[naviga:u]No word from Premier on St. Regis[/naviga:u]

PREMIER EWART Brown remains silent about his promise that a five-star St. Regis hotel would be confirmed for Club Med. Dr. Brown had insisted at a Progressive Labour Party meeting on December 5, that within a week and a half, Carl Bazarian of investment firm Bazarian International "will be here to announce that the property is going to be the site of a new St. Regis hotel. If you think it's just talk, just watch and you will see. The agreement has already been signed with respect to the land. They are ironing out a few small details with respect to the brand itself". Contacted this week about the pledge, Dr. Brown remained silent.

Premier says Grand Slam worth millions in advertising

BERMUDA ENJOYED $7 million worth of worldwide coverage during the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, according to Premier Ewart Brown. As explained by Dr. Brown, that is the "media value" UK-based research group Comperio Research placed on the global on-screen graphics, beauty shots and broadcast commentary of the competition. According to the Premier's press secretary Glenn Jones, what that means is it would have cost Bermuda $7 million in advertising fees for the level of coverage it received during the two-day October event, which Bermuda paid $1.5 million to stage. Global viewing figures were not available however Mr. Jones said the Grand Slam aired in more than 100 countries.

Gas prices drop after reaching record high

THE COST OF fuel has dropped after gas prices reached an all-time high last month. On November 26, the maximum retail price jumped 10.2 cents or 5.8 per cent, to $1.85 per litre - making it about 24 cents or 14.9 per cent more than a year ago. Diesel increased at the same time by 10.9 cents to $1.65 per litre, and kerosene 11.7 cents to $1.43 per litre. The Ministry of Finance announced a drop in gas - by 7.7 cents per litre to a top price of $1.77 per lire. Diesel dropped by 3.9 cents to $1.61 per litre and kerosene dropped by 3.7 cents, to $1.39 per litre.

US and Bermuda sign partnership

A NEW EDUCATIONAL and cultural partnership had been formed between Bermuda and the US. The link, called the 'Bermuda Exchange for Mutual Understanding' has been approved by the US State Department following talks between Premier Ewart Brown and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this year. It will bring together leaders from both countries to discuss ideas relating to areas such as public safety and education.

PLP scores a hat trick

THE PROGRESSIVE Labour Party was swept back into power, taking out Opposition leader Michael Dunkley in a virtual carbon copy of the 2003 election result. The party picked up 22 seats, while the UBP won just 14 - losing not only their leader but also big-hitter David Dodwell, who was ousted by newcomer Zane DeSilava by 48 votes in Southampton East Central. The PLP's third win, done with an increased turn-out, gives Premier Ewart Brown a huge mandate for change while the scale of the UBP's degeat casts doubt on its long-term viability. The new group of UBP MPs are expected to pick a leader next week with Patricia Gordon-Pamplin serving as the head of the Opposition in the meantime. Jubilant PLP supporters danced on Court Street and brandished cartons of milk as they poked fun of Mr. Dunkley, the defeated Dunkley's Dairy boss. Said Dr. Brown: "We have work to do. What I have said to the candidates and what I will say to your new Governor, is that we have won the election, now we must execute the agenda."

'We'll rise ready to fight another day'

A SHATTERED Michael Dunkley vowed to rise and "go back to work" to help Bermudians try to bridge the gaps created during seven weeks of the most volatile election campaign the island has seen. "Nasty must work," the defeated former leader of the United Bermuda Party said. "I was confident...obviously it didn't resonate." His defeat to Progressive Labour Party MP Patrice Minors after ten years in Parliament leaves the battered Opposition without a leader.