July 18, 2003

This was sent to Dennis P. Lister, Minister of the Environment and copied to The Royal Gazette

Dear Minister,

I wish to express in the strongest terms, the disillusionment and concern that the Bermuda SPCA has with your latest decision to impose a ban on certain breeds of dogs. The implications of this decision are disastrous for Bermuda. Banning any breed of dog will make it a status symbol to own and will create a market for illegal breeding.

This in turn will lead to other breeds of dogs becoming popular for illegal activities such as dogfighting. More importantly, dogs identified as banned breeds will never receive veterinary attention for fear by the owners of being reported to the authorities. Ultimately those who are responsible owners of the banned breeds will be affected.

I would like to draw your attention to the report from the Dog Committee. Two of the recommendations from that Committee were to not ban specific breeds of dogs or to ban breeding of specific breeds of dogs. I find it quite incredulous that the Government Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jonathan Nisbett , who served on that Committee, is now recommending the opposite.

If your intention is to effectively manage the dog population in Bermuda, the only way to do this is to impose mandatory spaying and neutering of dogs except those kept for breeding purposes, in which case the owner must have a current breeder/s licence.

This would mean that any dog found wandering would have to be spayed or neutered before being returned to the owner. The basis for giving a breeders' license would have to be changed e.g. have a three part license. The first part being was written test or some type of qualifications for the breeders, the second part being a specific premises/breeder license (renewable on an annual basis) and the third part being a license specific to a dog as and when a breeder wants to breed.

Owners of male dogs should be required to meet parts one and three. This would weed out those persons who breed once because they think it's a good idea as opposed to those who know what they are doing and have a vested interest in their chosen breed.

This new breeder's license would be subject to annual renewal (including a site visit) and specific to a property as well as to a breeder. In addition, every time a breeder wants to breed a specific dog, he/she would have to notify the Department and pay a fee as they do now. It would make more sense to have the breeder's license reasonably expensive to again deter those that have no understanding of the issues involved and either decrease the cost of the specific dog license or allow the breeder say, three whelpings free.

The idea, of course, is not to adversely affect those who are responsible breeders and consideration must be given to them. There should also be certain reasons why a license will not be granted under any circumstances i.e. a person who has been found guilty of certain criminal acts should not be given a license, in particular, any kind of animal neglect or cruelty.

Respectfully, Minister, I am of the opinion that you continue to receive poor counselling in animal matters leading to bad decisions, as evidence by the latest `stealth' proposal from your Ministry. This is obviously another bandage approach and will have no effect on the dog population in Bermuda. Whilst the SPCA supports positive measures to improve the quality of life for all animals in Bermuda, there does not appear to be any rationale or long-term thinking whatsoever attached to this initiative.

I have written to you on several occasions asking that you confer with those organisations on the front line of animal care and welfare and again you have not done so.

DEBORAH J. RILEY

President,

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Editor's note: Dennis Lister is no longer Minister of the Environment

July 17, 2003

Dear Sir,

I was prompted to write this letter after reading Mr. Trew from the Southampton Princess's formal complaint against three taxis that refused to take several of this patrols back to Cambridge beaches after dining at Waterlot. This is by no means an isolated incident, particularly in the west end of the Island, which appears to have become a `no go' area after the sun sets, maybe there is something sinister lurking in the western parishes that only the taxi drivers know about?

I personally and many, many people to whom I have spoken about this problem have been, and are being affected by the lack of taxis available to us. Not only is this picking and choosing of fares unprofessional, but also unsafe, particularly late at night, as people are not only left waiting for hours on end in the small hours of the morning, but an increasing number of people are also taking their vehicles out at night, and driving them while under the influence of alcohol, as they know full well that they won't get a cab when they leave their chosen nightspot.

An example of two very busy Sunday nightspots is Henry VIII and the Cellar Bar at the Southampton Princess, both of which close at 3.00 a.m. And do you think there are more than one or two cabs at each place to transport all the people? - no, there are not. Would you like the thought of your daughter hanging around for a cab until 4.00 a.m. or 5.00 a.m. or even later (this happened to a couple of girlfriends of mine a couple of weeks ago, they couldn't get home from the Cellar Bar until almost 6.00 a.m.!) I certainly would not.

I nearly died of shock upon hearing on the radio the other week that the taxi drives were threatening the potential new government with their votes. Not because of the threat (we're used to the taxis driver's bully box tactics and foot stomping when things don't go their way) but because of the number of votes they were threatening with - some 3,000! With a "mere" 800 cabs on our 26 square mile island that means that there are (supposedly) 3 drivers per cab, and over 30 cabs per square mile! Is it just me or doesn't it seem absurd that anyone should have trouble getting a cab from anywhere on the island 24 hours a day?

In closing, I feel that the Police and government need to take a firm hand with this ever increasing problem and do whatever is necessary to make our beautiful island safe for visitors and residents alike, pedestrians and motorists, and do not be dictated to or have our island `held to ransom' by these people. They are supposed to provide a service, so please provide it.

LIVID

Sandys

P.s. Personally I shall not take a cab until I see a noticeable improvement in the taxi service.

Dear Sir,

It is with delight that I take this opportunity, through this media, to raise the awareness of the wonderful job the Bermuda Sloop Foundation have set out do and are doing for the youth of Bermuda and Bermuda as a whole by building a purpose-built 87' foot all Bermuda Sloop. This sloop, which is being built in Maine, is of great historical significant and effort, and should be honoured by all in Bermuda.

This is our heritage and legacy! Anyone interested can check out the wonderful web site for information on this worthy cause www.bermudasloop.org. I would like to encourage all Bermudians to make a donation to this cause.

It is also my opinion that sailing, as we know it, should have been made our National Sport, as we were the inventor of the sailing sloops of today. Mr. Charles Roach Ratteray built some of these beautiful and famous sloops in Bermuda, and since then they have become world famous; even to the present American's Cup races of today.

We also have world class sailors, to name a few of the world International champions, in the likes of Peter Bromby, Steven Dickinson, Paula Lewin, Rudy Bailey, Jessie Kirkland, Glen Eastwood, Sir B. Dill, Malcolm Smith, and many others who have made an outstanding effort and name for Bermuda yachting. I raise the flag and challenge this Island's Government not to let this historical event fade, but build on this foundation a solid plank in sports for our people and expose our heritage... sailing and boating; not cricket or soccer which are English games introduced to us by the British Army. Sailing and the building of these famous sloops are built and sailed by Bermudians all over the world; even to this day.

There are many wonderful stories told of Bermudian sailor's heroism and skill all around the world; Bermuda being one of the first Countries to build war ships for the American Government. Let's all in Bermuda unite and rally around this effort, so that we can really say this is our heritage.

LEON E. WILSON

Sandys Parish

July 27, 2003

Dear Sir,

I would like to congratulate the PLP on getting elected for a second term. It is good to see that on a whole, Bermudians, have given the party the benefit of the doubt for its first time in power. I would like to point out before PLP politicians get carried away with themselves that it is understandable that for their first term they wouldn't do as well as expected since they were new in the business of running a country.

The party, however, in its second term "must" reform itself before it can better run this country. If the party continues to make the same mistakes and have the same attitude as before then the chances of it getting re-elected in 2008 is most likely not to take place and Bermuda can say hello to the UBP again. Sadly, I was unable to vote for the PLP because I am presently abroad in-school. However, I will be able to vote in 2008 because my schooling will then be complete when I am 25 years old. There are several changes that I would like to see happen to the party as soon as possible.

Firstly, a change of Premier. In order to hold the position of Premier, a person must be a good representative, which Jennifer Smith is not. For the past four and a half years, I have noticed that Jennifer Smith has kept a very low profile. This has caused me not to know where she stands on very fundamental issues.

Even if I don't agree with a person's opinion, I would like to know what they think before I can know where he or she is coming from. The only time I really see Premier Smith in the media is for social gatherings or blasting back at someone who disagrees with her. Such examples include the dismissal of Arthur Hodgson from the cabinet for challenging her authority, speaking at graduation exercises, attending tea parties, meeting with high profile individuals such as Hillary Clinton for no political purposes etc.

All of these reasons to be in the media are of really no substance. Therefore, the PLP needs to find a person who can hold the office of Premier who can voice his or her position on authentic issues that affect the country. Jennifer Smith however, should not be sacked from the PLP government. Secondly, get rid of all arrogant PLP politicians who don't think that they are obligated to tell Bermudians what they are actually doing for the country's well being.

Thirdly, implement laws that are going to break down criminal activity and not show unnecessary leniency on criminals. This could be done by getting a new Attorney General who will be an advocate for tough laws to be implemented into the Bermuda Judicial System that will give criminals the punishments that they deserve. I am confident that if the above alterations are made then the PLP would become a political party that is better-respected and more competent to take this country to new heights.

KENNETH MINORS

Huntsville, Alabama

July 27, 2003

Dear Sir,

Please allow me to express my thanks to the constituents of Pembroke South West, number 20, for their support of the Progressive Labour Party and me during the recent general election. Although I was not elected to serve you directly as a Member of Parliament, I can assure you, and indeed the entire country, that as one who is committed to assisting where possible, in moving this country forward for the betterment of us all, that I will as promised on your door steps, hold the feet of our Government to the fire, if in the unlikely event that the need should arise.

Since all the hype and shouting has passed, we now need as a community to hold hands, embrace each other, pool our resources, and move forward together and deal with our plight as it relates to housing, crime, care of our elderly, racism and all the other factors that negatively impact our Bermuda. Once again, thank you.

NEVILLE T. DARRELL

Devonshire

July 24, 2003

Dear Sir,

It is a sad day when one realises that the majority of Islanders have cast their votes based solely on their emotions. The PLP candidates played their people well. Now let us see how they cast them off and strut ahead with their noses so high in the air that they very well may trip and fall flat on their faces as they continue to squander our money, be even more self-serving and make sure they divide Bermuda even further!

H. MEDEIROS

Hamilton Parish

July 24, 2003

Dear Sir,

Please allow me a bit of space in your newspaper to commend ZBM on it's excellent election coverage. The political analysis by former MPs Julian Hall and Jerome Dill as well as journalist Tom Vesey was first class. It is a shame that such televised political coverage is limited to election day. This country is in desperate need of a political television show such as "Meet the Press" or "This Week with David Brinkley". I would encourage ZBM Director Rick Richardson III to take all steps to make this a reality.

RECMAN

Devonshire

July 25, 2003

Dear Sir,

So, another election comes and goes. The people have decided to give the current ruling party another chance to "get it right", but only just, especially down East. Two seats (those of the Premier and Tourism Ministers, at that) decided by single-figure margins, and two more by majorities of less than 30. It doesn't get much tighter than that. Government better take heed of the warning. "You've got the message, loud and clear: Mess up once more, and you're outta here!"

DAVIE KERR

St. George's

July 25, 2003

Dear Sir,

The President of the United States is chosen every four years and within that time he tries to accomplish his promised goals. He realises that if they aren't set within this time then the community would choose someone else. So when comparing the most powerful country in world to getting things done in this period its amazing to me how four years seems to be so little of time for the government.

I feel that 80 percent of the votes to the PLP were chosen by eyes and not by using their brains. I hope that the people who chose the re-election of the PLP are happy with their decision, and just make sure that when things get worse that you blame the blacks this time. I feel that Bermudians will not be happy until the earth crumbles under them to open their eyes and see that the PLP government just can't hold this Island together.

I am a black Bermudian and I am not afraid to say that, "to many blacks in power is a disaster waiting to happen". Everyone wants to be their own leader when they are suppose to be on a "unity" trip. I will guarantee this community that if the PLP fails again, there will be some new phrase that will give them another chance to ruin this Island, more like: "Well they did okay this time but if they get just little longer time then we are sure they will accomplish their goals."

Along with that phrase these are the others that got them there in the first, "we are the people's party" or "we will serve you" or "we will change the system". Well besides for the Ferry System I haven't seen much change.

MR. B

Southampton