November 3, 2005

Dear Sir,

I spoke to Ms Robinson and Ms Denbrook, acting principal and counsellor of the Berkeley Institute, concerning my daughter?s schedule and the omission of a foreign language (Spanish). I was informed at this time that a decision would have to be made concerning her taking Business GCSE year two or her third year Spanish course. I informed them that this option was unreasonable and that no parent should have to make this choice. I then informed them that I expected my child to take both Spanish and Business and that I did not care if they revised her schedule and removed Health/PE or Music but I expected her to take the basic courses of Math, English, Geography/History, Business and a foreign language (Spanish). Her schedule was changed that day to include the courses that she required. This totalled 32 credits.

On September 19 my daughter informed me that a teacher, Ms Grant (Spanish Teacher), came to her class and informed the children (eight) that she was not going to teach them because she was overbooked in her lessons and that she was using their Spanish class as her free period to prepare for her classes. She then left the class after ten minutes and did not return. She did not show up at all on September 21, a double period, and the class was left unsupervised. On Thursday, September 22 I spoke to Mr. James, the acting deputy head, and was informed by him that they did have a substitute teacher but she had lost her way to class and that the children were not being unsupervised anymore and he thanked me for calling. Please be advised that he did not say that it was a Spanish teacher. But as it was a Spanish class I did take it for granted that the teacher would be a Spanish teacher.

On October 16 my daughter informed me that she was called to Ms Robinson?s office and given the choice to change her Spanish lesson or wait for a teacher as they did not have one on staff. This means that for five weeks these children have been sitting in a class with a sub-teacher who did not teach Spanish and told to do homework or read a book. DaNae decided that she would wait for a Spanish teacher as this is what we had decided at the beginning of term. This is a subject that should be offer to every child at this level if they intend to further their education.

On October 17 I called Education Minister Terry Lister at his home and informed him of the problem and told him that I would be going to Berkeley this morning to sit in on my daughter?s Spanish class and observe her lesson. He stated that he had no problem with this and to inform him what the outcome is.

This morning I went to Berkeley and reported to the office. I informed the receptionist why I was there and told her I may need to speak to Ms Robinson, acting principal, before I leave. At this time Ms Robinson asked to see me in her office. She then proceeded to explain why there was no teacher for this class and that she had tried to get a teacher without success. I was told there was no money for another Spanish teacher and I was told that there will be no credits given as there is no class. I was then informed they had a Tourism course or a Business Tools course that she could take. I told Ms Robinson this was not acceptable and that I would have to see Minister Mr. Lister about this matter. Ms Robinson informed me at this time that she had dismantled this class. I informed her that my solution for this problem was for them to find a teacher for my daughter. I was also told that because so many children had to retake classes from year four there was not enough room in the classes for year three students.

On Tuesday, October 18 I had a meeting with Minister Lister and Dr. Joseph Christopher and explained my problem. Mr. Lister was very concerned that the children had been left unsupervised for a double period. He then proceeded to inform me that since Berkeley was an aided school this was an internal matter and I would have to speak to Mr. Calvin White, chairman of the board of Governors for Berkeley Institute, and to let him know the outcome of my meeting.

On Thursday, October 20, I met with Mr. Calvin White and Mr. Gary Philips, secretary for the board, to discuss this matter. They both agreed that my daughter should be taking a foreign language and that I was right to be outraged that she had not had one lesson in five weeks and that I was misled by the administration of Berkeley into believing that she was receiving these lessons. I was assured by these two gentlemen that everything would be done to secure a Spanish teacher and that the board of governors would take on the responsibility of paying for this teacher. I was also told by Mr. White that they were aware of this problem since June, 2005. Mr. White apologised for the way this situation was handled and again promised they would do all they could to obtain a teacher. I was even told they would go as far as to look online for a Spanish course until they had secured a teacher. Today, November 2, after not hearing from anyone for over a week I called Mr. White to find out what the outcome was in getting a teacher as he did not see fit to call me. I received this letter, which is attached.

1. Why a class of children are in school ready to learn and have no teacher?

2. Why a sub-teacher for Spanish is not a Spanish teacher (read a book /do homework)

3. Why the Spanish teacher is still using this class room for her free period (she is in the class and not teaching the child ? what message is this for these children.)

4. If you don?t have enough teachers for the old school what do you intend to do when they move to that big, beautiful, state-of-the-art mega school?

5. Can I take Minister Lister, Mr. White and Ms Robinson to court for failing to teach my daughter who has been there every day? This is the same as taking a parent to court because they do not send their children to school.

6. If Mr. White cannot do anything and the Minister Mr. Lister cannot do anything who do you go to for this. I do not think I am being unreasonable in expecting this subject to be part of her curriculum.

7. We should not wonder why our children a failing. This Government and the Board of Governors are failures. They all need to be replaced by people who have and put the interest of our children first and not talk out of both sides of the mouth and expect you to go away and not to rock the boat.

R. HILTILEEN BURCH

Pembroke

Rosa Parks remembered

November 2, 2005

Dear Sir,

We wish to use your columns to express our appreciation for all of those who have assisted in the collaboration to ?Celebrate the Life of Rosa Parks? today ? the date of her burial.

All concerned responded superbly, despite the short notice. Those involved in moving things off the ground included the Minister of Transport, whose timely facilitation, ensured symbolic ?reserved? bus seats.

In addition, Bermuda Broadcasting, DeFontes Broadcasting and Hott 107.5, all provided special features on the radio throughout the day; and the Chamber of Commerce canvassed the Island?s businesses, encouraging participation.

Out of our giving gratitude for the great services rendered by Rosa Parks, we are receiving. As we appreciate the extent of Rosa Parks? courage, we are all challenged to overcome our own fears. Her humility and vision, offers an example ? a ?marker? ? to help guide our way forward in these changing times.

Our goal was achieved through the efforts of all those who wore red or spent a moment reflecting on the life of Rosa Parks. The good feelings flowing from this collective expression of gratitude are feelings that affirm the value of community.

Rosa Parks, through her simple gesture, the consequent action and events affirmed the spirit of ?community?. She has now passed on the torch that we must all continue to carry forward wherever we may live.

GLENN FUBLER

Imagine Bermuda 2009 steering committee

Sky high fares

October 17, 2005

Dear Sir,

Your article today on the falling of visitor spending and air passengers mentions nothing about the loss of places to spend money. Front Street has lost Triminghams and the temporary closure of AS Coopers. Closure of the Trimingham stores that have been closed throughout the Island including the hotels makes for fewer places to spend dollars.

Perhaps rising hotel rates have stifled the spending. The closure of the Perfumery which was one of the major tourist attractions no longer exists. Little has been done to get airfares down to Bermuda. This has been discussed many times but as a New York person who has come to Bermuda over 12 times including twice last year, the airfares are very high for such a short distance and has actually been the reason that I have not come this year. Is JetBlue coming to Bermuda? More needs to be done to get people here.

Also, crime is on the rise in Bermuda as witnessed by someone who reads The Royal Gazette at least three times a week. What is being done to make people know that this Island is different from the others and is a safe place to walk freely about?

I LOVE BERMUDA

New York City

Cricket over crime?

October 31, 2005

Dear Sir,

Our Government has allocated $300,000 to fight crime and $11 million for cricket which seems a somewhat unusual prioritisation of resources. Go figure. Let?s replace this lot now! We can?t afford three more years of this PloP.

REGISTERED VOTER

Paget

Everyone benefits

October 31, 2005

Dear Sir,

Congratulations to the Salvation Army for setting up the Dreaming in Colour training programme to provide homeless people with skills to re-enter the workforce.

Unfortunately, there is currently little incentive for any community-minded employer to offer some basic work, for example, cleaning, sweeping a warehouse, stamp sticking, on a regular basis as an employer has to pay full overheads of social insurance, medical costs, employment tax, etc. for employing anyone over four hours per week.

Maybe Government would consider increasing this four-hour maximum to allow an employer to offer, say, a couple of hours work each morning on a regular basis to either homeless, physically/mentally disadvantaged or other marginalised individuals?

The obvious benefits to the individuals of a more meaningful existence, greater self-esteem, worked-for money, etc. are clearly understood, but the indirect benefits to the whole community are enormous? Again, well done, Major Rowe.

G. FARGE

City of Hamilton