Over these past several months, I have read with a growing sense of bemusement those letters to the editor concerning the issue of MPs holding other citizenships. Personally, I think both Michael Dunkley and Ewart Brown are silly to have given up their American citizenship so as to be able to hold seats in our Parliament.

Dunkley even went so far as to suggest that it was necessary to give up his citizenship so as to avoid any conflicts. Well, this is one Bermudian who knows which side she is going to be on if America and Bermuda ever have any sort of conflict (ha,ha,ha) and it sure as hell will not be on Dunkleys. Come on Michael, Get Real! We have no conflicts with America because our livelihoods are 100 percent dependent on that great country's continued goodwill and benevolence, (even the local milk industry). Is this a case of Foot In Mouth disease? Now as regards Ewart Brown giving up his American citizenship, I am very disappointed in him in that by doing so he has unwittingly helped to perpetrate the hypocritical and belittling attitude of the UBP toward the Bermudian` people. The fact of the matter is that there is nothing untoward about any Bermudian holding any other citizenship and Ewart Brown made a grave error in not standing firm on this point of principle. Instead, he chose the expedient way out and in so doing has helped to keep alive and well the petty prejudices and jealousies which are the legacy of the UBP and their band of coolies.

The more it changes, the more it stays the same.

IRRITATED IN PEMBROKE Mihdi is making progress April 17, 2001 To the Friends of Mihdi Brock in Bermuda, Our lives these past months have been very full. Marvin and Mihdi have been in the Los Angeles area since November while Mihdi undergoes treatment with Dr.

Wu five days a week. I am on the East Coast single-parenting three of our girls and working to sustain our household. Once Megan graduates in June, we will move to the West Coast and join forces so that Mihdi can continue under Dr. Wu's care.

In the past, we have shared our concerns with you. Today, I want to use this space to impart some of our joy and gratitude at the outcome of the tests and trials of these past years.

Recently, Mihdi and I held our first real conversation. It went like this: "Hi Mommy. It's me! Mihdi!'' After I exclaimed and told him what a marvellous boy he was, he answered my "yes or no'' questions. He finished with, "Bye bye, Mommy!'' This brave little boy has matured very much in the five months he has been under intensive treatment. He enters the treatment room of his own volition and lies, unmoving, on the table for half an hour during acupuncture treatment. This from a three year old. He continues to drink his herbs and acts more like a typical three year old each day.

Along with Mihdi's speech delay, balance has been a big problem. Recently, our usually cautious boy walked down fourteen steps when his father was not watching. He then jumped off the last step, yelled "YES!'', turned around and gave his daddy a huge grin and two thumbs up! Marvin and I feel confident that prolonged treatment from Dr. Wu will allow Mihdi to live a near normal adult life. We are "over the moon'' about the progress we have witnessed. Even more telling is Mihdi's radiant, joyful presence. He is obviously feeling so much better than ever before. His exuberance keeps us all going.

A June x-ray will reveal any changes that have occurred through our attempts to straighten his tourcoing(sic), twisting spine. The fact that Mihdi's language is emerging makes us believe that the excess cerebral spinal fluid in the central nervous system is beginning to decrease. Without a doubt, we owe this success to the generosity of the Bermudian people. You have come to Mihdi's aid in this time of desperate need. Marvin and I have carried a large burden, but we could not carry it all. Mihdi would have died due to lack of funds. His health problems are unique and the solution is not found in traditional Western medicine. As a consequence, we operate outside of traditional insurance policies. Without your donations, the Mission for Mihdi could not have continued to this point. How can Marvin or I possibly express our overwhelming gratitude and love to those of you who have opened your hearts to a little boy in dire straits? There are no words.

The Mission for Mihdi continues. The hard work continues, but for a moment we stop to ponder the wondrous journey thus far. Without darkness, there can be no light. Without pain, there can be no joy.

This is a time of great joy and I can't stop smiling! I love you all. One of these days, we will bring Mihdi home to Bermuda so we can all enjoy a good smile together. Until then, we will continue to update you. I am immensely proud of my son, and equally proud of our Bermudian brothers and sisters.

CLAIRE QUINLAN BROCK Sunapee, New Hampshire A good Samaritan April 17, 2001 Dear Sir, Yesterday I drove with my family to Dockyard to have lunch at the Freeport Seafood Restaurant. Two of my relatives from Georgia on a bike joined us. I no sooner alit from the car only to realise that I had locked my keys in the car (after cautioning everyone to also "please lock your side''!) and with the motor running. Clearly upset, I walked into the restaurant and asked for assistance. A fellow at the bar turned to me and said he was an electrician and probably had something in his car that would help.

So, out we went but unfortunately he had no suitable wire so he went all along the Freeport Road (remember we are in the parking lot at the entrance) until he located a piece of stiff wire.

In the meantime I tripped across the road to see if anyone there had any. I saw that my saviour had returned to my car so I ran back and he proceeded to attempt with patience and fortitude to open the lock. After half an hour, I turned around and there were the three men from the shop across the road also coming to assist. It started to sprinkle too. These four men with determination finally were able to get that lock popped.

When I suggested recompense, the three from across the road just laughed and quickly re-crossed the road. The electrician scratched his head and said "let's see, how about six months in the Bahamas!''. Then he said: "Please, just go and enjoy your lunch.'' I am taking this forum to say thanks again to you guys. Attention must be paid to all the goodness out there in our island home. I can assure you, this is one story that will not be forgotten by this Bermudian.

NORA SCANLON City of Hamilton `Millionaire' plug April 17, 2001 Dear Sir, Bermuda received a wonderful FREE piece of advertising on Sunday night. The contestant on the ABC show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'' was asked just before he answered the million dollar question, what he would do with the money if he won. He said he wanted to travel and when asked by Regis Philbin where in particular, he said "I want to go back to Bermuda, it's so beautiful''.

He did win the million, so hopefully if he does come here, he will be given recognition he deserves for putting us back on the map.

CAROL CARVALHO Southampton Courage of conviction April 15, 2001 Dear Sir, It was recently stated that the Government of Bermuda will settle the case brought by Chief Insp. Larry Smith as a result of his demotion from the rank of Superintendent.

I am wondering if all of those persons who wrote to the UK government suggesting that a certain previous Commissioner should be knighted have the courage of their conviction and together reimburse the Bermuda Government for the sums it paid to former Assistant Commissioner Perinchief and Mr. Smith, as a consequence of the injustice suffered by both parties.

JUST WONDERING Sandys Parish Tribute to artist April 8, 2001 Dear Sir, Sam Morse-Brown, one of the greatest portraitists of our time, has left this world.

He was an exceptional human being, a poet, a philosopher and an animal protector of worldwide renown. His soul will be carried on a hymn of glory towards the Lord! He will remain a symbol of kindness and justice towards all living beings. I am grateful to destiny that our roads have been allowed to cross at a certain point of our life and proud that he has considered me as a friend. Thank you for your wisdom Sam, your guidance and your unique personality. Thank you also for the dog called "Bacchus'' that you and your dear wife Elisabeth have entrusted to Manette and me and with whom we have shared 15 wonderful years! Farewell Sam, our good thoughts and prayers will be with you, until we meet again in another world.

HANS FISCHINGER France Explanation on trees This was sent to the Ministry of Works and Engineering and copied to The Royal Gazette.

April 7, 2001 Dear Sir, I have become increasingly horrified and disappointed at the slaughter of the vegetation on our beautiful road sides. Please explain your agenda! The stunning and mature stand of pink and white oleander opposite Angel's Grotto, near Somersall Road off Harrington Sound Road, is gone! The Baygrapes along South Shore Road east of Harrington Hundreds Grocery are severely cut to the ground, and the roadside resembles a ? landscape! The vegetation alone, South Shore Road approaching Long Lane, Tuckers Town is horribly cut back. Are you road-widening? Also, I object! Wider straighter roads just lead to more speed! And what happened to the Poinciana Tree at the cross roads of Serpentine and Pitts Bay Road? It has been so badly "pruned'' it will probably die. Are there no "tree huggers'' in your department? Our visitors want to see trees and flowers on the road side, not a barren waste land. I look forward to an explanation.

PEGGY COUPER Pembroke Editors note: In a story in yesterday's Royal Gazette , Works Minister Alex Scott explained the tree at the junction of Serpentine and Pitts Bay Road was damaged in an accident recently.