Dear Sir,

For an island country whose people pride themselves in considering Bermuda is another world, we are surely naive in our thinking. We are caught up in what is known as being in the real world, and not “another world” as we believe, and thus we are susceptible to the influences and ways of life, both good and evil.

Way too many people see life on this island, which many of us call home, as being only in shades of black and white. So why is it that we now find ourselves in the 21st century still not able to love and respect our friends and neighbours for who they are, and not by the colour of their skin?

When we are in need of a doctor, does it really matter if they are black or white, male or female before we accept them to treat us? I don’t think so; we just want any pain to stop and to get healthy as quickly as possible.

We can’t deny that there were very real injustices done for far too many years to large segments of the local population.

These injustices cannot and should not be condoned or forgotten, for it was many of these same people who were instrumental in making Bermuda what it is today. It is for this reason that we who have the honour and privilege today of calling this land home should always be mindful of the sacrifices, humiliation and injustices that these people had to endure so that not only their children, but all of the children and future children of this island, may live in harmony and enjoy equally the opportunities that Bermuda has to offer.

Let us not waste another 400-plus years of neglecting our fellow man.

Now is the time, before it is too late, to stop the train from jumping the track, for our elected politicians, clergy, educators and all of the people to speak out and fight against any and all hatred and injustice whenever and wherever it may raise its ugly head.

Let us stand up together and show the world that Bermuda really and truly is another world.

KENNETH G. STONE

Warwick