Four motorcyclists hurt in two accidents

Two serious traffic collisions within 20 minutes yesterday resulted in four motorcyclists needing medical treatment.

According to Police, the first crash took place on Spicelands Road, in Warwick, at 6.27 pm when two cycles collided.

Both riders were taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital suffering serious injuries.

Only 20 minutes later, another two cycles collided on Parson's Road, in Devonshire. Again, both riders were taken to hospital suffering what is believed to be serious injuries.

Boaters be careful – warning

This Cup Match weekend, the Department of Marine and Ports is asking boaters to be cautious on the water.

The Department said that speeding or allowing passengers to hang their legs over the front of the boat could easily lead to accidents and injuries.

Boats travelling within 100 metres of land are required to travel no faster than 5 knots, and are advised to be careful of the amount of wake they produce.

Boaters are also advised that motoring at night can make accidents more likely, so everyone on a boat should be wearing a life jacket in case an accident occurs.

All boaters are also reminded that they should avoid travelling within 50 metres of a ship tied up at port or the Hamilton Cargo Docks.

Coordinator of Maritime Safety and Security Scott Simmons said: "Ships and port areas have strict port security protocols in place following 9/11.

"Marine legislature covering this issue dates back to 1996 in Bermuda and is now more important than ever given international security concerns."

All boaters are also advised to stay tuned in to Channel 16 on their VHF radio for weather updates or requests for assistance.

Garbage collection changes

Due to the Cup Match Holiday, garbage pickup will not be running on its normal schedule this week.

According to the Ministry of Works and Engineering, both household waste and recycling will be collected today in the west end of the Island and Saturday in the east end.

The Ministry also reminded the public to be careful about their garbage over the holiday weekend.

A spokesman said: "The Waste Management Section encourages members of the public to take trash and recycling bags with them when enjoying the outdoors at the beach, game, picnicking or boating."

Delegation to attend Commonwealth meeting

A delegation of Government and Opposition politicians are meeting with representatives of nine other nations as part of the 35th Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference.

Dame Jennifer Smith is leading the delegation, which includes David Burch, Neletha Butterfield, Louise Jackson and Jeanne Atherden.

The conference, held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to July 31, is themed "Modernisation of Caribbean Parliaments: Forging the Way Ahead."

Col. Burch said: "We will join an estimated 60 delegates to discuss a range of parliamentary topics.

"We expect this to be a useful visit in the spirit of cross-party cooperation, and we see this as a beneficial learning experience for all."

Among the topics discussed are the role of regional parliaments in solving the problem of crime and youth violence, the idea of parliaments as an autonomous body, and providing a platform for innovative leadership within the parliamentary system.

Sustainable website

The Government's Sustainable Development Unit (SDU) is hoping a new public service announcement (PSA) and a newly enhanced website will help spread their message.

The PSA, broadcasting on CITV, features five local schoolchildren discussing the topic of sustainable development, and what it means to them.

The announcement will not only be available on television, but online at the SDU's new website, www.sdbermuda.bm.

The SDU also launched a new blog, which it hopes will become an online forum for discussion.

Sustainability Development Officer Dr. Nicola O'Leary said: "We released the results of an omnibus survey earlier this year that showed the role of the SDU was not clear to many Bermudians.

"We have since made it a priority to increase our communications, firstly through a dedicated public relations campaign and now with the launch of a new website, blog and PSA.

"These initiatives are intended to inform and engage the public about the importance of the sustainable development agenda."

Advice for drivers

Police are asking drivers to be careful during the Cup Match weekend after more than 60 accidents were reported last week.

Officers responded to a total of 66 collisions last week, 30 of which resulted in injury.

A Police spokesman said: "Those travelling on motorcycles should always fasten their helmets and avoid making a third lane."

In addition to the collisions, seven people were arrested last week on suspicion of driving while impaired.

There were also a number of vehicle thefts, with 18 vehicles reported taken, 11of which were stolen in Pembroke.

Of the 18 vehicles, two have already been recovered.

Jewellery stolen

A burglar stole cash and jewellery from a Smith's Parish home on Monday.

According to Police, the culprit entered the Verdmont home between 8.45 a.m. and 4.10 p.m. that day, while it was unoccupied.

Following the burglary, Police are asking the public to make sure they lock all windows and doors when leaving their homes unattended, even if for a short period of time.