It's bad enough

Dear Sir,

I was absolutely appalled when my five year old came home from school today proclaiming that I needed to vote for Dr. Brown. Firstly, we are staunch UBP supporters, and our family has personally experienced the "reverse" racism on several occasions because of the consistent barrage from the present government and its supporters on the problems with whites.

Secondly, he is only five! It is bad enough that my children have had to see the horrendous advertisements on TV sponsored by the PLP, but to have politics discussed in the primary schools is abysmal. He said that it was children in the Primary 6 (he is in Primary 1) telling him these things, but still – leave the children out of it. They can't vote. They don't even fully understand the issues at stake. How do I explain to my child the reasons why our entire family disagrees with the current politics of the PLP? Why should I even have to at this point? Please, leave the children out of it.

CONCERNED PARENT

Southampton

Celebrate unity

December 12, 2007

Dear Sir,

I have been reading about a fascinating naturalist by the name of Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859). While his words were written to describe his Natural discoveries, I find them to be fitting for today's unsettled and unsettling political climate, as we await the outcome of next week's General Election. "Unity in diversity, and of connection, resemblance and order, among created things dissimilar in their form, one fair harmonious whole... "

We are one people, a whole created by a multifaceted, complex and long history. We must celebrate unity in diversity. Please, I implore you, my fellow Bermudians, one and all, next week cast your ballot toward togetherness and leave this current divisive arena in the past.

DAUGHTER OF THE WATER

Warwick

Chris Furbert is wrong

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

While listening to tonight's television news I heard Chris Furbert, the president of the BIU, claim that Sir John Sharpe told a leading civil servant that purchases of computer systems were to be from his company (Purvis). I headed Business Systems Limited (now Logic) and was a competitor to both Sir John's Sharpe's company (Purvis – agent for Boroughs) and BCS (IBM agent), which was the primary computer supplier to the Bermuda Government. Accordingly, I was keenly interested in Government's computer purchases and therefore believe myself to be competent to comment.

Mr. Editor, I can assure you that from 1976 until the demise of Purvis Limited, Mr. Furbert's claim is flat out wrong. Apart from a small Boroughs installation at the Bermuda College I know of no material computer installation made by Sir John's company Purvis to the Bermuda Government. I competed aggressively with Purvis but can assure you that I found Sir John and his management were nothing other than worthy competitors. Furthermore it is my view that Sir John's government connections put him at a disadvantage. For example, I know of one occasion when Sir John disqualified himself and his company from a bid simply because of his government connection.

The cost of computer systems during the era in which Sir John's company was in the computer business was measured in hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars. We competed aggressively and 'took no prisoners' but even as a competitor I am offended by Mr. Furbert's uninformed comment directed toward one of Bermuda's statesmen.

NICHOLAS WEARE

Pembroke

Look at the big picture

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

In deriding the UBP's proposed tax cut for lower income earners, Premier Dr. Brown laments: "It is impractical, unaffordable and unwise to give the same tax cut to the 30-year-old single guest worker — most of whose income immediately leaves Bermuda — as we give to that Bermudian mother-of-four."

I am not sure when the good doctor last earned only $42,000 a year (if ever) in Bermuda but there are likely scant few red Hog Pennies left over at the end of each month for anyone (guest worker, single mother or otherwise) to abscond overseas on that kind of a salary on De Rock!

The bigger picture, and one both parties would be wise to fix in the coming term whichever prevails at the polls, would be to make sure all residents have more in their pocket at month's end to pay for the skyrocketing essentials of life, such as rent, electricity and food.

ANDREW CLARKE

Ontario/Canada

Voting: Power to hire & fire

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

How often do you get to tell an underperforming manager "You're fired"!? Well, if you are one of the thousands of registered voters the answer is once every four to five years. You see, Mr. Editor, it's us the people that have the power to hire and fire the managers of this country. For about six weeks now, I have seen supporters of the PLP wave flags to show support. They asked us to turn on headlights and honk our horns to show support for the party. And of course they invited us to attend an event or rally to "listen" to their candidates.

Well Mr. Editor, that's all fine as I would expect that in the run-up to the Election. But what matters to me the most was their behaviour BEFORE November 2nd when the Election was called. Were they "listening" to US then? Did the PLP seem interested in "listening" to the people's views on Independence? Were they willing to listen to the people on issues such as the Southlands, GPS, BHC inquiries, the relocation of the hospital or closing of the Medical Clinic just to name a few recent issues of the past nine years?

Why were we, the people, the last to find out about the decision on issues that would undoubtedly change our island so drastically? Let's not forget the holiday known as Bermuda Day was changed without community input. Isn't it about what we want? I think the PLP administration would do better this Christmas to substitute a heavy Cassava Pie for a much needed lighter piece of Humble Pie.

Bermuda, we have one day to tell this administration "You're Fired"! On December 18th make your vote count. And on December 19th, no matter the outcome of the Election, wake up and thank God for all that he has blessed you with. God alone offers us more peace, healing, hope and joy then any man or woman that leads this country.

VOTER

City of Hamilton

Riding roughshod

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

I refer to your newspaper front page dated 13th December regarding the granting of an SDO for 106 homes at Southside. This is another example of Government blatantly railroading the system and riding roughshod over the proper planning process for such a development and using it as a selfish expedient in an attempt to garner a few extra votes on election day. Surely as a Caretaker Government they should not have the authority to pass legislation in such a manner? There has been no planning approval and no opportunity for the public/neighbours to object or provide input. Where is the will of the people?

CONCERNED VOTER

Southampton

Where is the money?

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

I was interested to hear in a speech by Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley and quoted in your newspaper that $800 million, yes, $800 million, of taxpayer funds were unaccounted for as a result of a number of Government departments which had failed to submit their annual financial statements to the Auditor General for a good many years under the PLP government.

The Auditor General has repeatedly requested these statements, since his office is required to audit all government departments annually, and he has been fobbed off with excuses over the years. There is only one reason why these departments have not submitted their financial statements, and that is because there is gross mismanagement to put it delicately. Where is the public's money? This government has lost the trust of the people.

VOTE FOR CHANGE!

Southampton

PLP is the only solution

December 14, 2007

Dear Sir,

I'd like to address this letter to those PLP supporters who are still unsure as to whether they will vote on December 18 and those that have decided not to vote. Fellow supporters, having been out canvassing with my PLP candidate, I am aware of the frustration you are feeling with the current status of issues in Bermuda. When I first decided to write this letter, I thought about all the things that I would say regarding the PLP's record. But I realise that at this late stage, there is nothing that I could say that would suddenly convince you to vote because you know what they've done and what they haven't done. You've lived through the past nine years just as I have.

I believe that your anger toward the Party stems from actions of the leadership and the controversy surrounding the Leader. I understand your concern as I share in your uneasiness. But don't think of your vote for the PLP as a vote for the current leader or the other 35 candidates. These individuals are merely the face of the PLP. The brains, body and heart of the Party — that distinction belongs to us.

You, I and every working class Bermudian is the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party. The power base of the Party is and shall remain the hardworking, working class and those of us from working class families. A vote for the PLP is a not just a vote for one of the 36 candidates but is, in essence, a vote for your neighbour, your family, your friends, and a vote for yourself.

Despite the mistakes and the controversies, I still believe that the PLP is the best party to lead Bermuda. They have the vision to propel us further forward collectively as a country and as individuals. They understand the obstacles that we face because the Party is us. So, I would encourage you to think long and hard on your decision to vote. I encourage you to ignore the rhetoric, look past and even question the fear-mongering and see the reality of our situation. Honestly compare the past nine years to the previous 30. You will see that the PLP is the only solution. So on December 18, get out and vote.

DIONNE E. BURROWS

Pembroke

Ms Foggo is wrong

December 14, 2007

Dear Sir,

As a black man and PLP supporter, regardless of my vote on December 18, let me just briefly remind Ms Foggo that a vote of choice is one's fundamental right. Regardless of what is constantly preached regarding 'internalised racism', we need to go back to the plantation!

Back to the plantations where slaves were brave enough to run away. Back to the plantations that spawned the birth of the Underground Railroad and back to the plantations where strong black men and women maintained their culture and beliefs through song and dance and yes, let's go back to the plantations where men manned-up, maintained their communities and stood up for their belief, strengths and faith.

Unfortunately, many people did not receive their 40 acres and a mule like some of those docile Bermudians not sent to the Caribbean, but many more people took their plantation experiences and used them as foundations for individual success that we see today. So, as a black people our greatest threat is not to "go back to the plantation", but our ability to let people that look like us take us back to their plantation.

SAM

Warwick

Stop repeat offenders

December 14, 2007

Dear Sir,

Stop repeat offenders, do not re-elect!

ROBERT HENDERSON

Smith's

Deal with the present

December 14, 2007

Dear Sir,

I'd just like to say that I had a great time with my Young United friends yesterday... I didn't know that waving to the traffic and holding up the "Vote for Change" banner on the roundabout on North Shore could be so much fun! It was so nice to see such positive reactions and enthusiasm from people honking and flashing their lights while driving to work.

However, I was saddened by the hatred shown by various PLP supporters and it was clear to me that race is still a huge issue. I cannot wait for the day where people educate themselves with facts from the present (not the past) and see the bigger picture about where the UBP stand today. Hope that day comes sooner rather than later! Let us work together! It's the only way to do things on a little and unique island like this one. Merry Christmas & happy holidays to everyone!

BIANCA POWER

Kudos for doorstepping

December 14, 2007

Dear Sir,

Tonight I got a phone call from an American woman who was calling on behalf of Patrice Minors. I know she wasn't Bermudian and that she didn't have a clue about this election, because she didn't know the difference between the Progressive Labour Party and the United Bermuda Party. I had to explain it to her.

She asked me if I would be giving Ms Minors my vote on Tuesday. I told her no, this time my vote is going to Michael Dunkley. Why? Because instead of hiring some foreign firm to do his legwork, he knocked on my door and didn't leave until he had heard everything I had to say and answered every question that I had.

VOTING FOR CHANGE

Smith's North

All show, no substance

December 15, 2007

Dear Sir,

For about the third time this week I see my PLP hopefuls out waving at the crowds on the St. David's Roundabout and can't help thinking how appropriately symbolic this is of the PLP over the last eight years. All show... little substance. What good is waving to me on the way to work?

I am amazed by all the announcements over the past weeks. Free meals, free ferries and buses! Free everything! It truly shows how desperate that my poor party has become. After eight years of flying around the world at our expense, misappropriation of our tax dollars, corruption at the BHC and most likely at the Berkeley site as well, completely ignoring us unless we march on Parliament, and costly reports veiled in secrecy, we suddenly have our Government performing a 180, wagging its tail like an excited puppy eager to please. Just tell us what you want! Do you really think we will fall for it a third time?

Dr. Brown, at the start of the election and Paula Cox again last week reiterated to us that we should "Keep your eyes on the prize". But beware folks! Don't get fooled into thinking the prize is for us. The prize is for them! More flying around the world! More cruising around in big cars! And back to business as usual, ignoring us. And Dr. Brown will say "Sorry, we had to deceive you... again... suckers!"

WON'T BE FOOLED A THIRD TIME

St. George's

Do not use scare tactics

December 15, 2007

Dear Sir,

The Reality on Independence Group ads are very interesting. They say that they are not partial to any particular party yet in December 11's paper they have basically said voting for the PLP will lead to Independence. This election isn't about Independence and picking sides will not actually help with the issue (Independence) at hand. We need to educated people about the issues and not use scare tactics.

What are the un-slanted pros and cons of the movement? Will Bermuda actually move forward if Independent and if so when should it actually happen? These questions need to be talked about and it should be a choice of the people not any one party. If the UBP win the election the fight for Independence won't vanish and the issues surrounding it won't either. Our need as Bermudians to feel as if we belong to something needs to be addressed first. And whoever wins will have that to deal with.

ROY RICHARDSON

Sandys

Another SDO?

December 16, 2007

Dear Sir,

Dr. Brown stated that the PLP have not given their blessing to Belco's proposal to expand their Pembroke facilities, up to St. John's Road. Belco's plans show them first building their new North Station on the old Berkeley Institute playing field between Cemetery Road and St. John's Road. If the PLP are not once again misleading us can someone explain the following.

Why have Belco closed down their garage facilities on the north field site and made their mechanics redundant? Why is Belco's north field storage yard looking emptier and emptier? Is a re-elected PLP Government going to issue yet another Special Development Order in the National Interest, and permit Belco to further pollute the residents of Pembroke without them being permitted to fight the planning application.

TIRED OF THE POLLUTION

Pembroke

It doesn't gel

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

I had to do a double take when I saw the heading "Premier in message of unity" in The Royal Gazette today. I thought maybe I was caught in a time warp, had missed a week, and Michael Dunkley was now our Premier. But no, when I read the article, I realised it was Ewart Brown trying on 'the unifying message' in front of the Sandys Rotary Club last night.

Somehow this message does not gel with his campaign thus far! Is Dr. Brown realising that supporters might not be so blind with support, so he is trying a more reasonable approach? It seems remarkably at odds that Dr. Brown can rant at length about the PLP's "most vicious and vile opponents" and then give a speech on unity. PLP supporters know when wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it.

FACE REALITY

Smith's Parish

Encouraging words

December 16, 2007

Dear Sir,

I wish to extend my sincere encouragement, and convey my admiration, to five first-time candidates in the impending General Election, who have chosen to take up the mantle in an effort to strive to make a positive difference in the quality of life for all the residents of Bermuda. They are (in alphabetical order of surname): LaVerne Furbert, Linda Merritt, Senator Davida Morris, David Sullivan, and Keith Young.

These contenders have been dubbed as "losers" and as such will have little choice as "shame-faced losers" to take a back seat; as reported in The Bermuda Sun on Friday, December 14, 2007.

To my colleagues, don't be discouraged. I applaud you. You have absolutely nothing to be 'ashamed' of. You are "WINNERS" by any stretch of the imagination. You derived the title of "winner" the moment that you were accepted as a viable candidate to represent both – your Party of choice; and to represent the constituents of your designated constituency.

Well done! You have already done yourself and Bermuda proud, no matter what the final tally of the voting ballots.

MARILYN STEEDE

THE OTHER DUBBED 'SHAME-FACED LOSER'

Pembroke

PLP went negative

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

On behalf of all Bermudians, I would like to congratulate and thank the United Bermuda Party for conducting a clean campaign. I can only imagine the fear and uncertainty that we would feel if the UBP had not persevered in their mission to focus on issues and to maintain responsible, intelligent leadership. It took great strength of character to resist the constant baiting by the PLP. Even supporters have pressured the UBP to hit back harder, but the UBP have remained respectable, steady and strong. The PLP's negative rhetoric, personal attacks, confusing, nasty twists to the truth, and divisive, vitriolic speeches will come back to haunt them on December 18. The PLP has been hoisted by its own petard and will lose this election, God willing.

SARAH TOMLINSON

Smith's

How to decide...

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

Here's an idea, Bermuda. If you are black, imagine all the candidates in both the PLP and the UBP were black. If you are white, imagine all the candidates in both the PLP and the UBP were white. Now, look at each party's future political platform, each party's past record, and the current state of affairs in Bermuda ... in fact everything else you would look at to decide which party has the best interests of all Bermudians in hand. Got an idea? Good. Vote for them.

YOU CAN IF YOU TRY

Pembroke

What is leadership?

Dear Sir,

It is most appropriate at this time to quote Mwai Kibaki President of Kenya…. who said: "Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed." I ask the people of Bermuda of all colours and persuasions: has the current Government been there to better the lives of others? For me the answer is obvious: please vote sensibly and help yourself and your fellow Bermudian to take this country forward with integrity and hope…

COTTY OUTERBRIDGE

City of Hamilton

It makes no sense

December 16, 2007

Dear Sir,

I write with a heavy heart and a weakened spirit after a long week of harsh words and absolutely no goodwill toward our fellow man. Am I the only one left feeling sad and shaken by the direction our island is taking? I wonder today if anyone feels as I do that Bermuda has taken a turn, from which, regardless of who "wins" in the end, we will never recover. The feverish hostility of this "campaign" leaves me almost speechless. Where is the debate about the issues that face our community? To listen to some of our radio talk shows, you would believe that this community is on the verge of returning to the slave-owning community of past centuries.

It is propaganda by definition, hosted by professionals who ironically have been employed because of their high level of education provided right here on this island, who are supporting politicians also educated and successful as a result, again, of our education and open business community which supports thousands of talented Bermudians. Black people are achieving in Bermuda and will continue to do so in ever-increasing numbers. We should feel inferior to no one.

Why do we insult our fellow Bermudians because they are not in the "black" party? Do we really believe that Pamela Pamplin-Gordon is a supporter of racists, or Kenneth Bascome is trying to pull one over on his fellow Bermudian brothers? How about Louise Jackson? I do not. No more than I believe that Ms Paula Cox or Mr. Dale Butler is out to get the white man. I truly believe they have our best interests at heart – all of them!

The other argument I hear is "we are employees – not the business owners". This coming from a talk-show host working for a black-owned business. If you are a black person who does not want to participate in this rhetoric, it is because you are "brainwashed" by the white racist group operating solely to keep us down. This is a circular argument that gets us nowhere. And when I look around, they are doing a pretty poor job of keeping us down.

Where are we going with this? You cannot even disagree with the voices of the party these days without being accused of being brainwashed or a turncoat because you have a mind of your own! How can a party, full of successful, educated, talented black people accuse the very process that got them there of holding the "black" community back? It makes no sense. I hope when this day is over, we will be able to find our way back home!

DP BROWN

City of Hamilton

A practical issue

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

As many Bermudians are aware, the PLP and specifically Mr. Derrick Burgess have decided to enforce a law that denies Bermudians who are married to Non-Bermudian spouses, to purchase more than one house. Well, let me tell all of you what Mr. Burgess has done that will impact all Bermudians married to non-Bermudian spouses, and I hope you decide after reading this you decided to not vote for the PLP.

I am married to a non-Bermudian, and due to the need to add on to my house, we decided we would go to the bank and request a loan, and, like any Bermudian owning a house would, we decided we would use our house as collateral. We have always paid our loans on time and only have a few years left on our mortgage. My wife and I approached the Bank of Bermuda / HSBC for a loan; submitted our loan application to the bank.

After waiting two weeks we were informed that we were denied the loan because my wife is non-Bermudian, and I would need to get a licence! I could not believe it. Mr. Burgess, you and your party have now impacted me, and also any other Bermudian who may go through the same situation.

Over the years I have been a very quiet Bermudian, and take things as they come like a good Bermudian, and even used to vote for the PLP ... but not any more, no way! You have now impacted me any my family. I now have to spend $1,200 to get a licence, just so I can apply for a loan, and by the way, everyone reading this; it does not guarantee a loan approval!

So on that note I hope many of you see what the PLP is doing to Bermudians and this country. Not only are they telling us who we can marry, but also now telling us and the loan institutions whether we can get a loan. This sounds like a dictatorship to me.

ON A WAR PATH

Sandys

Get out and vote

December 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

Retribution at last! Well, here we are. Predictions are about to come true (See the Letter 'Down de road" of about three years ago.) If we are not very, very careful about choosing the person we vote for on December 18, 2007.

(The gist of that Letter was: Independence. Premier-for-Life living in Government House. Exempt Companies — left! Big office buildings standing idle — occupied by squatters! Most white people had left. Unemployment. Total dissatisfaction. Riots, etc.)

Well guys, you will get what you deserve if you are not prepared to accept that 'certain' of Bermuda's leaders have the potential to become dictators. Serves you right if you — in-spite of the fact that all of the countries of Africa with the sole exceptions of Botswana and South Africa, became dictatorships after Independence — vote in the 'bad ones' of the present Government. Don't do it, please

Now, to the white people. Your past philosophy "let's not rock the boat". Right now, the Bermuda Boat is threatened with sinking! You were intimidated by certain of the 'brothers' and by their racist slurs, Constantly, you were made to feel guilty by what happened back in history even though slavery ended 140 years or so ago! It was pushed down your 'craws' anyway. You were repeatedly told that you had benefited from slavery

Shame on the majority of our young white people for failing to stand up for their rights and the rights of all Bermudians! We, their parents, worked hard. Saved our money. Gave them a good education. What are they doing now? What have they been doing? ... making huge amounts of money while keeping their heads down. As a result, the older generation is faced with having most of their achievements taken away by money-grubbing, pathetic, power-hungry excuses for Leaders! My guess is that most of the supporters of the party of these so-called leaders do not want that kind of un-Bermudian behaviour.

Most of the young white people were too weak-livered! They did not stand up and argue and struggle to persuade and in so-doing help to preserve and help to pass o n to all Bermudians only the best of the achievements of all Bermudian great-grandparents, grandparents, fathers and mothers and what they had built — a great, prosperous and beautiful Island, loved by so many world-wide, an Island which provides opportunities for all Races!

The present dictatorship-in-the-making only care about themselves. Have you noticed, only one or two White faces in Government yet whites are about 34 percent of Bermuda's population! Makes you think, doesn't it?

Wake up! You haven't much time left. You had better figure out a solid lawful alternative to the 'crowd' that have Bermuda by the throat. No excuses will do! (By the way, by referring to them as 'the crowd" I do not mean the entire PLP. What I mean is the 'bad ones' running for the PLP. My belief is that the majority of the PLP are decent Bermudians who care, as most all of us do, about good, fair and decent and lawful Government.)

There is time, but very little of it. You had better get on with it! Delay and equivocation will result in an unacceptable, negative and irreversible outcome. Turn out and vote. But, please, vote for a team that will work for us all to preserve the good and improve what is not so good in ways which will benefit all of us Bermudians together as one unit.

Be careful. Vote for the individual in your District who you truly believe will harm us least. This is so important. A mistake will ruin our lives and futures. Think abut it! Good luck, thank you and God Bless You!

DOWN DE ROAD

Pembroke

Cut out of the process

December 14, 2007

Dear Sir,

As Christmas draws near again, I would like to express gratitude to the Childwatchers for hosting another excellent programme on "The Missing Years" when children are deprived of the opportunity of being with both parents and when alienation is practiced by one parent over another and the courts' bias does not allow shared parenting. This is a form of child abuse and the sooner that Bermuda wakes up to this, the better. This realisation and a change in the laws will eliminate a number of social ills that we are currently experiencing in Bermuda.

I have not been with my children for two years, nor have I spent any holiday with them during that time because my children have been alienated. This type of behaviour is unacceptable and is not good for the well-being of our children. Children, like lightning, gravitate to the point (parent) of least resistance. When one parent is more permissive and "buys" the children's affection, the other parent who wants to set realistic guidelines is disregarded or worse.

Usually, the non-custodial parent receives the "privilege" of being a parent once the child is out of control or when the child is affected by drinking, drugs, disobedience, or delinquency. So, for all the fathers (and some mothers) who will not be able to spend Christmas with their children again, my heart goes out to you, too. For those that are perpetrating the alienation and child abuse, the shame is yours.

DISENFRANCHISED DAD

City of Hamilton