Hey Spam, although the roads here aren't that brilliant for cyclists, given that the speed limit is minimal over here - most of the bikes go faster than the cars anyway.  It's a great training ground for cyclists as it's hilly and guaranteed to keep you fit and there are a LOT of cyclists both serious and those doing it for pure pleasure (uh?? nothing pleasurable in cycling) anyway, i digress, there are plenty that do triathlons here and you'll soon fit in well and meet a lot of very fit people.  I have a few friends that do triathlons and they're always out training.  There are also a lot of runners on the roads here - each morning you see them out - lunch times and you can find some good routes that won't end up playing chicken with your heart!

You'll be fine - seriously - welcome to Bermuda !

i'll do it for $95'000

mind you somehow i'm not sure this is how contracting works, isn't it the more money you want the more the likelihood you are of getting the job?? (or am I missing something here?) 

I think the idea of having some form of ID is based on those people in the construction industry that carry out second jobs - i.e. they're an electrician during the day for one company then do a bit of moonlighting at night to get some extra cash.

I am not totally abhorrent to the idea of ID cards  AS LONG as they replace the current work permit.  My work permit suffers each time i come through immigration and is looking very battered and worn, and let's be honest, a piece of paper doesn't last that long and can't be "Swiped" like a plastic ID card could.  A plastic ID can be kept in the purse/wallet and won't be forgotten when you leave the country!! (been there, seen it done it, got the penalty fee!)

Let's replace the current work permit and include the details of where the holder is entitled to work, the start/finish date of their permit and any other relevant details that are usually included on the piece of paper the expats hold.  Anyone caught working outside of their employers remit would then be dealt with appropriately.

If it doesn't replace the current work permit, then i can see how it can be construed as 'singling out the expats'.  If it does replace the current work permit then i'm not concerned at all, as long as it is carefully thought out and as has been noted, a distinction is made from expat and local - perhaps changing the drivers license to include something along the lines of "Bermudian Status" - most people have driving licenses and for those that haven't well something can be produced for them.

PS - I'm up for a consultancy of no less than US$ 100'000 per annum should Government require further input!!! 

Any coincidence in the fact that that word sounds like "Demi God" ? 

Driving up to St. Georges along Harrington Sound Road tonight and the approach to the road - the one that leads to the swizzle inn just opposite was absolutely covered in gravel, especially the part where you make a turn and opposite is the swizzle inn.  It was really bad.  So much gravel, bikers must be very careful on their approach because it's an accident waiting to happen!  Someone should be responsible for cleaning this mess up.

BMI would be a good service - something that flies from Manchester/Birmingham or even Scotland direct to Bermuda would be great as it's a pain in the derrier to get some of my relatives to fly to Gatwick first to get the connection to Bermuda.  I can see a Midland flight being very very popular and holding it's own.

Ermmmm, excuse me cough cough, i think what EB meant was "We have taxed the residents of Bermuda to a great extent".  As far as i'm aware I pay the same taxes as everyone else living on this island even though i'm not a Bermudian.  Car tax, payroll tax etc., taxes on the goods i purchase on the island and yes,indirectly the annual taxes on homes through my extortionate rents.

Sorry just nitpicking...... 

Wow, what a heart warming story.  Like Obama's grandmother, Helene won't be around to see history made but she sure was a part of it.  Thanks for posting this B++.

funny question that!! ermmm...... As a Brit born and bred I say it takes  a lifetime - now do you mean British accent or Bermudian accent?

Ermmm have you tried elecution lessons?  curious as to why you want to know. 

I would more than happily donate my blood - i used to be a regular donor back in the UK.  Alas, it seems that there is a small risk that i may be contaminated with Mad Cow (AKA BSE?) - My husband would argue that this is already the case! but.......

if there is a shortage of blood, why not take the Brits/Europeans blood in the event that there is nothing else available - it can be marked up - "use as a last resort only".  I know if i was in desperate need of blood, i'd take the one in a million chance it was contaminated over the possiblity of dying.  They have a way of screening for aids now, why can't they screen for BSE?

Come on guys, i'm sure my blood is as good (if not better due to the charge of iron brought about by drinking copious amounts of red wine).  There must be a way i can donate my blood (and get free tea and a biccy afterwards, oooh, and an hour of work??).

Sand - i have to take issue with your sweeping statements of Bermudians.  Not all are as you portray them.  Perhaps you could modify your response to "some" or "few" or "a couple" ?

I know there are Bermudians out there who have issues but I beg to differ that they all think and act the same as you would like to portray.

Just an observation!

Why didn't i think of that!!??   

Hey for those not interested, they only have to hit the "ignore" button, turn the other cheek whatever.........

I personally think you should do a seperate charity bash - might have to book something bigger than city hall though (for the people attending that is!)  Do it and i'll be there with my smackeroonies/dollars - and don't go banning the cameras.

This is a great way to raise money for charity - why not milk it for all you can? (just my two pence worth)

Just had an extra thought - why not go full hog and do a 2009 calendar??!!!! 

Uhm, UE i have a couple of issues with that.............

1.  I won't be at the show - when is the event supposed to occur
2.  You actually kinda did this at the show I was at and then had the "audacity" to have the lights from behind rather than in front - thereby totally blinding those in the audience in order that they couldn't see a thing (assuming of course there was 'things' to see)
3.   Will you be holding a special charity night in order to effect this phenonemon or will it be the last night showing or are you doing an extra show purely for the charity fund raiser?

Answers on a postcard please addressed to "Valentine c/o Bermuda Sucks"

Cheers awfully old chap!