda Amateur Lobster Catchers Association (BALCA).

In view of the above therefore I ask that any licensed diver (or former diver) willing to now reform the Bermuda Amateur Lobster Catchers Association urgently join via the payment of $5 together with the submittal of their address (and e-mail if available) and Government licence number c/o myself at P.O. Box HM 529, Hamilton HMCX.

Concerning this, it is my understanding that a very strong lobby of others in direct opposition to amateur lobster divers' bona fide interests and concerns already exists. As a consequence it would seem now especially urgent for all interested amateur lobster divers to also begin to formulate the most constructive and sustained lobby practicable in readiness for submission of their concerns to the Honourable Arthur Hodgson, JP, MP, and ideally prior to his finalisation of the Green Paper on the Fishery presently being drafted if at all possible.

TED GAUNTLETT Past President Bermuda Amateur Lobster Catchers Association Nurses were first class January 22, 1999 Dear Sir, Please allow me to congratulate the nurses of Curtis Ward at KEMH for their hard work and professional manner. I was recently a patient on Curtis Ward and having not been in hospital in my life, I was very nervous and a bit scared.

I must say that the care that I and my roommate received was nothing but first class. The nurses were very friendly, and eased my fears with their professional manner.

I would especially like to mention nurses, Chris Johnson and Karen Raynor.

Every day they would greet us with a warm smile, check that everything was in order with IV's and asked if we were comfortable. They never left the room without telling us to call if we needed anything and made sure that the call bell was right at our finger tips. Their pleasant personalities and medical skills were a great comfort to me and I am sure that they are the same way with all of their patients. Although I found all of the staff pleasant, I must commend these two because they had a great impact on my stay and recovery in hospital. I would also like to thank Mrs. Yulanne Richardson who is in charge of the ward for maintaining such a wonderful ward and staff.

It was a terrible experience that contributed to my stay in hospital but it was a wonderful feeling knowing that I was in good hands.

OBSERVANT PATIENT Warwick Cabbie no ambassador January 26, 1999 Dear Sir, Through your column, I would like to express my disappointment to the driver of a white taxi for his inconsiderate and dangerous driving habits.

While trying to pass on a narrow road, this person decided to proceed at great speed instead of stopping on an open area on his side of the road causing me to slam on my brakes and drive in the trees to let him pass. I have been driving for about 30 years and I know just as well as he does that this action was done intentionally without just cause. To this driver: Be more courteous to other road users as your profession demands this.

If you cannot be an ambassador for other road users, how can we expect you to be an ambassador for guests to our Island? You probably said to yourself afterwards, hey, I could have pulled over and let that car pass, but too late this time. I hope that this letter serves to remind you and other road users that we all have a right to use the roads so do your part to make it safe.

ROAD WATCHER Warwick Still waiting for service January 25, 1999 Dear Sir, BTC keeps on advertising "We Hear You''. Well I can't hear them and they certainly can't hear me because my phones (two lines) have been out of order since Christmas.

A month before that they were out for a week, and again, a month before that, they were out for ten days, so since Labour Day I have not had a workable phone for any long period of time. I am paying for a service, and I am certainly not getting it, and they have the nerve to tell us they want to double the rates.

If it wasn't for the wind I would send up smoke signals, (if I knew how) maybe they could read my call for service from the roof of their building.

LISTENING FOR A DIAL TONE Pembroke You made a difference January 22, 1999 Dear Sir, We, the Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs of Bermuda recently held our tenth annual Share the Christmas Spirit project.

Francis Patton Primary School choir did a wonderful job in launching this for us in November.

This past season we were able to make up and deliver 305 hampers to the needy families and organisations on our Island.

Without the help and generosity of the general public donating groceries at their local MarketPlace stores, the staff and management of the MarketPlace stores and also local businesses contributing, we would be unable to achieve this.

Our annual in-store tag day was held on November 28, bringing in a total of $2,212.91. With this, we were able to purchase additional food for the hampers. The Leo Clubs (under 18s) from Warwick Academy, Saltus and Bermuda High School, had teams of taggers and handled three stores for this day.

In addition to them tagging, Bermuda High School and Saltus Leo Clubs wrapped all the hamper boxes for us again; a tremendous job! Thanks also go to the staff, pupils and of course the parents of the many schools who participated in collecting dried and tinned food items within their classrooms.

It is very encouraging to see our youth being so involved in helping others less fortunate. From primary school to teenagers, our young people are aware and willing to help by giving a little of their time and thoughts to others.

Well done! Thank you all in Bermuda who made a difference to our Share the Christmas Spirit project being successful.

LIONESS CYNTHIA BELL Eastern Lioness Club