January 19, 2006

Dear Sir,

Last week your newspaper reported on the conditions that prevail, still, in the city of New Orleans.

Sir, from my vantage point, the situation is this. America is our closest neighbour, and there can be no denying that Bermuda has profited hugely from the proximity of the colossus to our west. The sizeable mansions that dot this landscape, the glut of cars (mostly luxury) on our streets, the fine apparel that we adorn ourselves in daily and the general standard of living (albeit a fast diminishing quality) are testament to this. None of our bellies are hungry, our children are educated in the best schools, and we all have access to the best technology and facilities that money can buy. (Whether we take advantage of the opportunities is another matter). But we want for nothing. Let the Almighty be Praised.

Now contrast that with the plight of most of the citizens of New Orleans, for those that have returned, those in limbo, and the mostly black without homes, without running water, sewage facilities or current and an infrastructure in totalled disrepair.

Sir, it is unconscionable that we in this land should have so much and others not very far from here have basic needs so great. And while there are those that will advance that New Orleans suffering is a result of Her Sodomic decadence, (on my one visit to the city, I too was overwhelmed by what I considered pure lewdness and debauchery and it did not surprise me that my heavenly Father would exact a toll of this city), but as human beings we are inherently evil, and from time to time punishment is warranted. But whom the Father loves, He corrects. Our Lord God Almighty is the Supreme Judge and neither America nor will indeed any of us escape His Judgment. Bermuda, a mere twenty-one miles in area, has resources that the people of America need and whether you agree with the politics of the American Government or not, it is for us to help the people.

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie put it this way:

It is both the duty and responsibility of the world's fortunate few to help fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the unfortunate many.

So, for our part, we must share. We do not need a car to take a child to a school a small distance away, let them walk ? the exercise will do them a world of good. Nor do we need buses (ten minutes apart) with two or three passengers on board, we do not need huge convoys of trucks to transport buildings and equipment that no one here can afford, the island is built up enough. Nor do we need two and three emergency appliances responding to a single incident; we do not need huge mega-schools particularly when the children would rather loiter in town; leave them outside - the fresh air will do them well. We don't need the addition of a seven-storey building, besides being out of character with the island, the infrastructure of New Orleans needs it more. We do not need this ridiculous, proliferation of cell phones when the person whom you are calling is a stone's throw away. This is excess, self-indulgent and gluttony and this is sin. The people of New Orleans need these things as basic necessities. So, what we don't need, give it away. There is no use in hoarding. Bermuda has an over-abundance of resources (human and material) that can be used to assist the unfortunate in New Orleans and Mississippi and by extension, American ? "a neighbour that is close". Not to do so places OUR many blessings at stake.

(And, if you are bereft of ideas ? a container ship laden with building supplies and equipment, vehicles, buses, brick, cable utility poles and other construction machinery would be a suitably appropriate gesture of goodwill.)

And now for the Government and the leadership necessary to accomplish such an undertaking.

Mr. Editor, relatedly, in a separate article altogether you reported on the Office of Ombudsman, Mrs. Arlene Brock, and her revelation that there was not "as many complaints as expected" and by inference not a great deal of work. Couldn't Ms Brock then, as in the case in other similar jurisdictions be appointed as insurance portfolio. In most financial centres there exists an insurance ombudsman, whose job it is to ensure that claims are handled efficiently and paid as expeditiously as possible. From what is being printed in the media, what the people in the region need most is insurance cover before they can rebuild, this, and a speedy settlement of their claims. Couldn't Ms Brock acting in this capacity further strengthen the partnership that has traditionally existed between Government and the Private sector, and in doing so, set an example for the rest of the citizenry to follow, namely Unity.

This corporation between the public and private sector in dealing with this catastrophe would in a very substantial way help to negate the negative and unhelpful press which Bermuda received earlier in the American media as a voracious tax haven. But paramount to what is needed here is service. the internationals have insured these localities, Bermuda by association has benefited, now it is time to render them the service and assistance over and beyond the levels associated with the premiums surrendered. (Ms Brock could tag along to guard our reputation).

Furthermore there is a sizeable black and white American population here. Paraphrasing the American statesman John F. Kennedy, my challenge to you is thus: "Ask not what you can do for us (Bermuda); but rather ask what you can do for yourselves (America). Your homeland needs architects, engineers, tradesmen, volunteers, labourers, teachers, clerics, businessmen and women, medical personnel, skilled and unskilled persons. Your homeland needs you; therefore, I believe your services would be more effective in assisting your fellowmen. (The resulting void could then be filled by suitably qualified or experienced Bermudians here and abroad in need of a livelihood in their homeland.)

And finally, the one endearing image of the New Orleans catastrophe for me was watching on CNN News the scene of a Rastafarian, crowned in a red, gold and green turban wading in the water, carrying either someone or something. My message to him is this: Hold on Rasta man, the Lord is coming by there.

Well done, Mr. Furbert

January 23, 2006

Dear Sir,

I would like to congratulate Mr. Furbert on his new appointment, and for having the courage to come onto Shirley Dill's talk show on Sunday morning and field questions at random from the public.

It is not easy to think on your feet and sound secure and knowledgeable with your replies on any subject.

Grant Gibbons has been the decent solid man that he is, holding the ship in quiet waters waiting for the right moment, we owe him a great debt of gratitude.

The moment is here for you Mr. Furbert, to cut the animosity and diatribe and being back the UBP with sanity and sense, to steer the ship away from the impending rocks.

We can have this island back on an even keel with a fresh wind in our sails at last, and an order from the bridge, "what's good for Bermuda is our course and cause".

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke

Disgusted with treatment

January 20, 2006

Dear Sir,

I am a born Bermudian but live in England. For the first time in over 20 years, I went home for Christmas 2005 to spend with my family and friends. On my arrival on December 4 from Gatwick, along with my mother who had been visiting me prior to this date and we were travelling back together, and to add she is a resident and was born in Bermuda.

The welcome I received once entering Bermuda airport was enjoyable and it made you feel welcome and it was great to be home, but the feeling I had soon diminished once entering into Customs, actually the custom officer was pleasant, he took my card to work out what duty I had to pay and put the amount of approx. $12.34 in Red Ink and told me to go to the end of the building to the counter where to pay, which I did. There was no one else in the queue and I thought I wouldn't be long but in fact I was kept standing there for awhile. There were about four members of staff behind the counter and everyone looked miserable. When I heard a noise, it was not, yes can I help. I stood at the counter, gave this young man my card, then took from my purse $13.00. He looked at my Card on both sides, looked at me, then my card, chatted to the girl who sat next to him, then me and then back to the card where he used his calculator to work out what I had to pay, which he did not have to do as it was already on there written by the customs officer. He told me the amount, I gave him the $13.00, gave me the change without a thank you, have a nice holiday, nothing.

I went back to where I left my mother and our cases and the custom officer wanted to know where I got to and what took me so long. I explained what happened and he went off down to the counter.

My mother and I left the airport and to add that we were the last people of that Airport.

I am totally disgusted with the way I was treated, I was brought up with manners and it did not cost me a cent. I seriously think some of the staff need serious training in certain areas. I have spoken to residents and they say the same thing about the manner and the staff's rudeness.

I do hope that this will be looked into and dealt with so there will be improvement in the future for residents and visitors alike and see a change in the manner of the Airport staff. Maybe the Island where I was born will return to the friendliness of the people of Bermuda that they advertise and live up to their word for the residents and visitors to be proud of and be very lucky where they live.

MARY KEEMER

Isle of Wight

England

What a terrible pity

February 6, 2006

Dear Sir,

I noticed in the daily that the new Directors/owners of SAL are applying to the BSX to de-list the company from the stock exchange. What a pity. The sale of publicly quoted SAL to a small group of prominent businessmen ? who now intend to take the company private ? is not, in my opinion, in the best interests of the broader community.

What this transaction has created is another elite class of businessmen within our community who NOW have ownership. The broader masses still don't own a piece of the Bermuda economic pie and now that SAL is to become "private" they never will be able to own a piece of it.

What the government needs to do is encourage less private companies in our economy and more publicly owned companies. This can be accomplished through a vigorous stock exchange and a supportive pension investment programme with the result that will ultimately give ownership of these companies to the broader community. BAS, a publicly traded company on the BSX, is a fine example of a company that has expanded its business lines by actually buying privately held companies, e.g. the firm's recent purchase of IBC. Shareholders of BAS can now enjoy additional ownership of Bermuda businesses. Unfortunately, the SAL purchase is going in the wrong direction and removing this business from 'public' ownership. I might add this same investment group did a similar move when they took Henry VIII restaurant private.

I am a strong believer in expanding public ownership throughout our economy, not reducing it, and a progressive government should do what it can to encourage policies to achieve that goal. The awarding of Government contracts could be a useful tool to encourage companies tendering for such work to have public ownership rather than private ownership.

After all, the taxpayers fund the projects of government, so why shouldn't the taxpayers also reap some of the rewards from these companies which carry out the work? Spreading the wealth and ownership of our economy should be our top priority, but it must be done with everyone in mind, rather than ownership spreading out and remaining with the select few who can afford it.

ALLAN D. MARSHALL JP

Smith's Parish

Applause for Gazette

February 6, 2006

Dear Sir,

I have often been critical of , for one reason or another. However, I have been remiss in not commending the newspaper for an improvement.

For a period, headlines and stories in the Gazette often used words associated with violence, such as "slams", "hits back", "hammers" and so on. I have noticed that this practice has virtually ceased.

I applaud the Editor and the news staff for this small but, in my opinion, significant step.

As the only daily newspaper, and a prime source not only for the community but also for other news media, exerts considerable influence on the daily dialogue. Refraining from injecting thoughts of violence where none need exist is a service I recognise and appreciate.

Pool political talent

February 2, 2006

Dear Sir,

I read with considerable interest the item in dated February 1 regarding Mr. Wayne Furbert's idea for a PLP member to be included in a future UBP Cabinet. I recall saying something similar in a sermon to Parliamentarians in the Cathedral on November 4, 2001, prior to the opening of Parliament. Below please find the relevant portion of that address.

"While political philosophies are rightly and strongly held by each of our two parties, I would suggest a unique change of approach. We hear talk of putting aside differences on occasion, yet the reality is that this seldom happens. However, there is a need for a greater degree of collaboration between the two parties. Why not, in the interest of the well being of the country we all love, do just that in a formal way. Is there any reason why one, two or more members of the UBP could not be ministers in the PLP Government? And vice versa if roles were reversed? This is a radical notion, perhaps, but surely one worthy of serious thought. If we really want the very best for Bermuda it would be well worth giving it more than a passing thought! For neither of our political parties has a monopoly on wisdom, so why not pool the best of the two for the common good. In the end this is really what should count, regardless of particular political philosophies. Worth thinking about is it not?"

I must say that the response to this idea at the time was, to say the least, less than enthusiastic from both sides of the political spectrum. But I still believe it is worth of serious consideration, especially now when we seem to be giving thought to alternative ways of 'doing politics'

A spectacle to behold

February 2, 2006

Dear Sir,

Within judiciary respect, my presence at a recent trial was for my interest to hear the law in exercise, as opposed to any preference over the result.

In awareness of attitude and native of such cases a high measurement of precaution was accordingly poised. So it was very pleasing that the only matters to be dealt with during those incident-free proceedings were done so solely by the power of words.

However, from my humorous observance, an element of overreaction surfaced from which I see theatrical comparison. Peeling rubber, from the Supreme Court exit at #1 gate, was the somewhat spectacular departure of the convicts' dramatic motorcade procession. An overhead helicopter would have provided a spectacle, suitable for the capture of Bin Laden.