A throwaway government

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June 5, 2012

Dear Sir,

An excellent question was asked today in The Royal Gazette and that question was: “Why is Gibbs Hill Lighthouse being allowed to become a rusty monument instead of a pristine tourism attraction?” Before I go any further, I would like to thank Toppy Cowen for bringing this to the public’s attention as I did not know the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse was in such a horrifying condition and I am sure that many other people didn’t know this either. It is obvious the maintenance of this Island has gone downhill since the Progressive Labour Party has been in power and, Bermuda without a doubt, it is looking more and more like some beat-up, tired old bedraggled street walker. Here we have possibly the second iron lighthouse built in the world, which in itself is historic but disgracefully left to sit and rust away. Knowing the PLP mindset, they will probably knock it down and build a new one as it seems that is the easiest way for them to fix a problem — they are consumers, not producers.

Mr Cowen had mentioned that the Junior Transport Minister Marc Bean claimed the oldest fast ferries, Resolute and Serenity, needed to be replaced. The Director of Marine & Ports said: “The idea that the vessels need to be replaced is off the mark. There is nothing wrong with them structurally.” The manufacturers were contacted and they told the Bermuda Government with proper maintenance they should last for about 20 years.

Mr Editor, the ferries cost about $2.5 million to build and here is a perfect example of a clueless Minister — no wonder the Island is broke and a lot of it due to lack of proper maintenance — and don’t forget the buses and that GP car that sat on Church Street for a week! Lack of maintenance! A lighthouse on a small island like Bermuda will be a major tourist attraction, and if in the past this structure drew 25,000 visitors a year, then why is this lighthouse not kept in the pristine condition that it should be? Who in their right mind would go to the lighthouse, look up at the rusting structure and feel safe in climbing to the top — and as it is, you can’t go on to the lookout walkway as it is too dangerous. The lighthouse saga just shows this Government’s total neglect for the necessary maintenance of historical structures and landmarks.

PAT FERGUSON

Warwick

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