These are the words of St. George's resident, Joya Nelson, who is petitioning Government to construct a new road and bridge linking the East End with the rest of Bermuda.

And she suggests using the old railway trail running through Ferry Reach and Coney Island.

Mrs. Nelson, 53, of Mullet Bay Road said serious efforts must be made to provide the East End with access to life-saving services, access to home, and for all people, access to the airport.

She said: "In as much as the East End is isolated from the rest of the Island and the only means of access in existence are the Longbird Bridge and the Swing Bridge which have a history of getting stuck.

"Some people state that this has always been the case and East Enders have gotten along fine. Well this is incorrect.

"Before Kindley Naval Base closed, East Enders had access to the Naval Hospital in emergency situations until the King Edward Hospital ambulance could come and transport them to the Hospital in Paget.

"Now Government has tabled the naval hospital for demolition.'' Because of that, Mrs. Nelson says a petition has been started asking Government to address East Enders' concerns.

Her petition said: "We the undersigned residents of the East End petition Government to open up an alternative route in and out of the parishes of St.

George's and St. David's. We suggest the use of the old railway trail that runs along upper Wellington through Ferry Reach to Coney Island. In addition, we request the reconstruction of the bridge connecting Ferry Reach to Coney Island or a barge service to ferry over vehicles to Coney Island to access North Shore Road.'' Works and Engineering Minister, Alex Scott said all the engineering processes involved in constructing an alternative route to the East End had been studied by his Ministry.

And he said all indications are that maintaining the Causeway and existing bridges was still the most viable option.

He said: "On the rare occasion that someone needs emergency treatment and the bridges are stuck open...I can guarantee that the bridges will be operational within 40 minutes.'' And Mr. Scott said workers involved in a "rehearsal procedure'' would ensure this was the case, enabling access to the East End for ambulances.

However, Mr. Scott welcomed suggestions and said Mrs. Nelson should forward her petition to the Ministry and they will revisit the files and put the proposals to the heads of departments.

He said: "I am not promising yes, we will do it, but I am promising we will look at it.'' But Mr. Scott indicated the new bridge would lead to an increased maintenance expense as well as inhibiting marine traffic.

Mrs. Nelson outlined three points as justification for this proposal.

She said: "Firstly, boaters are up in arms because Longbird Bridge is closed for the summer.

"Secondly, an alternative road ensures that emergency services can reach people in the east end when there is a life or death situation and that emergency trauma services are available in lieu of Government's refusal to use the Old Naval Hospital Facility.

"Thirdly, an alternative road gives access to heavy vehicles like trucks, cranes and other construction equipment eliminating the all too frequent snapping of overhead utility lines along the roadside that disrupt services for east end residents.'' Mrs. Nelson added: "Some might say that this writer is an alarmist or cross that bridge when you get to it.'' But she requested that focus stay on the singular most important issue at stake, the matter of life and death.

She pleaded not to put dollars before a life and said: "Please don't wait until there is a disaster or someone dies to do something! "No-one else on the Island goes through these inconveniences and citizens have the right to reliable emergency medical treatment.'' Other suggestions included connecting St. David's by bridges running from Tucker's Town to Castle Island, onto Nonsuch Island and then to Cooper's Island.