March 17, 2005

Dear Sir,

I am writing to express my disappointment with The Royal Gazette who appears to be more interested in reporting about controversy and is less interested in highlighting positive stories about young Bermudians.

In your Sport section today, the "Carifta Controversy" has overshadowed the accomplishments of the 12 athletes who have qualified to compete in Tobago.

Why is the story about three athletes who chose not to compete more important than the 12 who worked hard, trained for six months and made a commitment to represent Bermuda?

It just goes to show the squeaky wheel gets more attention.

The Mid Island Striders have their opinions and they have the right to say their piece. However, the athletes that have qualified and are representing Bermuda should not be overlooked because of an annual ongoing conflict between the club and the BTFA.

If The Royal Gazette is not interested in commending the positive young Bermudians and wishing them luck in Tobago I will.

To the CARIFTA athletes:

Aaron Evans, Alexis Armstrong Bean, Andrea Jackson, Arantxa King, Brittney Marshall, Deon Brangman, Eulannae Douglas, Harold (Tre) Houston, Kaijaun Wilkinson, Latroya Darrell, Matthew Spring, Taijaun Talbot

Congratulations for your accomplishment, sacrifices and good luck in Tobago! Bermuda supports you and wishes you well on your journey!

NICOLE CAINES

Sports Editor's note: Ms Caines is the mother of one of the competing athletes and a Carifta Games chaperone.