Congratulations, but ...

July 28, 2009

Dear Sir,

Bermuda this year celebrates 400 years of continuous habitation.

400 years of economic progress

400 years of social progress

400 years of societal growth

400 years of government change and progress

400 years of painstakingly breaking barriers

400 years of trying to get to know each other.

Yet somehow, the issue of racism is still prevalent in people's minds and hearts in various forms.

Without casting judgment on any one person or group, will someone please tell me how, in an age of globalism and human international transitioning across our globe, such a sad situation can exist in a land previously known as "The Isle of Rest"?

RANDI WILLIAMS

Sandys

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. – Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Move forward together

July 23, 2009

Dear Sir,

"The Isles of Rest"

Not so today. One would think that a Country celebrating 400 years of existence and with as small a population as Bermuda has, would by now be beyond the hatred and lack of respect and intolerance that that is shown by some people. And I emphasise some people in the community towards their fellow human beings.

It has been mentioned that Bermuda's image abroad was largely founded on the reputation of its people being friendly and courteous to all, no matter the race or nationality.

Unfortunately, this is not the case today. Today's environment has fast become anything but friendly and courteous. We as a community need not look too far back in our history to see the many injustices that many of all Races who were either born here or decided to make a home here have had to endure. Today many are still having to suffer these injustices for no other reason than the colour of their skin.

Let each and everyone of us think about this the next time we ask for forgiveness of our daily sins. Then perhaps, we will not have to ask for forgiveness for as many sins.

The reality in today's Bermuda is that the majority of the elected Government officials are Black. Yet there are some amongst us who truly believe that a Government made up of a large majority of Blacks, is controlled by a few rich White men.

A person can not rise to the top of their chosen profession or field without there being someone saying that they only got there because they are Black or White. Yes there are many past instances that we can look back on and say yes it is so, and I am sure that this is still the case in some instances today. But does this make it any more right.

There are many Bermudians today who have benefited from the sacrifices and the generosity of their Parents, Grandparents, Relatives and Friends, as well as countless others in our community who irrespective of their skin colour have helped pave the way for their successes.

And what about these many Bermudians, are we too blinded by our own prejudices to bask in and appreciate the hard work and dedication that they themselves have put in to get them to where they are today. Or will we continue to look at people and say they have only gotten where they are today only because of the colour of their skin.

So until we as a People are prepared to accept and respect each and every person who whether they be born, invited or have chosen to visit our beautiful Island, we as an Island Nation, will never reach its full potential.

400 years may not be a long time in the life of the World, but it is way too many lifetimes for us not to be moving forward as one People.

KENNETH STONE

Warwick

Incorrect address

July 21, 2009

Dear Sir,

The Post Office has recently seen fit to produce a leaflet telling us how to address an envelope for mailing.

The instructions and image of a correctly addressed envelope clearly state that you should put your correct parish.

In your example your senders address is in St. David's.

No parish is mentioned.

St. David's is not a parish.

A friend of mine has recently had a letter returned because he wrote St. David's on it.

CONFUSED

St. David's or St. George's?

Wrong employer

July 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

We were obviously delighted to read the letter in today's edition of The Royal Gazette praising our colleague Mr. Ronnie Hunt.

However, he is unfortunately described as a TCD Inspector. No offense to our friends in TCD but the new vehicle inspection facility was built by and is operated by a private company, Bermuda Emissions Control Ltd (BECL) and Mr. Hunt is a BECL Inspector.

IAN HIND

Director of Operations

Bermuda Emissions Control Ltd

Praise for funeral home

July 21, 2009

Dear Sir,

My sister, Gill Butterfield (Tom), and I (Ruth) have just lost our mother, Marjorie Forster, after her 1,216 month life. Not a bad span for one who put her longevity down to 'a gin and tonic every day' and who was lucky enough not to spend one night in hospital in over 100 years.

We wanted to let your readers know that, while they will not wish to experience the inevitable loss of a close relative or friend, Bulley-Graham Funeral Home and its President, Reg Rawlins, made our bereavement easier than we imagined it could possibly be.

Whilst such companies doubtless are regularly charged with looking after every detail that the bereaved relatives and friends want them to organise, we felt from the start that we were in the safest, most caring hands possible. They swiftly took care of all the arrangements in a quiet, professional and expert manner such that we, the family, had nothing whatsoever to do, except relay the wishes of the deceased and the family.

The cremation was immediately dealt with, The Royal Gazette announcement was inserted, the service sheet was beautifully printed to our specification featuring e-mailed colour photos, the Minister and organist were booked, the flowers awaited us at the Church and their staff compassionately greeted and seated the mourners; this was all done without our having to disrupt our lives or interrupt our private grieving. We did not think to ask for a quotation and were surprised at how reasonable the bill turned out to be.

The life celebration service on July 8 at the Anglican Cathedral went extremely smoothly and we wholeheartedly thank everyone who attended as well as those who officiated, including especially Bishop Patrick White, organist Ryan Ellis and Bulley-Graham.

May I recommend the firm's diligent services to all those unfortunate enough to lose a loved one.

TONY FORSTER

Pembroke

Time to speak out

July 18, 2009

Dear Sir,

Premier Brown has said that in hindsight he may have done things differently. Some also say that he may have made a mistake, give him a chance.

Bermuda, the four Uighurs coming here may have been a sudden surprise and shock to us, but I would think that Premier Brown had time to consider this decision and its consequences.

So, I ask these three questions:

1) Did he give any thought to the fact that some members of his Cabinet would not appreciate

him making this decision without first consulting them?

2) Did he realise that this decision would not sit well with some members of the community?

3) Did Premier Brown know that the British Government would not react favourably to him making a decision of such magnitude without informing them?

People of Bermuda, Premier Brown may have been said to be many things by some here lately, but he is not stupid nor unintelligent, quite the contrary.

Polls conducted in 2007 and 2008 show that two-thirds of the Island's voters remain opposed to independence for various reasons, including loss of EU-status, which we currently have as a British overseas territory. Still, Premier Brown said that he was committed to Bermuda becoming an independent nation.

Well, he obviously doesn't have the support of the majority of the people of Bermuda and I believe Premier Brown knows that he is not going to get it any time soon. So, what can we do, hmmm? There must be another way.

Well, the headlines in the UK say: "British Foreign Secretary Miliband tells Clinton of UK anger over secret US deal to transfer Guantanamo inmates to Bermuda behind Britain's back."

In this story, Britain is said to be "examining its relationship with Bermuda".

Could it be that there is more than one way to skin this cat, more than one way to an independent Bermuda?

Either through the people of Bermuda deciding, or if not that, maybe we can cause Britain to decide for us? I don't know, I'm just asking.

People of Bermuda, if you the majority are still against independence, I would advise you to speak up now against this current leadership in regard to where we are being lead. This is not the time to remain passive and silent. Our MPs should be getting flooded with your calls, letters or e-mails. Bermuda, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Mistake? I don't think so. I believe Premier Brown knows exactly what he is doing.

SPEAK NOW

Sandys

Shameful example

June 4, 2009

Dear Sir,

This letter is to the female driver of a white CRV heading out of town along Middle Road, Devonshire at approximately 5.40 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3.

You had about five children passengers in your car who continually threw trash out of the windows which you chose to ignore. You knew exactly what they were doing because I blew my horn at you, at which point they thought their actions were funny, yet you did nothing to stop them.

These children were not infants and so should have known better, but it's obvious they have no discipline or training in displaying this disgusting behaviour. You as an adult should be ashamed of yourself!

FROM A DECENT CITIZEN

Enough is enough

July 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

Over the past two weeks, I have watched many vehicles get pulled over due to the tint on their car. I do understand that if it is over the legal tint i.e. limousine tint, it is illegal etc.

However, why are there many officers who have illegal tint on their private cars? Why are there politicians, high classed business owners that have illegal tint on their cars? Why are their private taxis with illegal tint on their taxis? Why are there so many rules for certain people and different rules for us civilians? There are many things that are more important then making people take the tint off their cars. We should be focusing on the downfall of our youth today.

On many occasions I have seen officers use obscene language to individuals, telling them not to speak to them, using force where force is not needed, and when an individual tries to speak up for themselves they tell you that you are pushing their buttons.

There are so many good police officers on the force but many bad ones who seem to think they can talk and treat you anyway they like. Unfortunately in the public eye, the bad apples spoil the bunch. What rights do any of us have as civilians? Yes, we can make a formal complaint however will they serve a consequence or will the officer have it out for that person if they complain about them? Should we just sit back and just take their attitudes? Or should we finally stand up for ourselves and say no more, will we let Police use your authority and treat us disrespectfully and voice our concerns.

We understand that yes you are here to serve, protect and to ensure we all maintain the laws however is there any way police can do that with out mentally & physically draining civilians? The police want us to help them obtain information on certain situations but why should we help people that treat us badly. Maybe a course in customer service should be taken so we, the public wouldn't feel the way that we do against the police when they treat us with disrespect.

BLACK MAMBA

Sandys

Justice system failed

July 20, 2009

Dear Sir,

What is going on in Bermuda?

How on earth can no one be convicted of the murder of Kellon Hill? Do you mean to tell me a young man can be beaten, stabbed with a screwdriver and stopped from escaping and no one is responsible? This is another Rebecca Middleton case! Total stupidity at the hands of the courts. The life of a young man was taken the night before he went to college. He had dreams. He had goals. He was a good young man who could have brought much talent back to this island we are in desperate need of, yet his killers walk free.

The time has come for a massive overhaul of our court system.

My thoughts and prayer go out to the Hill family. May God bless you during this tough time and rest assure the will of God will bring justice to those murderers in this world or the next. They will meet their maker one day and have Him to answer to.

ROBERT DAVIES

Devonshire