Airport security mediation talks

Mediation talks could stave off threatened action by Bermuda Security Group staff at the Airport.

Bermuda Industrial Union leader Derrick Burgess said pay talks had taken a long time to complete but were nearing the final stages and could be ratified today.

Around 50 security staff are contracted to provide passenger and baggage screening and other duties at the Airport.

He said: “I am hopeful things can be resolved.”

Police continue search for twins

The $10,000 reward is still on the table as Police continue the search for the missing Cooper twins.

Jahmal and Jahmil Cooper were last seen at a Crown Hill, Devonshire residence in the early hours of Sunday, March 13, 2005. Police are appealing for anyone with any information on the twins to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 299-4239 or call the confidential Crimestoppers Hotline on 1-800-623-8477.

Judd resigns from Tourism Department

The communications manager at the Department of Tourism resigned last week following a supposed disagreement with overseas consultants.

Government spokesperson for the Department of Tourism, Nea Talbot confirmed that Kerry Judd had resigned, but added that her resignation was an “internal matter” and would not comment on the reasons for the resignation.

Ms Judd had been with the Department of Tourism for three years.

Williams not vying to replace King

Lawyer Justin Williams confirmed this week that he was not vying to replace Edward King as magistrate.

Mr. Williams said he had a busy private practice, but added he would continue accepting positions as acting magistrate when invited - as he has done for the past seven years.

Mr. King officially retired on Friday and a rotation schedule has been worked out to fill the position until later this month when the Governor is expected to announce a permanent replacement.

However, the rumour mill continues to work overtime and The Royal Gazette understands that two permanent positions will be filled.

It's understood that Crown prosecutor Juan Wolffe is currently the leading contender to fill one of the two vacancies, while Acting Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo will fill a position left vacant by William Francis.

New CEO sought by Hospitals Board

The Bermuda Hospitals Board is now actively recruiting for a new CEO in preparation for the planned retirement of current head Joan Dillas-Wright.

Mrs. Dillas-Wright is to retire in December - after what BHB chairman Jonathan Brewin described as two years of considerable progress in the hospital system with her at the helm.

“Mrs. Dillas-Wright is providing vision and leadership to the Bermuda Hospitals Board and will continue to do so until the end of her term,” he said.

“We are extremely pleased with the progress she has made and continues to make at the hospitals and are looking for a candidate who will build on these successes.”

The BHB succession committee is responsible for running the recruitment process, with the successful candidate requiring the skills and the experience to provide further strategic vision to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and St. Brendan's.