response of the Electrical Section of his Ministry after it installed new lighting on Pitts Bay Road to improve security.

Mr. Scott said that the community in the area, which includes several major guest houses and the Princess Hotel, had expressed concern recently following a spate of handbag snatches. As a result the Minister decided to begin installing the lights earlier than at first planned.

The Ministry set aside $75,000 for the lights to be installed between Bermudiana Road and Rosemont Guest House, and as well as improved lighting measures, the Bermuda Police have increased patrols in the area, making it safer for Bermudians and tourists alike.

Mr. Scott said that after the Princess group alerted Government to concerns raised by their guests, the installation of lights became a top priority for his Ministry.

The Pearman Watlington Group had already chosen a particular lighting fixture to better illuminate their property, and the Ministry chose the same fixtures to ensure aesthetic continuity.

In addition, the Ministry's Electrical Section consulted with ACE and XL technical advisors to ensure that the lighting solution used would be complimentary to lights they will install on their development.

Mr. Scott pointed out that this cooperation would lead to a coordinated and comprehensive lighting solution for the Pitts Bay Road thoroughfare.

And Mr. Scott said he hoped that the lighting improvements would lead to a significant reduction of the incidents that gave rise to the initial concerns.