Drug dealing rampant

October 3, 2002

Dear Sir,

Thank you for the use of your newspaper to support and echo some of the thoughts articulated by Spinning Wheel Night Club owner Charles L.B. Burgess in your recent front page story, although I question both his timing and motive. As a long time resident of the area I fully agree that the Bermuda Police Service has not and does not appear to show any real interest in ridding the neighbourhood of "full time" professional drug dealers. Sure the Police drive through and make an occasional search and arrest, but the daily drug dealing and associated behaviour continues unabated. Undercover Police officers regularly catch and arrest the same well known panhandler "Jinks" for begging on the streets of "south" Hamilton (Front, Queen and Church streets etc.) while the same drug dealers peddle their wares daily, further north on Court Street. The parking lot adjacent to Places Cafe on Dundonald Street appears to be the best place to score an early morning eye opener or should I say eye closing deck of heroin nowadays, clearly evident by the early daily morning presence of both dealers and addicts. A growing number of "dope" addicts can be seen every morning around 6.30 a.m. picking up their early morning "slam" before heading off to work, many to construction sites, still under the influence. Illegal drugs are sold in open lots directly across from both the Spinning Wheel and Swinging Doors. Drugs can also be purchased in the Bermuda Industrial Union owned parking lot located between the Spinning Wheel and Court Street Liquors. Quantities of illegal drugs are being routinely found in and around the recently opened Court Street games arcade. Most of this illegal activity takes place in open view of anyone who chooses to observe it. The dealers and users make no effort to hide their identities, so as both Mr. Burgess and the anonymous female business owner said in your story, everyone seems to know the offenders except the Police. I doubt if this type of activity would be tolerated anywhere else in Hamilton. I must again agree with Mr. Burgess's assertion that the residents and businessmen of north Hamilton do not seem to have the same clout with Police, Government or the Corporation as do those of South Hamilton. I can only attribute this disparity in attention and treatment to race the majority of residents and business owners in the "back of town" are black, those in the "front of town" are white. Begging nuisances are not tolerated on Church or Front Street while drugs dealing nuisances are the norm on Court Street.

Hoping to be more than just a member of the "Bermuda Whiners Chorus", I've given thought to some possible solutions. The unfortunate and untimely passing of the Honourable David Allen means a new Member of Parliament will be elected to represent the area. Resident voters have an opportunity to make demands on their potential politician. Your vote can be a very powerful tool, if used wisely. If Government through the Police service, is not prepared to ensure an equitable quality of life in the area then maybe enough votes for a UBP candidate in a PLP stronghold might wake someone up.

Maybe the BIU, Government and the larger businesses in the area might consider jointly footing the bill to extend the fibre optic cable system along Court Street so that CCTV cameras can be installed. Remember it was Mr. Burgess along with other members of the United Bar Owners and the North Hamilton Business Association who rejected the cameras when the Corporation first offered them, hence my questioning of his present motives and timing. The problems of illegal drug trade and use do not easily go away. They tend to get worst if left unchecked. The presence of cameras in the area would have certainly changed the atmosphere. One can only assume that the business people who were originally against them either had something to hide or lack vision. Area residents are now paying the price for their fears and short sightedness.

The problems associated with illegal drugs are not unique to Court Street. This is an Islandwide evil. The Government neither Corporation nor police will solve this problem without help and involvement from the public. The question is whether the public is actually prepared to do what's required or merely pay lip service to the problem? Even if the Police don't know or chose to ignore those buying or selling drugs in our neighbourhoods, we know! "They' are "us"! They are our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, nephews, friends and family. If Court Street residents and businessmen are genuinely serious about tackling this problem, talk alone will not be enough. We must be willing to expose and root out drug traffickers and dealers by any means necessary. It might mean confronting family and friends. However, before we start the crusade we must take long hard looks in the mirror and honestly admit our personal involvement if any, in the drug problem. Confession some say, heals the soul. Others say that admission is the first step towards genuine recovery.

SICK AND TIRED OF JUST HEARING FROM THE SICK AND TIRED!

Pembroke

Stop pulling us down

October 8, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am writing in response to a letter in the October 4 Royal Gazette signed 'Detoured, City of Hamilton'. First of all, the majority of the events which cause the City Streets to be blocked off are not only events that cater to local organisations, but also attract international participants, who increase the spending in Bermuda, which we do still thrive on.

They also tend to feature kids, that are more often than not pictured as trouble makers on the streets. These are wholesome sporting events which occupy their minds, keep them fit and give them a sense of respect for themselves, as well as a level of responsibility. This is our future. Aren't the children of today the leaders of tomorrow? Some of these young athletes will go on to represent Bermuda internationally; Are we not supposed to foster that competitive spirit for the good of the Island?

Sundays are generally the quietest day on the roads as far as traffic is concerned. Although it may cause a slight detour to certain religious establishments, the events and road closures are published so far in advance that one should have plenty of time to reroute their regular transport to arrive on time. In the event of a dire emergency, Police reserves are at hand to move barricades to allow vehicles to pass through, and the siren would alarm those participants to their safety.

Regarding the "bread and circus" for the local population, it would do good for locals to realise the true benefit that this one event, Harbour Nights, has on our Island. Repeat tourists constantly plan their cruises to ensure they will be on the Island for that particular Wednesday night. Harbour Nights also supports local entrepreneurs who have only this chance to showcase and sell their wares in the City streets, which is otherwise illegal. It encourages families to come out, and provides local musicians with a much needed venue to present themselves to an audience which they might otherwise not have the privilege to.

Front Street may be a "main artery" in the City, but this is Bermuda and all the little "veins" can get you to the same place!

And to speak in favour of the Corporation of Hamilton and sponsors such as Bank of Bermuda, BF&M, the Bermuda Government and others who generously support these events, I believe they should receive a pat on the back rather than a slap in the face, for encouraging and making possible events that do so much for our Island and community. They deserve far more credit than they ever receive! The people in this Island that are so adamant to have these events dismissed, and refuse to financially support the groups, events or businesses that provide sponsorship, should stop concentrating their efforts on trying to pull back the reins and maybe donate some of their time, energy and money to help create a central, multiuse facility that these events can use!

Why is it that we can't work together rather than pull each other down? Our society will never grow with that attitude!

N. DANILEE TROTT

Warwick

Standing on principle

October 14, 2002

Dear Sir,

Mr. Ball's comments about Miss Bean in the Bermuda Sun article dated October 11, 2002, are testimony of the contempt that he displays towards any individual who does not share his views. In previous dealings with Mr. Ball, my observation is that he has a problem accepting other people's opinions. In my view, he comes across as being extremely arrogant at times. In response to his comments about myself, I must say that it is my prerogative to leave a meeting on my day off, especially if my representative is not supporting me. I was not wrong in my assumption that what I was hearing at that meeting was coercion. I stand on principle, even if I have to stand alone.

Speaking of the word "blackballed", after my experience with the BPSU, I know it all too well. To his comment that we did not want to cooperate and left the room rather than listen to the presentation. It was through my listening and attentiveness for a whole hour, that I continuously heard the threat of dismissal if we failed to sign the Customs contract before the deadline. My decision to leave the meeting was also based on the fact that our concerns fell on deaf ears, and that I had the foresight to determine that we were in the process of being railroaded. Therefore, I had every right to excuse myself and as Mr. Ball suggested 'take it to my lawyer'. Mr.. Ball says that it was because I chose my own attorney that the BPSU would not represent me. That offer was never put to me by the BPSU, in fact, to date I haven't heard directly from any of the BPSU representatives, so who has been 'blackballed'?

Mr. Ball is correct in saying that my colleagues know what happened. They also know that they were coerced and their employment is now contingent upon them passing an exam. They are not necessarily happy about how the BPSU handled the situation. I would guess that Mr.. Ball would say that he is unaware of this and doesn't find it necessary to challenge it. How many of the individuals who did not sign the Customs contract have been placed in permanent positions within Government, and how many months have passed? What is the BPSU doing about this?

It's apparent that Mr. Ball has not been listening to the concerns of his members and, therefore, cannot empathise with those affected. We came clean from the start. Mr. Ball claims that management laid all the cards on the table at a meeting held a few days before the changeover. They had a whole year to do so, but with the BPSU's support were able to make threats in the eleventh hour disregarding our rights and concerns. Therefore, if one didn't allow one's integrity to be questionable, one wouldn't be subjected to criticism one is experiencing, and have thoughts of persons smearing one's integrity.

Mr. Ball at times offers very little support to some BPSU members who occasionally experience problems with management. Certain heads of departments can set a poor example for their staff and even receive unfavourable media attention, yet they are not subjected to this harsh treatment. These same individuals are instead allowed to discipline others. Their punishment (if you wish to call it that) is a few weeks stress leave, while persons such as myself are subjected to being arrested for simply showing up to work... and you say this is a fair system?

Mr. Ball should realise that some BPSU members recognise that he may be successful in misleading some people some of the time, but he can't expect to mislead all of the people all the time. I hope that the remaining BPSU members recognise that there's strength in numbers and, therefore, stand firm in ensuring that their concerns, grievances and the like are genuinely represented, and not be misled to believe otherwise.

JENNIFER CAINES

Devonshire

Tired of bike theft

September 29, 2002

Dear Sir,

We, the motorcycle and auxiliary cycle public, have had enough of this ever present disease of "bike theft". Many have worked too hard to purchase bikes to have some thief come by and pilfer what we worked so hard to get. I am appalled by the parents of these thieves and the people that are accepting stolen cycles and not reporting it.

The law is much too lenient on those that are caught and that gives the incentive to others to do it as well. We know that the Police are doing that what they can, but in due course, some cycle owner is going to fall into the "cycle" and catch a thief in the act and beat them. Now, here is, we think, the catch-22. Beat them in that cycle of rage, then we become eligible for court appearance just because we are protecting what belongs to us, and they might just miss the charge of theft.

I truly appeal to Dr. Ewart Brown and his colleagues to see if there is anyway possible to revamp the sentencing procedures that are governed by the judges. It is really a dent in one's spirit and we want to be remembered as law abiding citizens and not victims of theft.

These caught offenders go to court, get fined, go back on the street and there goes somebody else's cycle.

To all of you that are on the real, surely you would like for someone to help you find your stolen property. There are those of you who know certain people's cycles and know it for sure and if you notice that that cycle is being ridden by someone other then the original owner for too long a period, it maybe stolen. Contact your local Police. You may restore a little joy into someone's heart. Parents, if you see an unfamiliar cycle in your yard and you know that your child can't afford to buy it at this time, question them. Stashed in the bushes or which ever, investigate. It could be the same cycle that you and your friends are talking about that was stolen. We have to stop being naive and do what we are called to do and stop the nonsense of being afraid of your child. (And I definitely am not).

To that child (cycle thief - kleptomaniac) who has no contact with the living because of being zombied out by a lack of education, can't read too well or probably none at all; one to many beers; three too many "decks"; no income; no dwelling place; and totally confused and lost in your own identity because you want to be like somebody else and still cannot do that right - stop your nonsense. You are doing all of this in front of the "boys". Why don't you stop the robotic following of friends and follow that which would be credit to your use on your Island.

If you are not sure which way you are really heading, seek someone that can talk to you positively. Your life is your life. What you make of it is a choice. Choose the right one!

In closing, Bermudians and visitors alike are tired off this kleptomania. We as a "whole" community can stamp some of these problems if only we pull in the same direction. Someone is going to get tired and somebody's child is going to get maimed or killed. Is this the only way we can pull together is when tragedy strikes. Lord forbid. There is still hope. Government cannot do everything to keep this Island in order. We voted all of them in and they need all of our greatest support. Especially when your child is out there being a menace, to society; knowing full well that there is a flaw somewhere and they can get over the "system". Therefore, your input can be that of importancy, to our problems. Help out. Report that which needs to be reported

TIRED OF BEING A VICTIM

Hamilton Parish