Dear Sir,

The Government of Bermuda over the years has had an unfortunate practice of denying and hiding reports that identify projects which could improve the livelihood of its people.

I am sure the British Government would have found a way to meet the high standards set out in the recent White Paper; they would have provided Bermuda with the financial aid to develop our airport by supporting the commitment that was included in the Environmental Charter, signed September 26, 2001 by Dame Jennifer Smith, then the premier, and Valerie Amos, respectively on behalf of Bermuda and our British Government.

St Helena received £246.6 million to build an airport, paid for by the British Government on a contract signed between the St Helena Government and Basil Read. This company would help St Helena to develop and eventually graduate from budgetary aid.

A telling part of the charter reads:

“Commitments

The government of the UK will:

8. Use the existing Environment Fund for the Overseas Territories, and promote access to other sources of public funding, for projects of lasting benefit to Bermuda’s environment.”

Did Bob Richards, as finance minister, ask the British Government on our behalf for the commitment that was included in the Environmental Charter to assist in the building of our airport?

RAYMOND RUSSELL

Community activist