Whilst I didn't expect the world to hold its breath when I reached the age of 65, I was aware there were some nice surprises in store like not having to pay land tax, free bus rides and the odd tea party here and there for senior citizens.

What I was not aware of, and I think those approaching retirement should take particular note of, is the downside of reaching this milestone. I speak of that most important part of our tenuous lives, health and the insurance that is so vital for peace of mind.

My wife and I have been insured by BF&M for the past nearly 30 years -- major medical, public ward and without the luxury of dental coverage. It is a group policy but unlike most groups I do not employ young people to help give a balance to claims. During our coverage period we have made no major claims and have always been on time with our premiums.

In March this year BF&M wrote us to say: "As a result of our overseas affiliations and our effective claims management, premium increases this year will be lower than that experienced in recent years.'' About time, we thought, having paid increases totalling 20 percent in the past two years.

Imagine my surprise then to be informed some time later that our combined premiums were being hiked from $46l.92 a month to $718.04 in one jump. That's an increase of over 55 percent! Is this the year of the senior citizen or what? That sort of money takes away almost all we get in pensions.

Of course, one doesn't have to be a genius to realise the older one gets the greater the risk of requiring medical attention. But what about the benefits the insurance companies stack up on their side? Major medical coverage is slashed from $5 million to half a million when you reach 65 and how about this one: the Department of Social Insurance has informed us that we are both registered to receive the Government subsidy which covers 80 percent of our Bermuda hospital costs.

I shall look forward with interest to see BF&M's bottom line at their year's end. I will have to read the figures in your paper as with these premiums we'll never afford to be shareholders. I wonder sometimes if I've been selected to single-handedly shoulder the burden of paying off BF&M's astronomical legal fees sustained by them last year.

Just sign us...

Group Health Insurance Policy HG 01252.00 St. George's Clarifying cable point June 5, 2000 Dear Sir, We would like to point out to your correspondence `Confused, Warwick' (RG Letters, June 5, 2000) that Cable & Wireless Bermuda Limited does not operate a cable TV service in Bermuda, and hence, is not responsible for the cancellation of any of your correspondent's TV channels.

As a matter of fact, we welcome the opportunity to clarify this point as quite a few people seem to be confused on this issue. Our 24 Hour Help Desk receives frequent calls about cable TV from callers who mistakenly think we offer this service.

To clarify, Cable & Wireless provides quality and reliable international voice and data links from Bermuda to the rest of the world. It is Bermuda Cablevision Limited that provides cable TV service to the island.

JOHN INSTONE Marketing Communications Manager Cable & Wireless Bermuda Ltd Madness on the roads June 20, 2000 Dear Sir, One has to wonder when our elected leaders will put pressure on our police force to enforce the laws that we have in place to control the madness we all experience on a daily basis on our roads from motorcycles.

It seems that it is now acceptable to run red lights, overtake on the inside, weave between pedestrians on cross-walks, mount sidewalks to avoid traffic stopped at lights, travel at 60 kph, pop wheelies, and do whatever you like in front of the police with impunity. Occasionally we see the traffic cops at East Broadway handing out tickets -- but rarely anywhere else, maybe because they get more visual "bang for the buck'' with this location. What about Woodlands road, the new "Catch Me If You Can'' speedway or Middle Road at Warwick pond where speeds in excess of 90 kph at night are a standard? And what about the noise that these machines create? It now appears to be ok to remove the mufflers that were required to pass TCD testing and attach extensions that produce decibel readings that must be far in excess of the law and that are surely damaging the hearing of other road users, requiring only that the original be re-installed for a few hours for the next test. How much more must we take? Maybe all that noise has deafened our leaders to the constant cries from the public and visitors to put a stop to this crisis.

With so much public disgust at this continuing problem one must wonder how the Commissioner is missing the opportunity to earn such easy brownie points. So when are we going to deal with this problem? We have the laws in place, why don't we enforce them? If our representatives don't have the guts or will -- then we must replace them with people who CAN act to protect us and our safety, and maybe save some lives! THE WARY TRANSGRESSOR Court system must work June 16, 2000 Dear Sir, This morning I was moved with emotion as I listened to young people asking, "Why does the wheel of justice turn only for some and not others?'' Being a staunch supporter of our judiciary, I had to think of a quick response.

The alleged arrest and release of the two tall ship visitors was deeply disturbing. Voices are crying out. "We get done in for even having the smell of herb on us and some people get nothing done to them.'' I by no means do drugs and this is not a plug for abusers or users.

Very few people take seriously anything reported in the media. However, if this allegation turns out to be true. I have one question for those charged with ensuring the wheel of justice makes a full turn. Why were the two tall ship visitors not brought before the courts, fined heavily, placed on our stop list and confined to their ship? If we are serious about the scourge of drugs and crime in our island, we need to send a stern message to all. DRUGS DO NOT WORK HERE. Let us have an even playing field and not shift the goal posts of justice.

Right now our youth see something turning but it is not a wheel. Mr. Editor, could it be a cog? Would explain why misguided youth see themselves being crushed whilst others walk untouched? I have faith in our system. I only need to see it work.

JOSHUA RICHARDSON Pembroke Saddened by child abuse June 15, 2000 Dear Sir, Please allow me a little space in your daily. This morning while I caught the bus, I was a witness to child abuse. This letter is to the woman who was riding the bus with her 3-4 year old little girl in a green and white uniform.

I feel bad that I did not speak up on the bus, but I will tell you through this paper. Your child is a beautiful human being. Please treat her right. You spanked her at least six times on the way to Hamilton, very hard, I felt the spank. She messed up her scarf and her socks were coming down. So help her if her shoe came off.

As a parent I know it is your right to teach your child right from wrong but take it easy. That was in public, so help what do you do at home. I am so glad that by law it is mandatory for persons to report suspected child abuse. If I knew your name I would have reported you. I felt bad for the child and I was quite uneasy, and I am sure your child was uneasy. Then you switched and were quite nice when you got off the bus. Stop confusing the child -- she is no mind reader.

Love her -- Love her -- Love her. Let us all protect our children. I hope you read this and take heed because many of us are watching.

CHILD'S VOICE Paget West Good news about poet June 12, 2000 Dear Sir, A bit of good news coming from J.A. about Bermudian poetry writer, Marion Simons, who is living in Jamaica.

She won publication of a poem she wrote called (Cycle of Life). The book the poem is published in is called, the Ballads of Life, by The International Library of Poetry, Owings Mills MD. The poem can be found on (www.poetry.com).

She also is a nominee for the Poet of the Year 2000, with The International Society of Poets, who has given Marion Simons a personal invitation (to a distinguished few) to read her poetry in Washington D.C. during the Tenth Anniversary International Society of Poets Convention and Symposium, please share the good news with fellow Bermudians.

WATCHFUL EYE