Bermudian to be new vet A Bermudian now living in the US has been given the nod to become the next Government veterinarian, The Royal Gazette has learned.

It is understood Dr. Jonathan Nesbitt has won the nod to replace Dr. Neil Burnie, who last held the post.

Dr. Nesbitt is a graduate of Tuskegee University in Alabama and is presently engaged in a small-animal practice in New Jersey. He is scheduled to assume his duties here on January 5, 1998.

Since Dr. Burnie's retirement, the post became something of a political hot potato after it was deemed the candidate Government was grooming to take over, Dr. Sussan Smith, had failed on four attempts to pass a US-based licencing exam -- a requirement for the position and a condition of her contract with Personnel Services.

Her contract was terminated in April, prompting supporters of Dr. Smith to conduct a public campaign to have her reinstated.

TRAFFIC SURVEY THIS WEEK, SUR PLN GVT Traffic survey this week The public is reminded that starting tomorrow morning and running through to Thursday, all vehicles other than PTB buses entering the city of Hamilton will be stopped and given a traffic circulation survey form.

Motorists are asked to complete the form and mail it in no later than October 16; no stamp is required and all participants are eligible to win a prize draw of $100, $50, and $25 voucher.

FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH HTH Focus on mental health October 5-11 has been designated as Mental Illness Awareness week, and to commemorate the Bermuda Hospitals Board is planning a week-long celebration.

The BHB kicked things off yesterday morning with a church service at St.

Paul's AME Church, in the City of Hamilton.

Today, Premier Pamela Gordon will officially open Mental Illness Awareness week at St. Brendan's Hospital, reading from a proclamation at 4 p.m. in the Rose Garden.

On Thursday, October 9, St. Brendan's Hospital is sponsoring depression screening day at the Bank of Butterfield's offices on Reid Street. National depression screening day is an educational outreach programme designed to inform the public about the symptoms and existing treatments for depression.

On Saturday, October 11, St. Brendan's Hospital will conduct an open house, with the first tour being led by Deputy Premier Jerome Dill; the tours begin at 11 a.m.

A fair will be held later in the afternoon, with games, food stalls, and entertainment. Festivities kick-off at 3 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Admission is free.

ATTACK ON BUS DRIVER CRM Attack on bus driver Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an attack on a PTB bus driver, Friday afternoon.

The incident took place on North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish, just outside the Telecom Building, as the female bus driver's attention was focused on a departing passenger. As that was happening the assailant rode up beside the bus and threw an Elephant beer bottle at the driver, hitting and shattering her window.

The driver and the interior of the packed bus were showered with broken glass; the driver suffered minor cuts to her leg and no one else was injured.

It is believed the attack may have stemmed from an earlier incident involving the bus driver and a female cycle rider. Police enquiries are continuing.

A 57-year-old Pembroke man was beaten and robbed early yesterday morning while he was sitting at the Washington Street bus terminal.

Police said the victim was approached by a youth who asked if he had any money, and he replied he did not. The youth then asked to see what was in his pocket and the man produced a wallet, which contained only social security and business cards.

The youth examined the contents and returned only the cards. When the victim started walking towards the Hamilton Police station he reported the youth followed and demanded to know where he was going. The youth then summoned five other accomplices who were waiting at the number eight bus stop.

One of the youths pulled out a knife while another kicked him in the face before the victim escaped down Victoria Street to the Police station.