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THE BERMUDA CALENDAR

Some months ago I wrote to this newspaper to express my view on the subject of gambling — my advice to your readers has not altered. Even so, for absolute clarity, I resubmit the contents of that letter but under a different pen name:

Don't surrender to Devil

Dear Sir,

Some months ago I wrote to this newspaper to express my view on the subject of gambling — my advice to your readers has not altered. Even so, for absolute clarity, I resubmit the contents of that letter but under a different pen name:

First, I give thanks and praise to Almighty God and I ask for His guidance with the words that proceed:

What is this folly that a leader in this country should guide his constituents to consent to so precipitous a course as gambling? This country was never founded upon such, nor its inhabitants so purposefully beguiled. These lands have prospered, and not by a gamble, so why now should we allow that vice and it inherent impiety even close to our island home? Was it a gamble that the early settlers floundered upon these shores? No such thing. Rather, it was through the grace of God, the vision of a better life, careful planning, sacrifice and a steadfast determination.

Friend, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to Christ Jesus, who, being the only begotten son of the Father, with so perfect a love, gave His life upon a cross, that We, who so chose, should gain eternal life and a certain victory over those challenges in life that so easily beset us — financial woes included. With His sacrifice came the promise of a brighter day and the promise of an inheritance to all His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19) Has not the Saviour corrected us before with these words: "Ask and it shall be given you; seek and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7, KJV)?

What is gambling? Is it not taking a risk: speculating; taking a chance? It is hazarding. It is a trap door! Friend, your life is too precious. Why squander it away on a gamble (or worse, set a snare for guest to these isles)? Instead, choose a certainty. Choose Christ Jesus. Surrender your life to His divine providence and having done so invite Him to dwell within your heart. I promise you that the road ahead may not be easy, but you have His assurance that He "will never leave you, nor forsake you". (Hebrew 13:5)

For those of us already acquainted with Christ Jesus, who are living testaments to His goodness and mercy and His grace, it is for us NOW, more than ever, to allow our lights to shine and to share our stories a[testimonies} that those so desiring this perfect peace, might see and be encouraged.

Moreover, I admonish you brethren and sisdren: Do not surrender to the Devil and his schemes. His time is indeed short. Resist him, and befittingly gird yourselves with the full armour of God — shield, breastplate, helmet and sword. (Ephesians 6:11)

RASTAFARI

It's ferry difficult

March 29, 2010

Dear Sir,

With friends visiting Bermuda on a cruise ship on April 12, I want to plan an exciting day for them, to include a ferry ride from Dockyard to St. George's.

Naturally I turn to www.seaexpress.bm for a timetable but, sadly, only the Winter schedule is there, which runs out on April 11. Obviously no point in having the Summer schedule there as well, as it is two weeks before that kicks in.

So I click on "Contact Sea Express" and whizz a chatty e-mail off to info@seaexpress.bm Three days later I get a "failed to deliver" message. This rings a distant bell, so I check my previous missives to you and find one dated April 25, 2006 containing those familiar words: "After 72 hours of silence I get a 'Failed to deliver to info@seaexpress.bm' message." Four years, and they still haven't managed to fix the problem. Must be a tough one.

Being in an investigative mood, I decide to check on developments at the BTC web site. On August 3, 2008 I wrote to you that "Logging in to Manage Your Account is...useless as all one gets is a large Pardon Our Progress sign". Sure enough, no change. Incidentally, BTC, going nowhere in 19 months cannot really be described as progress.

Anyway, back to the cut and thrust of this letter. Having failed to procure ferry times via the website or e-mail I resort to dialling the SeaExpress telephone number – 295 6575 – whereupon I am put through to someone's voicemail. Four days later, I am still hoping that they will return my call prior to April 12.

Still, I have learned that anyone looking for a cushy job should try the IT department of SeaExpress or BTC.

Plus ca change,

ANDREW R. DOBLE

Hamilton Parish

P.s. For those worried about historical flight data, going to www.gov.bm and clicking on Transport at the top, then Bermuda Airport and Arrivals will still give you the information for May 20 last year.

Confused by statements

March 21, 2010

Dear Sir,

I am still trying to make some sense over this comment from David Burch ... Breaking News: Ten year work permits approved – but Minister says none will be issued!

What is the whole point of this exercise ... extending "work permits", if none will be issued! Furthermore, he added... and I quote – The Minister went on to say he was "irritated" at conflicting messages he was getting from the business community! I think the IB sector in Bermuda are also getting "quite irritated" ... something the Island can ill afford, particularly in light of the fiscal mess the Island is in.

I would say that Minister Burch needs to address his arrogant attitude towards the business community, especially the IB segment ... they are after all the the biggest employers of Bermudians, in these dangerous financial times! You know what happens when you keep rocking the boat?

BRUCE MCLARRON

Arizona

Keep talking, Ceola

March 31, 2010

Dear Sir,

I want to highlight a voice that I believe should be recognised in this lifetime. This is a voice that as a child I saw on television bringing the news to a nation. A voice seemingly quieted due to the issues and choices of life. But a voice that continues to break through to address the issues of the current day. This voice, whether the general public feels it is right, wrong or indifferent, holds fast to its conviction. This voice finds it very difficult on the odd occasion to allow a radio topic to proceed without its insightfulness revealed. I encourage this voice today to stay strong and a part of our world.

To this voice I say, every single person on this earth has issues and challenges with some more public than others. The "secrets" more often judge the "publics", but to this voice – find the strength in knowing that the endurance of public disapproval makes for a stronger character. Know today that the gift that God has given you is to be used during your lifetime. There are people waiting to hear your story and how you found the strength when you felt you were weak. To this voice – greatness is in you and this nation awaits its manifestation! To this voice, I honour you and the accomplishments you have seen so far. The voice that I honor, recognise, salute and encourage today is the great Ceola Wilson!

D. EBBIN

City of Hamilton

Read all about it!

March 31, 2010

Dear Sir,

I particularly enjoyed reading today's issue of The Royal Gazette. It contained comments made by Messrs. Bob Richards, David Chapman and Rolfe Commissiong and an article on Paget West, where I live.

Mr. Richards' comments on the Government's recent Annual Budget were to the point and very thought provoking. On the other hand Mr. Chapman's comments on the "need for a PLP 'Grounding'," were verbose, convoluted and it was hard to know what the point of his article was! Mr. Commissiong's attack on Mr. Ashfield DeVent should be read in conjuction with a Letter to the Editor in today's Royal Gazette headed, "Who to believe". Who to believe indeed!

As a resident of Paget West Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin's comments were of particular interest to me. I thought they were very informative and to the point.

It was a very stimulating issue of The Royal Gazette and I hope it is read by many people.

JOHN T. GILBERT

Paget

Get on with the job

March 31, 2010

Dear Sir,

I was fortunate enough to grow up in beautiful Bermuda. My father worked at the NASA Tracking Station at Cooper's Island. We lived in Bermuda from 1965 to 1988. I went to school on NAS Bermuda and worked for the Navy for summer jobs in my teens.

My concern is your lack of movement on utilising the land left after everything was shut down. I took my family to your island in the summer of 2006. I hadn't been to the island since 1988.

The Naval Annex, Morgan's Point, was closed to the public. The NAS was open, but little has been done except to tear down a lot of the old housing and other buildings. The NASA site was closed to the public. I didn't find out that it had been turned into a nature preserve until I was surfing the internet over in Iraq in 2007. With the lack of housing, I cannot figure out why you haven't turned the old barracks into apartments. Like what happened when the Royal Navy and Army pulled out of Dockyard and St. David's Battery.

I've read on the internet about all the asbestos and toxic waste left behind when the US Military pulled out. How it will cost millions of dollars to clean up and how the US should foot the bill. Get over it. It ain't gonna happen. Stop all the bellyaching and do something constructive with what's left behind. Asbestos is not dangerous unless it is allowed to get airborne. Seal it up and it is just fine. You've got an incinerator to burn your garbage. It can be used to burn all the sludge and contaminated soil.

I applaud the Morgan's Point swap for the Southlands Park area. I know both areas very well. The only caution I have is, look out for too grandiose schemes. I point out the Old Club Med in St. George. That pink monstrosity sat vacant for 20 years blocking the skyline. I enjoyed the documentary on when they finally blew that thing up.

I love and miss Bermuda very much. I wish all Bermudians nothing but the best. I've seen a lot of change, but one thing remains constant, Bermuda is the most beautiful place I have ever been.

JODY MORRIS

USA