HAMILTON, BERMUDA, Sept. 10, 2003 – The Bermudian spirit is alive and well as the island recovers from Hurricane Fabian, the strongest storm to hit the island in nearly 50 years. Immediately after the storm passed the island emergency crews and ordinary citizens went to work on cleaning up the island.

The Bermuda Government is continuing its efforts to return the island normalcy. Crews are continuing their efforts to restore power to the island. As of today they have restored power to over 16,000 homes. Additional crews arrived on the island on Tuesday, September 9th to assist BELCO with their efforts. Telephone service to the island was restored on Saturday, September 6th .

Work to repair the Causeway – the road connecting the airport and St. George’s to the main island - are still underway. The causeway opened to controlled one way traffic during daylight hours on Monday, September 10. This will result in a longer travel time to and from the Bermuda International Airport. Repair work to The Causeway are being conducted during the night time hours.

The Bermuda International Airport was damaged as a result of Hurricane Fabian. The airport opened for commercial use on Monday, September 8 on a limited basis, and during day light hours only. The following airlines are currently flying to Bermuda – Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, and US Airways. Consumers are advised to call their airlines for flight information. Due to damage to the Departure Lounge at the Bermuda International Airport US Customs and Clearance will take place in the United States. American Airlines, Continental and US Airways have instituted flexible cancellation policies as a result of Hurricane Fabian. For more information on these policies please contact the airlines directly or visit their web sites.

The following flights have been canceled until further notice:

American Airlines flight 1443 from New York (JFK) to Bermuda
American Airlines flight 415 from Bermuda to New York (JFK)
US Airways flight 950 from New York (LaGuardia) to Bermuda
US Airways flight 1015 from Bermuda to New York (LaGuardia)
US Airways flight 981 from Washington DC to Bermuda
US Airways flight 235 from Bermuda to Washington DC
Several of the island’s hotels and guesthouses have reported damage. Currently the following hotels have reported damage and are temporarily closed. Reopening dates are estimates and are subject to revisions:

Ariel Sands – Expected reopening September 22, 2003
Blue Horizons – Will reopen as soon as power is restored
Clearview Suites – Will reopen as soon as power is restored
The Fairmont Southampton – Expected to reopen November 1, 2003
Horizons – Expected reopening September 20, 2003
Marley Beach Club
Mid Ocean Club – Expected reopening September 19
Sonesta Beach Resort – Expected reopening May 1, 2004
Pink Beach Club – Expected reopening March 15, 2003

The following properties have reported that they have sustained some damage and are open, but are not currently accepting new reservations:

Fairmont Hamilton Princess – Accepting reservations after September 22

The following properties have reported they have sustained some damage, have electricity, remain open, and are currently accepting reservations:

Brightside Guest Apartments
Cambridge Beaches
Clairfront Apartments
Coco Reef (Stonington Beach Hotel)
Coral Beach Club
Elbow Beach Hotel
Fourways Inn
Grape Bay Beach Hotel
Green’s Guest House
Grotto Bay Beach Hotel
Harmony Club
Ocean Terrace
Oxford House
Paraquet
Pompano Beach Club
Robin’s Nest
Rosedon
Surf Side Beach
St. George’s Club
Syl Den
Waterloo House
Willowbank

The following properties have reported that they have sustained some damage, are currently without electricity, but remain open:

Astwood Cove
Dawkins Manor
Edgehill Manor
Erith House
Fordham Hall
Greenbanks Guest Cottage
La Casa Del Masa
Little Pomander

The following properties have no damage, are open, but are currently without electricity:

Salt Kettle
Sandpiper
Valley Cottage
Vienna Guest Apartments

The following properties have reported that they did not receive any damage as a result of Hurricane Fabian and are currently open:

Royal Palms Hotel
Rosemont
Soundview
Wharf Executive Suites

Those parties with questions on their accommodations at Bermuda hotels and guest properties should contact the properties directly.

Cruise calls to the island were postponed for this week and cruise passengers should check with their cruise line to confirm future sailing dates and itineraries. A decision on cruise calls to the island for next week will be determined by Thursday, September 11.

The island is working on restoring public transportation to the island. Currently there is limited bus and ferry service.