Expatica news

Belgian news in brief, 19 July 2005

Hurricane forces flight detour

A Martinair flight carrying 270 Dutch and Belgian passengers to Cancun in Mexico was diverted to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on Monday night. The flight was forced to detour around the hurricane Emily. The tourists were offered the possibility to spend their holiday in the Dominican Republic or take the first available flight back home. They could also choose to fly later with Martinair to Mexico. Emily has left a trail of death and destruction in its path.

Public servants sick every four weeks

Health Ministry figures have revealed that on average federal civil servants take a sick day 18 days per year. That is one week more than Flemish public servants. Wallonian public servants are sick two days more a year then Flemish federal civil servants. In response, Health Minister Rudy Demotte and Civil Service Minister Christian Dupont will launch a project later this year to reduce the number of days public servants call in sick.

Belgian man’s life expectation rises

Since 2003, the life expectation of Belgian men has slightly increased. Men now have a life expectation of 75.85 years, while women have an expectation of 81.69 years. In 2002, the respective figures were 75.58 and 81.69. The life expectation of men has increased 0.27 years or 99 days and remained stable for women.

Hot oil prevents fast-food robbery

A 29-year-old Antwerp fast-food manager threw hot oil at two robbers to prevent a robbery at 3am on Tuesday. Police arrested the suspects — a 32-year-old man of Turnhout and a 45-year-old Antwerp man — a short while later. The suspects had to be treated for several minor burns after the manger threw hot oil at them to stop the cash theft.

[Copyright Expatica News 2005]

Subject: Belgian news