Just brief message to the young fellow: Son, these are real sharks, not some imitation created for Disney world. We local people try to avoid being near to them.

Remember: "A fool and his money are soon parted". Governments have tried to legislate morality on many occasions in many countries and have failed for the most part. People will grasp at straws in a desperate situation which is sad to witness. There is no doubt that the amount of money spent to provide some assistance to these unfortunate people is but a small fraction of the amount raked in from their own gambling activities over the past year.

Keep in mind that all these historical figures referred to in this article were, as everyone is, products of their times. All the wishing, hoping and commenting cannot change history. Get over it.

People commenting here have no comprehension of the law regarding libel and slander. Without such legal protection everyone risks having their reputation sullied by allegations or accusations levied by random persons.

He was detained for not being a Mexican!

Didn't we go through this years ago when there were demonstrations on Bay Street? The National Service Bill was not passed at that time and slipped quietly into the twilight. Now we hear of it again. Certainly I understand that there are a lot of young people out there who have little chance of gainful employment. Thus, the idea of National Service comes out of the filing cabinet. Perhaps the government of the day will be more successful this time around but any such program will prove to be only a stop gap measure in the face of a relentless increase in population and delinquent behaviour. Politicians do not discuss the problems generated by population increase, especially in a small country with very limited natural resources and employment opportunities. There have been successful implementations of National Service programs in a number of countries but the objectives and costs of the plan must be carefully planned with the general public consulted in good faith.

Different year, same complaint. How is it that the locals don't understand that these people who violate the regulations do so because they are aware that they can get away with actions here that they would be arrested for in their own country? In the early years of our independence there were a number of stressful incidents involving the Police Marine Division and Cuban- American poachers operating out of Miami. At night on the Great Bahama Bank between Mackie Shoal and North Rock the fishing boats were lit up like Christmas trees. Only after several serious incidents did this level of poaching decrease. Without strict enforcement there will be a continuing problem with violators. Enforcement costs money and that means increased taxes.

For those of you too young to remember: the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team put on a show above New Providence in July 1973. This appearance of a military vessel is disquieting especially as we watch the world dividing more visibly into two opposing camps. Perhaps this action is a reminder of the proximity of the leader of one of the two opposing associations of nations. Had we been located more closely to a prominent member of the opposing association of nations it is entirely possible that the visiting vessel would be flying a very different flag.

All these problems in spite of miles and miles of tall new support poles for power lines along the length of the main highway. Sure looks impressive but power is off whenever there is a thunderstorm passing near to the Wilson City power plant. Is the peak demand excessive or are we dealing with maintenance issues?

I was under the impression that pit bulls are tough but this is whole new level!