December 1, 2001

Dear Sir,

Here we go again! In today's Royal Gazette we read that Defence Administrator Larry Burchall has launched another extensive manhunt for draft dodgers in order to justify his large Government salary for yet another year.

So 900 young men have refused to answer conscription this year. Good for them! I would too.

Larry Burchall has been telling this Country for years that it is the duty of young men to serve their country. Surely one can serve one's country in more peaceful and productive ways such as Boat Rescue Service, working in Parish Rest Homes or at the KEMH.

Young people can see some value in that kind of service where girls would also be included in a volunteer programme.

What has the Human Rights Commission got to say about the gender bias of the Regiment?

Mr. Burchall, you cannot use your usual lame excuse that the Regiment must be in place for the time we face an emergency.

When we had just such an emergency on September 11 it was obvious the Regiment was a disgrace.

Not surprising a few weeks later when Hurricane Karen paid us a visit, the Regiment was not even called out to assist in the clean up of debris on the roads.

So, Mr. Burchall, you are off to hunt in offices for young men behind desks wearing ties.

Those young men are probably just back from college, trying to pay off loans and are in serious competition with expatriates who don't have to be given time off for an outdated Regiment.

Why not press gang expats for the Regiment?

As a taxpayer I want to know why the year 2000 report on the Regiment has not been made public despite numerous inquiries from residents.

I would also like to know why Bermuda is one of the only countries left in the Western world to have mandatory conscription.

WOULD BE DESERTER TOO

Southampton