Drivers go the extra mile

June 18, 2005

Dear Sir,

We would like to nominate two employees of the Bermuda Public Transportation Board, Ms Sonia Smith and Ms B.G. Swan, for a Bermuda Sunshine Award. Both of these women went above and beyond in their efforts to assist us on our recent trip. We travelled to Bermuda on Celebrity Cruise Line for the fourth time (since late 2001) in June of 2005. We are avid lighthouse enthusiasts and on previous trips we were unable to tour the St. David's Lighthouse. When on the Bermuda Islands, we utilise the efficient Bermuda transportation system of buses and ferries.

On the day the Horizon was docked in St. George's, Ms Sonia Smith, our first ray of Bermuda sunshine, went out of her way to make the appropriate phone calls concerning the opening days and hours of the lighthouse. Thanks to Ms. Smith's efforts, all of our questions were answered, and we made plans to finally tour the light the next day!

Since our shop was relocating to Hamilton on the following day, we used the bus system to get back to St. David's. While boarding the bus in Hamilton, Ms B.G. Swan came to our rescue. She welcomed on her bus and provided information on the bus connections to the lighthouse, as well as suggestions on spots for refreshments while we waited for that connection.

So, on our fourth trip to the islands, we finally managed to tour the inside of the lighthouse. We were thrilled to finally climb the tower, where we enjoyed breathtaking views. Thanks to the extra efforts of these women our recent trip was even more special, courtesy of our "personalised" excursion.

These women should be commended for their professionalism, kindness, and the extra efforts they exhibited to make our "all too brief" stay enjoyable. Behaviour such as theirs is a direct reflection of the excellence of Bermuda's transportation system. Our sincere thanks is extended to these fine women who showered us with Bermuda sunshine.

MARK & DIANNE HOUGHTALING

Lansdale, Pennsylvania