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Articles by Paul Johnston
‘It’s a miracle’: Victim of Westside drive-by shooting defies the odds
Quick Take Following a Westside Santa Cruz drive-by shooting in mid-November, the two victims, Merrill Roberts and Richard Brookes, have returned home, where they continue their recovery. Oceanside resident Roberts said it is a “miracle” that he is not dead or paralyzed. Merrill Roberts says he’s grateful to be alive and not paralyzed after he was one of two innocent bystanders injured in a drive-by shooting on Santa Cruz’s Westside last month.
Vale Bevan Rees 1943-2024
Educated in Launceston, Bevan lost interest in a degree in mathematics and drifted into engineering, only for a career diversion into architecture in the office of Philp Lighton Floyd and Beattie while completing studies at the Hobart Technical College in 1968. Under the influence of Alan Floyd, he would design the Motors Pty Ltd showroom, which would receive a Tasmanian RAIA Triennial Award in 1971.
RESTAURANT REVIEW | Karma Indian Food in West Kirby
One of the dangers of visiting a restaurant that is an old favourite is that you end up sticking to the same dishes every time, a bit like wearing a pair of comfortable slippers that you can’t bear to part with. Worse still, when it comes to Indian food, my staples tend to be mild dishes such as a tikka masala and (reader, I am hanging my head in shame right now) a korma. This was weighing on my mind as a pal and I headed to Karma to sample the new dishes they have just added to their menu.
West Kirby School and College scoops gold award
West Kirby School and College has been recognised with a national award for their work to support young people who have faced adversity through trauma and attachment challenges. The school, based on Meols Drive, has been awarded a Gold Level Attachment and Trauma Sensitive Schools Award (ATSSA). It recognises the school as a “beacon of best practice” in supporting young people who have experienced adversity to heal, thrive, play, and learn.
New plan to revive historic Kingsmead School
A plan to reopen Kingsmead School in Hoylake has been announced, three years after it shut down. The Bertram Drive site closed in 2020 after a rescue bid by parents, staff, alumni and supporters failed, leaving the parents of 130 pupils, many with special educational needs, scrambling to find an alternative. Discussions to find the best way to develop the school’s 116 year legacy have been ongoing ever since.
Wirral West MP to step down at the general election
Wirral West MP Margaret Greenwood has announced she is to stand down at the next general election. She was elected in 2015 after beating incumbent Conservative MP Esther McVey by less than 500 votes. The 64 year-old increased her majority to over 3,000 at the 2019 poll, but has decided not to contest the 2024 election. During her time in parliament she has acted as Shadow Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, and shadow minister for schools.
Calday swimming pool improvements planned
Plans have been submitted to improve the facilities at Calday swimming pool. The pool, which dates back 100 years and was originally an outdoor facility and used by pupils at the nearby Calday Grange Grammar School, has been run as a community facility since pool users took it on a long term lease from the school in 1996.
20 mph hour speed limit set to be introduced across West Kirby
Wirral Council is set to introduce a 20 miles per hour speed limit across West Kirby. It is one of 15 zones in the borough that are predominantly residential, retail, or educational that will be targeted by the measure in phase one of the scheme. It will cost £350,000 to implement – with the funding coming from the government via Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, rather than the council.
Victim Care Merseyside hub launched by Police Commissioner
A new service designed to provide enhanced care and support for all victims of crime in Merseyside has been launched. The Victim Care Merseyside hub provides free, confidential, non-judgemental advice and support for all victims of crime, no matter when the incident happened or whether it was reported to the police or not.
Beauty salon falls victim to impact of Covid
A popular West Kirby beauty salon has closed its doors for good due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Positive Touch on Grange Road reopened in April when restrictions began to be lifted, but has now shut down permanently. In a heartfelt statement posted on the company website last Sunday, owner Laura Weston said they have “no reserves in the tank to carry on”. She wrote: “Today is a very sad day as, 1 day before so called ‘Freedom day’, we have closed our doors for the last time.
Vale Dirk Bolt, 1930-2020
Dirk Bolt passed away peacefully on 13, 2020 December, in Aberfeldy, Scotland. A fellow of all three built environment professions, (architecture, planning and landscape, few in our architectural community could include five works in their career that have been recognized by the Australian Institute of Architects Award for Enduring Architecture; all completed in the early period of his career in both Hobart and Canberra. Bolt’s life as an architect and planner, however, extended across continents.
Beasley sworn in at Regiment
Paul Johnston Published Jun 2, 2020 at 10:00 am (Updated Jun 2, 2020 at 10:00 am) Gunning for success: The RBRs new CO Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Beasley with Governor John Rankin after he was sworn in at Government House (Photograph supplied) RBR family: Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Beasley and wife Kirsten at Government House (Photograph supplied) Governor John Rankin hands over the sword of command to the RBRs new Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Ben Beasley (Photograph supplied)...
Trump appointee sparks US Consulate protest
Paul Johnston Published Jun 2, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated Jun 2, 2020 at 8:03 am) Protest Reject Rizzuto: protesters are outraged at the appointment of Lee Rizzuto Jr and racial injustice in the US, highlighted by the killing of George Floyd (Photograph by Akil Simmons) Message to America: protesters gather outside the US Consulate in the wake of global outrage at the killing of George Floyd (Photograph by Akil Simmons) Message to America: protesters gather outside the US Consulate in the wake...
Corbishley 'appalled, saddened' by Floyd killing
Paul Johnston Published Jun 2, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated Jun 2, 2020 at 8:03 am) Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Bermudas Commissioner of Police said he was appalled and saddened by the killing of a black man by a police officer in the United States. Stephen Corbishley posted the from the heart message on Facebook during the weekend about the killing of George Floyd by Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin last Monday.
Corbishley 'appalled' by Floyd killing
Paul Johnston Published Jun 1, 2020 at 2:15 pm (Updated Jun 1, 2020 at 2:15 pm) Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Bermudas Commissioner of Police said he was appalled and saddened by the killing of a black man by a police officer in the United States. Stephen Corbishley posted the from the heart message on Facebook yesterday about the killing of George Floyd by Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin last Monday.
Rizzuto protest planned for today
Paul Johnston Published Jun 1, 2020 at 12:13 pm (Updated Jun 1, 2020 at 12:16 pm) Lee Rizzuto Jr A protest over the appointment of a controversial beauty products tycoon will take place today outside the United States Consulate. A flyer headlined We Take Action said that people would gather at the Arboretum beginning at 2pm to make signs and sign a petition. Protesters would head to the Consulate, on Middle Road, at 5pm. The flyer encouraged participants to wear a face mask and social distance.
Huge relief for Bermudian stranded in Canada
Paul Johnston Published May 29, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 29, 2020 at 7:46 am) Private assistance: Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) A Bermudian student who was stranded in Canada said yesterday that news he would be able to return home was a huge relief.
Two arrested after Rubis station armed robbery
Paul Johnston Published May 29, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 29, 2020 at 8:01 am) Rubis Robbery Photograph by Akil Simmons Photograph by Akil Simmons Two men were arrested yesterday in connection with a lunchtime armed robbery at a petrol station. A police spokesman said one man was taken into custody just after the 12.45pm robbery at the Rubis gas station on St Johns Road, Pembroke, and the other at about 5pm in the Inghams Vale area of Pembroke.
Two arrested after gas station armed robbery
Paul Johnston Published May 28, 2020 at 1:42 pm (Updated May 28, 2020 at 8:26 pm) Rubis Robbery Photograph by Akil Simmons Photograph by Akil Simmons Two men were today arrested in connection with a lunchtime armed robbery at a gas station. A police spokesman said one man was taken into custody shortly after the 12.45pm robbery at the Rubis gas station on St Johns Road, Pembroke. and the other just before 5pm in the Inghams Vale area of Pembroke.
Arrest after armed robbery at gas station
Paul Johnston Published May 28, 2020 at 1:42 pm (Updated May 28, 2020 at 5:21 pm) Rubis Robbery Photograph by Akil Simmons Photograph by Akil Simmons A suspect is in custody after police launched a hunt for two men on a motorcycle, in the wake of an armed robbery at a gas station this afternoon. The pair stole an unknown amount of cash from the Rubis station on St Johns Road, Pembroke. Assistant Commissioner of Police Antoine Daniels said: They had what was suspected to be a firearm.
Armed robbery at gas station
Paul Johnston Published May 28, 2020 at 1:42 pm (Updated May 28, 2020 at 1:47 pm) Photograph by Akil Simmons Police are searching for a pair on a motorcycle after a suspected armed robbery at a gas station this afternoon. The suspects stole an unknown amount of cash from the Rubis station on St Johns Road, Pembroke, at about 12.45pm. Assistant Commissioner Antoine Daniels said that two men rode up to the station. He added: They had what was suspected to be a firearm.
Senate warning to stay on guard for virus
Paul Johnston Published May 28, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 28, 2020 at 7:05 am) This is serious: Opposition senator Jarion Richardson The public are not taking the dire consequences of failure to stick to Covid-19 rules seriously enough, an Opposition senator said yesterday. Jarion Richardson warned that not enough attention was being paid to the mounting death toll by the pandemic. He added: These are mothers and fathers, and sons and daughters, cousins.
One daycare cleared to reopen, four more apply
Paul Johnston Published May 27, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 27, 2020 at 7:26 am) Happy days are here again: youngsters from the Happy Valley Child Care Centre in Pembroke enjoy HVCCC Rocks, held at the Shelly Bay car park, where parents of children at the government-run daycare centre could drive their children to say hello to friends and pick up a variety of goodies (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Only one daycare centre has been given the green light to reopen, the Government said yesterday.
Search for Chavelle: murder arrest made
Paul Johnston Published May 25, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 25, 2020 at 8:00 am) police press conference Significant progress: Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Missing person Chavelle Dillon-Burgess (Photograph supplied) A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murdering Chavelle Dillon-Burgess over the weekend.
Five new Covid-19 cases confirmed
Paul Johnston Published May 25, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 25, 2020 at 8:00 am) Graphic by Christina White Graphic by Christina White Five new cases of Covid-19 were among 229 test results that came back on Saturday, the health ministry said. A spokeswoman for the ministry said that the total number of confirmed cases stood at 133. She added there were 43 active cases of the disease.
Motorcycle pair shoot at group in Hamilton
Street scene: police cordon off the area of the shooting on Saturday night *Photograph courtesy of the Bermuda Police Service) Photograph by Blaire Simmons Photograph by Paul Johnston Two men on a motorcycle fired gunshots at a group of people in Hamilton on Saturday night. Police said no one appeared to be injured in the incident in the area of Court Street and Elliott Street at about 9.20pm.
Shooting in Hamilton
Paul Johnston Published May 23, 2020 at 11:19 pm (Updated May 23, 2020 at 11:20 pm) Photograph from the Bermuda Police Service Photograph by Paul Johnston Two men on a motorcycle fired gunshots at a group of people in Hamilton this evening. Police said nobody appeared to be injured in the incident on Court Street at about 9.20pm.
Five new Covid-19 cases, total now 133
Paul Johnston Published May 23, 2020 at 7:09 pm (Updated May 23, 2020 at 7:13 pm) Graphic by Christina White Graphic by Christina White A total of five new cases of Covid-19 were among 229 test results that came back today, the health ministry said tonight. The total number of confirmed cases of the disease now stands at 133, including 43 active cases. Seven people are being treated in hospital, including two in critical care, and 36 cases are being monitored at home by public health officials.
House: Bermuda Plan delayed 12 months
Paul Johnston Published May 23, 2020 at 3:05 pm (Updated May 23, 2020 at 3:05 pm) Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier (File photograph) The Covid-19 pandemic has made island residents more focused on Bermudas environment, the Deputy Premier said yesterday.
Murder arrest in missing woman case
Paul Johnston Published May 23, 2020 at 11:56 am (Updated May 23, 2020 at 2:45 pm) police press conference Grave admission: Stephen Corbishley, the Commissioner of Police, acknowledges that the disappearance of Chavelle Dillon-Burgess is being treated as a murder investigation. A 39-year-old man has been taken into custody (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Presumed murdered: Chavelle Dillon-Burgess A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Chavelle Dillon-Burgess.
Saliva tests could be introduced within weeks
Paul Johnston, Fiona McWhirter Published May 23, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 23, 2020 at 7:37 am) Saliva tests for Covid-19 could be introduced in the next few weeks, MPs heard yesterday. David Burt, the Premier, said that he hoped the procedure less complicated than present methods would be operational as quickly as possible. He told a virtual sitting of the House of Assembly that the new tests were discussed at a health advisory council meeting on Thursday.
Coastguard rescues Polish sailor
Paul Johnston Published May 22, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 22, 2020 at 8:00 am) Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security (Photograph by Akil Simmons) A Bermuda Coastguard crew rescued a solo sailor whose boat started to take on water on the high seas. The Polish skipper of the 36ft ketch SV Hobo Girl was towed to safety by the coastguard after he was spotted five nautical miles southeast of the island.
'It's going to be a 15-month off-season'
Paul Johnston Published May 22, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 22, 2020 at 7:14 am) Welcome to Phase 2 Signs of life: Reid Street returns to bustling activity on the opening day of Phase 2 of the reopening of the economy (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Step lively: residents flock to Hamilton First day of Phase 2 shows a busy Reid Street as locals take advantage of the reopening of the islands economy (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) First day of Phase 2 shows a busy Reid Street as locals take...
Phase 2: caution still the buzzword for Burt
Paul Johnston Published May 21, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 21, 2020 at 8:03 am) Press conference Setting an example: David Burt, the Premier, told the regular Covid-19 press conference yesterday, May 20, 2020 that ministers had agreed to a 15 per cent pay cut and legislation will be tabled today giving members of parliament a one-year 12½ per cent pay cut.
Rabain: planning key to reopening schools
Paul Johnston Published May 21, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 21, 2020 at 7:03 am) Adhering to guidelines: Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said physical-distancing and the use of many safety and health protocols would be required when schools were given the go ahead to reopen by the health ministry (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Plans to reopen public schools can be successful if prevention measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 are in place, an infectious disease expert said...
No new Covid-19 cases from 156 tests
Paul Johnston Published May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am) Graphic by Christina White Graphic by Christina White No new cases of Covid-19 were found in the last set of test results returned yesterday, the health ministry said. A total of 156 test results were received, all of which were clear of the novel coronavirus. A health ministry spokeswoman said that the total confirmed number of cases remained at 125.
Gibbons executive hits out at restrictions
Paul Johnston Published May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 20, 2020 at 7:37 am) Not a happy camper: Paula Clarke, Gibbons Company chief executive A rule to limit retail business customers to certain shopping days was criticised by a leading sector figure yesterday. Paula Clarke, the chief executive of Gibbons Company, said the requirement that customers could only shop on the same designated days they were allowed to grocery shop didnt really make a lot of sense.
Separation enforced at bus terminal
Paul Johnston Published May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am) Physical-distancing measures will be in place when buses return to the roads today, the Government confirmed. A spokesman for the transport ministry said passenger capacity on buses has been reduced.
Princess Street stabbing victim named
Paul Johnston Published May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 20, 2020 at 8:00 am) Murder victim: Henry Santucci Sealed off: police examine the scene of a fatal stabbing on Princess Street, Hamilton on Saturday night (Photograph by Jonathan Bell) A 60-year-old man stabbed to death on Saturday night has been identified by police. Henry Santucci was found facedown and unconscious on Princess Street, near the junction with Angle Street, at about 8pm.
Distancing steps to be taken at bus terminal
Paul Johnston Published May 19, 2020 at 10:03 pm (Updated May 19, 2020 at 10:04 pm) Physical distancing measures will be in place when buses return to the roads tomorrow, the Government confirmed tonight. A spokesman for the transport ministry said passenger capacity on buses has been reduced.
Covid-19: No new confirmed cases
Paul Johnston Published May 19, 2020 at 6:15 pm (Updated May 19, 2020 at 6:15 pm) No new cases of Covid-19 were found in the last set of test results returned today, the health ministry said. A total of 156 test results were received, all of which were clear. A spokeswoman said the total confirmed number of cases remained at 125. There are 38 active cases, of which 34 are under public health monitoring. A total of four people are being treated in hospital, two of which are in critical care.
Stabbing victim named
Paul Johnston Published May 19, 2020 at 4:54 pm (Updated May 19, 2020 at 4:54 pm) Sealed off: police examine the scene of a fatal stabbing on Princess Street, Hamilton on Saturday night (Photograph by Jonathan Bell) A 60-year-old man stabbed to death on Saturday night has been identified by police. Henry Santucci was found facedown and unconscious on Princess Street, near the junction with Angle Street, at about 8pm.
Burt calls for vigilance heading into Phase 2
Paul Johnston Published May 19, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 19, 2020 at 8:08 am) Press conference David Burt, the Premier, at the press conference last night (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, at the press conference last night (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, at the press conference last night (Photograph by Blaire Simmons) Graphic from the Bermuda Government Graphic by Christina White Graphic by Christina White...
School survey called misleading
Paul Johnston Published May 18, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 18, 2020 at 6:49 am) Parents of public-school pupils should have been given more information on proposed health precautions as part of a plan to reopen schools, two mothers said.
Man stabbed to death in Hamilton
Paul Johnston Published May 18, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 18, 2020 at 8:00 am) Sealed off: police examine the scene of a stabbing on Princess Street, in Hamilton (Photograph by Jonathan Bell) A woman relived her shock yesterday after she found a man she had been trying to locate lying on a street with a knife wound as paramedics battled to save his life. RoseAnn Edwards, a Corporation of Hamilton councillor, said the discovery on Princess Street, Hamilton, had left her devastated.
BHB: medical care travelling 'problematic'
Paul Johnston Published May 16, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 16, 2020 at 7:00 am) A man in need of an operation that can be done overseas only said yesterday he feared he may lose a limb because of Covid-19 travel restrictions. He said: Theres a time limit or Im going to end up losing my leg. But the man said that he had been told by the Bermuda Hospitals Boards medical concierge service that he was not eligible for a medevac flight.
Bus terminal resurfaced and ready
Paul Johnston Published May 15, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 15, 2020 at 8:41 am) Smooth operators: workers take advantage of the present situation and resurface Hamilton bus terminal (Photograph by Hans Tuenter) Workers perform resurfacing work at the Hamilton bus terminal on May 9 (Photograph by Hans Tuenter) Resurfacing work at the Hamilton bus terminal last weekend cost more than $95,000.
Traffic diversions caused by fallen pole
Downed power lines block North Shore Road, in Hamilton Parish (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Firms lend computers to students
Paul Johnston Published May 14, 2020 at 8:00 am (Updated May 14, 2020 at 7:40 am) Extremely grateful: Becky Ausenda, the executive director of the Bermuda Education Network Pupils at public primary schools will be lent computers to help them learn during the Covid-19 crisis as part of a link-up between an education organisation and the business world.
Traffic diversions caused by downed wires
Downed power lines block North Shore Road, in Hamilton Parish (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
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