Al Seymour
OPINION COLUMNIST
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May 13, 2013 8:00 am
There is hope and opportunity
The awesome challenges facing Bermuda as the new Government attempts to fly through severe economic turbulence will mean every family will have to keep their seat belts tightly fastened until an altitude of financial stability can be reached in order to ensure the Island is on course for a smoother ride.
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May 7, 2013 8:00 am
Truths that cannot be avoided
There is a growing number of people globally, who are very uncomfortable about the future of societies where values for a decent peaceful life, continue to be under threat from those who seek their twisted agenda, through blatant violence, with total disregard for life itself. The Boston Marathon terror attack is a reminder.
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Apr 30, 2013 8:00 am
Discipline and respect are key parts of our heritage
Most would agree that what we are, or have become, to a large extent has its roots in early experiences in the home. It is usually in the home where basic lessons about life are taught.
In recent years in many parts of the world, including Bermuda, there has been a decline in parents who are not afraid to correct a child stepping out of line. These days parents are quick to blame others when their child exhibits disrespectful behaviour. -
Apr 23, 2013 8:00 am
The lessons of the Boston bombings
Around the world, especially in democratic countries, law enforcement agencies during difficult situations, rely heavily on the eyes and ears of the public in helping to nab criminals who often seek refuge posing as regular law abiding citizens.
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Apr 16, 2013 8:00 amBermuda’s economic Apollo 13
Those of us who remember the Apollo 13 incident, when the seventh launch was made in 1970 by NASA on a mission to the Moon, will recall vividly how a life-threatening situation was saved by making use of the best technical brains on the ground, working closely with three astronauts who were battling fearful odds to keep their craft functioning in order to return to earth.
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Apr 9, 2013 8:00 am
The critical role of the free press
The free press has always been subjected to vicious criticism from those who would rather operate in the shadows, without the bright light of truth which should always be a fundamental quality in any society that prides itself in the dignity of free speech, with justice and integrity as basic principles. In recent years, scores of dedicated journalists around the world have paid with their lives for doing the job much of the world relies on for...
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Mar 14, 2013 8:00 am
Commonsense must play a greater role in politics
Bermuda needs to move away from the political quicksand mode where almost every move seems to plunge us deeper into the abyss of confusion and doubt instead of making good use of common sense, on issues that impact the lives of every citizen.
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Feb 28, 2013 1:59 pm
Budget was bold
The average Bermudian may not be an expert on the financial structure of this Island, but most of them from professional dish washers, to CEOs of large companies, know that if you are earning $25 and your bills are over $50, commonsense dictates that something is not working out.
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Feb 19, 2013 8:00 am
Facing the blunt truths
If only it was possible to push a political pause button, in order to truly reflect on what has happened to Bermuda economically and politically over the past decade. Pausing to reflect with cooler heads, would enable us to confront truths calmly, instead of allowing ourselves to become embroiled in nasty exchanges.
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Feb 18, 2013 8:00 am
Democracy allows doors to open for change
Over the last 30 or 40 years, Bermuda like many jurisdictions, has experienced significant changes, and not all have been positive. International business without a doubt has played a vital role in our economy, as tourism, once the principle source of income, slowly lost its grip.
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Feb 12, 2013 8:00 am
Drugs education should start in the home
It is already too late when parents of a young man with great promise discover the lifeless body of their son in bath tub after he experimented with a legal substance, still being sold in the United States and other countries, as a substitute for marijuana.
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Jan 28, 2013 8:00 am
Collectively we must act to end violence
Gun crime continues to send shivers throughout much of Bermuda as the Government, police officials and community leaders seek ways to curb what appears to be a trend slipping out of control.
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Jan 21, 2013 1:23 pm
Clumsy decision-making
During the recent Olympics in Britain many gold medals were won because athletes knew how important it was to have a good start when the gun sounded. A poor start usually resulted in not being able to catch up to claim the prize.
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Jan 15, 2013 8:00 am
Fear of change must not stop progress
As Bermuda prepares to begin a new chapter of its political life, at a time when dramatic changes are occurring around the world, collectively we need to be more mindful that change usually creates fear especially with those who feel their world, right or wrong, is under siege.
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Jan 8, 2013 8:47 amRegroup and recommit
The Bermudian electorate rendered its verdict on December 17 which clearly sent a resounding message that they were in no mood for a business as usual result, after years of doubt and confusion over how the affairs of the people were being handled by those charged with leadership responsibility.
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Nov 27, 2012 9:07 am
Still time to save Bermuda
Some years ago there was a film entitled ‘On the Beach’ which dealt with the aftermath of a nuclear encounter. One scene depicted a deserted street, with pieces of paper drifting about in a gentle breeze. What appeared to be a headline on a newspaper, simply had the words, “There is still time”.
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Nov 13, 2012 8:00 am
Beware of election distractions
The Bermuda electorate is bubbling with emotions never seen or heard before with a tidal wave of attacks and counter attacks over who should be given the right to govern this Island, in order to move away from a slide to an economic abyss.
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Oct 30, 2012 7:00 amRough election road ahead
Political exchanges in the lead-up to the next general election have become so heated that good old common sense has been sidelined as emotions on both sides leave those trying to keep a cool head in a state of utter bewilderment.
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Oct 2, 2012 8:00 am
The best way to end the drugs trade
Illegal drugs and the tragic impact on societies worldwide has some experts reaching the conclusion that reducing demand which keeps this lucrative underworld business thriving is the only solution.
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Sep 25, 2012 6:00 am
Only truth will make us stronger
Any democratically elected government must operate with the utmost commitment to transparency and accountability in management of the people’s business if they hope to remain in office.
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Sep 18, 2012 12:01 amTourism needs truth and honesty
Most Bermudians would be happy to have a successful tourist industry, just as they would be happy to see the Island climb out of this enormous debt, that continues to create hardship on a scale yet to be fully measured.
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Sep 11, 2012 6:00 amTear down these political walls
“Tear down this wall” were the dramatic words uttered by the late American President, Ronald Reagan, while speaking at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in 1987.
Hastily constructed in 1961 to halt the flow of people from east to west, the Berlin Wall symbolised the Cold War and the visions between the Western democracies and the communist Eastern Bloc. -
Aug 31, 2012 6:00 am
Look past the window dressing
Just as stores compete with colourful shop windows during peak shopping periods to attract customers, politicians use the same approach to gain voter support prior to a general election.
Like shoppers, voters have to examine as closely as possible which store offers the best bargain. Voters face the same challenge when it comes to casting their ballots to decide which political party will move Bermuda to a new level of hope and prosperity. -
Aug 20, 2012 7:00 am
Making leadership count
Throughout world history good leaders have had to make tough decisions in the interest of the people, while trying to preserve dignity and respect, along with integrity.
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Aug 15, 2012 8:13 am
Saving our at-risk children
The future of any society, large or small, depends on instilling values like decency, honesty and respect in young minds.
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Aug 8, 2012 8:00 am
Road madness must stop
More and more people are expressing concern about reckless riding and driving on Bermuda roads, and while some lay the blame on Police for not doing enough, the real blame should be placed on our community behavioural patterns, and a growing lack of respect for traffic laws.
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Jul 30, 2012 8:00 am
The dangers of political addiction
Let’s be clear up front. The word addiction in this article has nothing to do with illegal drugs or any other substances. Political addiction occurs when those who support a particular party in a democratic setting are unable to accept anything that is not favourable to their chosen representatives.
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Jul 24, 2012 12:01 amWe cannot waste our young minds
What is is that drives certain individuals to commit extreme acts of violence against peace-loving, innocent individuals?
It would be easy to simply dismiss them as crazed individuals. But that does not help the authorities to prevent such outbursts in the future. -
Jul 4, 2012 8:00 am
When governments have nothing to fear
Governments around the world come and go for many reasons, including failure to be accountable to the people they serve, along with tyranny, corruption and undemocratic principles.
In these circumstances it is always the people who must struggle to make their voices heard as they seek justice and fairness from those in authority. -
Jun 27, 2012 7:00 am
We must protect our children
Most world leaders have guards around the clock, mainly because the world can be a dangerous place, with evil lurking in just about every corner, waiting for an opportunity to pounce. It is a sad reality that leaders have to live with daily.
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Jun 12, 2012 8:00 amWe need a change of direction
In any democratic election, voters are pummeled with a barrage of material from those seeking to retain political power, and those seeking a mandate from the populace to bring fresh new ideas toward tackling problems of the day.
- Should liquor stores be able to sell alcohol on Sundays?
- Yes
- 71%
- No
- 27%
- Don't Know
- 1%
- Total Votes: 2016
- Poll Archive