June 13, 2003

Dear Sir,

Re: 'Fury over Canadian Paper's Tax Haven Story' in the June 13th edition of your paper.

I am a Canadian citizen currently visiting Bermuda, hence, I read this article myself, here, today.

As BIBA points out, I am not aware that Bermuda has ever been on any list of countries blacklisted for their business conduct.

I must object, however, to Mr. Jeff Conyers' spin (and rant) on the meaning of the term "tax haven" as used by Canada. Canadians have no interest whatever in how and when the Bermuda Government levies and collects taxes, domestically. What Canadians mean by "tax haven" is any place offshore where wealthy Canadian citizens can place (deposit or invest) large sums of money, have it accrue and pay little or no income taxes to their home government! It's the little or no taxes payable/paid to Canada that is the concern of us "ordinary Canadians". While we bear a disproportionate income tax burden, and why we are constantly pressuring whatever Government is in place in Ottawa to 'close the loopholes' in the tax laws, which appear to permit this means of 'tax evasion'.

Y.D. MILLINGTON

Canada

June 21, 2003

Dear Sir,

Thank you for allowing me the space in your column to voice my opinion. I am writing on behalf of the young people of today. With all of the negative comments and stories about Bermuda's young people, I would like to ask the question where are the positive role models? As a young man who was brought up under negative influences, I only knew what I had been taught. As the saying goes, "you reap what you sow". When we ask the question 'What has happened to our young people of today', we should also ask the question "what happened to the people of yesterday?" Are we right to blame the young people for the frustration and anger that they possess today? With the leadership that is shown by our government it is no wonder the youngsters are "lost". Are the parents of today teaching their children about God? I don't think so. There are mothers and daughters who go to clubs together, and sons who are selling drugs to, with and from their fathers. Tell me if that is leadership.

I can go on and on about the negative things that are going on, but I would also like to commend those who are out there being positive role models. We hardly read about the good things on the front page of the paper, so some people may feel that their good works are being unnoticed. But as a God-fearing young man I would like to remind you that He sees and records everything, both good and bad.

YOUTH VISION

June 23, 2003

Dear Sir,

I imagine that if you printed every letter of complaint about the Government your paper would be undeliverable.

Immigration must be at the top of the list for utter incompetence. I have no criticism for the polite, but misinformed clerks at the desk. They are only doing their job, wrongly instructed by their superiors, who have caused, in my family alone, indescribable anguish and expense.

The passport office should know full well that there is a vast difference between applying for a first passport and a subsequent one - in my case, my eighth. My last passport took me four visits to the office - two of them with my leg in a cast. Not once did the supervisor come to the counter to speak to me or ask me in to his or her office.

My British nationality was not questioned. It had been established in the 30s with the issuing of my first childhood passport and every ten years since then. I have never produced any documents, except my previous passport, the application form, photographs and fee.

All of a sudden, after all these years, they demand my parents' marriage certificate. I explained this was unavailable and that I knew it was unnecessary. Still they demanded it. My parents, who were born 110 and 130 years ago, respectively, never had it themselves. I remembered seeing photos of their London wedding, so I went to the trouble of writing to the UK Records Office, who politely advised me that since no living person knew the date of marriage, a certificate was unobtainable. They understandably charged me ?4 for not finding it.

Since the passport office here "passed the buck" to Washington, I rang the passport office there and was told that, no matter what country one is born in, a parents' marriage certificate is not required, in fact nothing is required but a previous passport. This confirmed my opinion that I returned for my fourth visit to the passport office, expecting an apology. I could hardly believe my ears when I again ran into insistence upon my producing a non-existent item. My son then telephoned the chief immigration officer as to why he continued to insist upon seeing a document which was not even required by the UK itself. He got absolutely nowhere. This is the more amazing when one considers how many Bermudians' parents have never been married at all. Does this invalidate hundreds of Bermudians from holding a passport?

My next step was the obvious one- travel to London with my still current passport and simply apply for another one. I was greeted with extreme courtesy and the process took ten minutes.

This little horror story illustrates perfectly what Nazis the Government have become and what a dictatorship we are experiencing. Do we wish to take the chance of another five years of having our lives controlled and manipulated by a bunch of thugs who are in any case, under investigation? The distress of being refused a passport is something which should only be inflicted upon those with a criminal record, not respectable elderly Bermudians. Perhaps this letter will help others who are given a hard time by those whom we pay to serve us.

FURIOUS SENIOR CITIZEN

Warwick

June 22, 2003

Dear Sir,

Visiting your island since 1976 has always been a delight. The wonderful days fly by even if it's raining. We were near the end of another enchanting week of history, snorkelling and great food! The people we meet are always the best. Our hosts at Clear View, bus and ferry people and many others have been so helpful. We're especially impressed with the very polite school children we've met. Parents and teachers are doing a great job. Our photo with them at Bailey's will be a special memory of our trip.

Now we'll mention a few things that we feel need attention.

Bus stops could be cleaned of trash more often (North Shore near MarketPlace). Grocery carts and debris is at the stop and no pink pole.

We love to walk and perhaps a group could take on the job of improving the Railway Trail. It could become a big plus for everyone.

As an avid dolphin lover, the dolphin pool at Dockyard is too small and I'm sure the water will become too warm for the many dolphins as summer arrives. After swimming with Jo Jo, the wild dolphins at Turks & Caicos and other dolphin encounters - I walked away from the exhibit with tears in my eyes for the wonderful, intelligent creatures. Please expand their home.

We miss the local Triangle Brewery with tours and tasting. It was always busy with tourists learning about the art of brewing.

Oh, yes, we will return to your beautiful Island home. I'm off to do a painting - never can capture the scene. A Bermuda painting has to be seen with the eye and felt in the heart. Bermuda must be close to heaven.

ANN McNABB

Burnham, Pennsylvania