AS Bermuda continued the battle to get back on its feet after the suffering the ravages of Hurricane Fabian, Premier Alex Scott yesterday appealed to people to remember the second anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Nearly 3,000 people died in the suicide airliner attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington in 2001.

In a written statement on the attack on the Twin Towers, Premier Scott said: "The carnage was unforgettable and both buildings were reduced to dust and rubble. The loss of life and the broader effects of this tragedy are still with us and will continue to be for some time.

"Our thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with all of the families whose lives were altered forever by this tragedy. This is not a happy time for them and our deepest and most heart-felt sympathies extend to each of them.

"It is easy, given our own recent experience, to be consumed with our own sense of loss. However, we are part of a global community and where one country suffers a loss that is our loss as well.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, I would like to extend our condolences and best wishes to the grieving families who will face this second anniversary and have to relive one of the darkest moments of their lives.

"It must be remembered that Bermuda was not unscathed in this tragedy. Members of our own community who had relatives and colleagues who worked in the World Trade Centre buildings are also experiencing a sense of loss.

"Let us take a quiet moment and say a quiet prayer for each of them."

4 See also message to Bermuda from US Consul General Denis Coleman on page 27