Civilian prison staff to meet with Prescod

Civilian prison staff are hoping to thrash out their grievances with Prison Commissioner John Prescod when they meet again next week.

Union representatives met the Commissioner Tuesday to outline a catalogue of complaints, and they will be put in writing before a further meeting next week with all staff.

Mr. Prescod, who is also facing pressure from prison officers to resolve the over-crowding crisis, appears to want to sort out the problems of civilian staff, said Bermuda Public Service Union deputy general secretary Orin Simmons, who was at the meeting.

Mr. Simmons said case workers were trying to get back-pay, and there were concerns about a lack of job descriptions with some staff being asked to do work for which they were not originally hired. There were also concerns over policy procedures and training, he added.

"We hope to resolve this next week," said Mr. Simmons.

"I am hoping to give Mr. Prescod the benefit of the doubt to resolve these issues before we need to go above him (to Government).

"He seems willing to work with us to get these issues resolved and I get the impression he would like to see some closure on these issues.

"He recognises the issues before him and I think he has enough on his plate with the prison officers that he doesn't want any more stress."

Mr. Prescod did not return a call seeking comment yesterday.

Cut rates at Theme Park today

More than 4,000 people visited the temporary amusement park/fun fair held at the National Stadium last week. But the rides are still here and the park opens to the public again today at 4 p.m.

Organisers DNA Entertainment have also laid on a reduced admission for patrons who come before 6 p.m. today.

The special rate is in effect today only and sees a flat entrance fee of $25. The fee allows patrons to have unlimited turns on the 14 rides and many games at the field until the park closes some time between 10 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.

Organiser Ray Hollis said yesterday that children, families and even lone adults turned out last weekend and utterly enjoyed themselves.

He said that among the 14 rides are a ferris wheel, a kiddie roller-coaster called Dragon Wagon, bouncer cars, a Merry-Go-Round and a 50-foot super slide.

"The superslide has been the biggest attraction," Mr. Hollis said.

Several amusement park type games and lots of amusement park type food items are also available at the National Stadium field.

Locals will have their last chance to enjoy the rides on Sunday.

The fun takes place today, tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday and entrance fees are as follows: $30 for children up to the age of seven years, $35 for children up to the age of 15, and $40 for adults.

The entrance fee entitles all to unlimited turns on all the rides up until closing time. The amusement park takes place at the Bermuda National Stadium's North Field where the annual Rugby Classic is held.

Foul play ruled out in man's death

Police have ruled out foul play in the death of Hamilton Parish man whose body was found on Saturday.

Anthony (Tony) Sherriff, 44, was discovered unconscious outside his Trinity Church Road home and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police yesterday confirmed that Mr. Sherriff died from natural causes.

Home school planned for St. George's

A gospel hall in St. George's will soon be converted to a new home school. Dean Furbert, an elder of the Gospel Hall on Mullet Bay Road, said: "A Christian woman, Deveene Hollis, has asked to use the Gospel Hall for a home school facility."

Ms Hollis plans to use a popular US curriculum called 'The School of Tomorrow Self Instructional Curriculum'.

The site can hold a maximum of 15 students but there are still spaces to be filled, added Mr. Furbert. The plans have been finalised by the Planning Department.

Anyone interested in signing up for the home school programme is asked to call Ms Hollis at 293-7670.

Apartment complex proposed in Warwick

A developer is waiting for final approval from the Planning Department for a proposed five-apartment complex in Warwick.

Gerry and Aletha Wilmot had initially intended to build stables on the five-acre plot on Tribe Road Number 6, but later changed their minds due to the current housing crisis on the Island.

Mr. Wilmot said: "There will be two two-bedroom apartments and three one-bedroom apartments.

"The apartments will only take up one acre of the land, so we are still left with four acres.

"I am hoping that once planning is approved, we should be able to finish building within six months.

"I want them up fast, but I want them done right."

Mr. Wilmot said the properties will look over the Great Sound.

"The views from there a beautiful, tenants will be able to see parts of Dockyard and Hamilton," said Mr. Wilmot.

Television stolen from guest house

Thieves targeted two guest houses recently.

A wallet and items of jewellery were stolen from a guest house room on Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke on Tuesday.

And a 27-inch television was stolen from a Devonshire guest cottage which is under renovation between 10 p.m. on November 28 and 7 a.m. on November 29.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 295-0011.