Price of potatoes

June 9, 2009

Dear Sir,

I write in reference to "Mother's" letter in which she said she bought a bag of Bermuda potatoes for $18.

Lindo's Family Foods and Lindo's Market's price for a five-pound bag of Bermuda Potatoes is $5.99. The price can fluctuate by $1 around $5.99 depending on the supply. Imported are approximately $5.99 and sometimes less expensive.

I would urge "Mother" to bring her receipt in to one our stores so that we could find out exactly what happened.

Regarding the cost of goods and services on the Island and the UK coal industry it is a simple matter of economies of scale. It costs a local farmer much more in labour to work a much smaller (infinitely smaller) plot of land in Bermuda than is costs a UK or US farmer to work a much larger plot of land.

In the US and UK farmers are able to make use of less expensive and more efficient mechanised technology to work much larger fields and therefore produce much greater yields of products.

Even with that disparity the Bermuda price is largely based on what the imported price would be if the item was not on embargo. I look forward to reviewing Mother's receipt so we can determine what happened. At Lindo's we take great care in offering the best products available for the best price.

ZACH MONIZ

Manager

Lindo's Group of Companies

Kudos to Derby organisers

May 31, 2009

Dear Sir,

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the organisers of the Bermuda Derby Half Marathon for putting on such a wonderful event. Many thanks to "Sports R Us", and the many spectators for their support, including those who gave us oranges and water – all was greatly appreciated. My brother Archibald (Archie) Tucker became the oldest runner at 86 years to complete the entire course. Archie suffers with Alzheimer's disease, an unfortunate affliction and he also has a hearing problem. However, he loves running and has done so for over 67 years, first completing the race in 1942. During his active years and before his return to running in 1979, he coached such runners as Mac Smith Jr., Wycliffe Williams and Josh DeSilva, who finished second on a number of occasions as well as Ed Sherlock who won the race several times. This year Archie and I ran to assist Age Concern and invite contributions to be sent directly to that charity. Many thanks again for all the support and we look forward to next year.

LEE TUCKER AND ARCHIE TUCKER (#86)

Southampton

A big thank you!

May 31, 2009

Dear Sir,

Please allow me to use this medium to express my deepest gratitude to a few Bermudians who came to my rescue the night of Saturday, April 11. I have been meaning to write this letter since then; better late than never! I was driving along South Shore Road at approximately 8.30 to 9 p.m. As I approached the stoplight outside The Reefs, the light turned green so I proceeded on through. Just as I reached adjacent to the light I heard a loud bang. I had hit something on the side of the road. My car tyre was split open; the car went up onto the sidewalk with a few more bangs and thuds. It was the most frightening experience, especially since I had a carload of children aged between five and 18.

I came down off the sidewalk and limped the car down past the eastbound lane light so as not to obstruct traffic going through from both ends. We all got out of the car and my nephew attempted to change the tyre, only to find, once the car was raised up on the jack, the tools to remove the wheel were not in the car. It was chilly out and we huddled on the wall. However, after a while I had to let the younger children back into the car where they would be warm and more safe. I found it so amazing that at least 100 cars went past and did not so much as slow down to inquire if we were OK or needed any help; despite the flashing hazard lights and my nephew in the street attempting to stop someone. Nonetheless, there is still a very small percentage of individuals who still have it in their hearts and souls to give of themselves to care for the safety of, and help strangers in need.

With this, I want to send my gratitude to the driver of a small white car, registration 02418. She stopped immediately and helped my nephew, taking every tool from her vehicle, but unfortunately none were the right fit. She also offered to take him somewhere to get help. To the male driver of a green Mitsubishi Lancer station wagon that stopped and tried, thank you! To the female who slowed to explain that she couldn't help because she was already late for an engagement, thank you! At this point my nephew walked to a friend's house to seek assistance; so my teen niece and I took over trying to flag down a Good Samaritan. Then, along came Shantino Simons (forgive me if I've spelt your name wrong).

A great big thank you to Shantino who had two gentlemen in his car who looked like they were possibly business guests. Shantino stopped immediately when I flagged him down. I explained the problem. He got out, removed his tools from his car and proceeded to change the tyre completely; asking me to get into the car and make sure it was rolling properly before he left. Shantino, you are a Godsend. I thank your parents and all who impacted your life; all who had a hand in raising a fine young man. To the gentlemen you were driving that night, please pass on my thanks for their patience and understanding as you fixed my car and got us on our way.

To all who own a Honda vehicle; note that only Honda tools will fit your wheel nuts; unless you drive around with a ratchet set. Bermuda, my mind ponders whether my experience that night highlights the deterioration of the kind and friendly nature for which we were once well known. Are we losing it? Or, was the Saturday after Good Friday just a bad night? What do you think?

DISAPPOINTED AND CONCERNED

Hamilton Parish

To the Island's people

June 8, 2009

Dear Sir

I've received feedback from a couple of Bermudians stating that they were offended by some comments in one of the exit interviews. I just want to assure you that I'm a friend of Bermuda and hold Bermuda and Bermudians in high regard. My sincere apologies if my comments hurt anyone. I'll always cherish the precious memories and hope to visit your wonderful island some day.

SANGITA IYER

Toronto

Breeding gangs

June 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

"It takes a village to raise a child." African Proverb

Is the Bermuda Public School System a "breeding ground" for "gang violence"?

Yes?

No?

Maybe so?

By the way, where is Professor Muncie's $400,000 report on "The Plight of Black Males in Bermuda"?

Just wondering,

MURIEL M. WADE-SMITH, PhD

Smith's