the newest venture to service the Island's most popular beach.

Mr. Ming is about to start a private shuttle bus service at the Island's principal post-card beach -- Horseshoe Bay.

The bus will shuttle people past the steep drive from South Shore Road to the Southampton Parish beach.

In the planning since late last summer, Mr. Ming said he had hoped to be up and running by now, but plans were held up as the Parks Department decided to provide an area at the main road entrance for him to turn his vehicle around.

Candy Foggo, acting director of the Parks, explained that the Transport Control Department gave Mr. Ming a licence to operate at the beach last year, but there remained a few wrinkles to iron out.

He would be turning around on the grass at the entrance, she explained, adding Parks officials feared this would kill-off the grass and create a muddy eyesore: "We are now working on the area and have put down turf stone, which will support the weight of the vehicle,'' she said.

Saying that most of his customers are cruise ship passengers, Mr. Ming said he saw the need for such a service several years ago.

Charging just a dollar a ride and nothing for children, Mr. Ming said he does not expect to make a killing.

"I offer the shuttle as a public service. I think there's a real need for it.'' The shuttle bus service has no set timetable. It runs whenever people get in it and operates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday. A 12-seater van is used for the task.

Dean Ming is helping some visitors enjoy their day the the beach.