Get it in writing

November 16, 2007

Dear Sir,

I wanted to let the public know that even if you have an appointment at TCD for vehicle testing ¿ you had better get it in writing because they had no record of the appointments I and others made with them for today. I waited all day because they did not have a record of my 10.45 a.m. appointment and I was unsuccessful. They closed the testing centre at 4 p.m.

JUDY HOWELLS

St. David's

A waste of resources

November 16, 2007

Dear Sir,

I am astounded that there has been such a loss of clarity regarding the missing housing dossier. It seems to me that lots of Police time is being wasted on this matter. This is not a matter of national security and I find it ironic that so many human resources are being deployed on what is, in my opinion, such a pointless politically motivated "crime" investigation.

I find it extremely embarrassing and systematic of a parochial outlook that characterises the current administration. The real issue is being muddied by this politically motivated investigation. The investigation detracts from the issues raised in the report. That is the real crime. Granted not every one will appreciate this point of view, however those of all backgrounds deserve to live in a society where the police are not manipulated into directing disproportionate resources into what is essentially just a 'leak.' Yes, it was politically motivated, but so what? Most leaks are!

In a liberal democratic society, documents, briefings and letters are leaked as a matter of course. This must be seen in the context of a mature political climate. There are of course jurisdictions where this does not take place, they are normally countries where the institutions of democracy such as the police and the army are under the direct influence of the ruling political higher echelons. I fear that the lack of good governance on this island will not go unnoticed.

The taxpayers have spent enough of their dollars on this little self-indulgent jaunt. It is time that the commissioner directed his officers towards solving more serious crimes that are currently causing Bermudian families so much pain and grief. Surely outstanding unsolved murders rank more highly than some missing report! That is the real scandal. It is time for the Bermuda Police Service to remember that they serve the people and not the office of the Premier. I am deeply worried.

TEACHER

Germany

Drug test all MPs

November 18, 2007

Dear Sir,

I have been wondering when we will see the drug tests for all the MP's who are up for the election. I thought the PLP and the UBP would have all been tested by now so that all of Bermuda would know our MP's are all clear of drugs and fit to run our country. The only reason I can see for not taking the test is if the person is on drugs, if not it should be your first priority to let all your constituents know you are clean of drugs as we are the ones who will vote for you or against you. It does not taking away any of your civil liberties because if you are in Government your civil liberties belong to the people and you should be transparent to all and clear of drugs.

CONCERNED VOTER

City of Hamilton

Find alternatives now

November 17, 2007

Dear Sir,

Perhaps there is a better option to Belco's decision to build more power plants with higher emission stacks. Wave, solar and wind power production are now a mainstream choice and a mature technology able to generate power much below the current rate we all pay Belco. White painted solar panels on our white roofs, power generating fans and bouncing wave generators far off the coast would provide a quick boost to the power gird. Climate change will increasingly affect our way of life as the oceans warm and the polar caps melt. We have the opportunity to be part of the solution. The cost? The landscape will change and the new Bermuda will look a little different. A small price to pay, I would say.

IAN

Warwick

No Police response

November 17, 2007

Dear Sir,

After reading the article in The Royal Gazette about this new police initiative to curb loud bikes and deter speeding, I called the person in charge and volunteered my residence in Flatts so they could see first hand the situation.

I wrote to the paper about the Flatts International Speedway and the potential for some serious accidents and what we observed about lack of police presence in this highly travelled area. Anyone who uses the roads knows about Flatts Village.

Further, I called again to provide additional input and assistance last week and the response to my calls and letters has been Zero. Nothing has been done, no Police even in the vicinity to see the situation and not even a return call to comment on the action steps planned. So to the Police Service, the head of the road enforcement and any other cop who is supposed to be on the job protecting us on the roads... Thanks for nothing.

JIB

Flatts

Ode to competition

November 18, 2007

Dear Sir,

I see British Airways has "another" seat sale! Thank you. To Zoom, that is, not to BA. Ah, competition! Amazing how their prices have changed, isn't it?

STILL GOING ZOOM

Devonshire

Take the high road, UBP

November 12, 2007

Dear Sir,

The UBP is being accused of all sorts of things, but as the saying goes, evil thinks as evil does. The UBP candidates are not capable of being nasty even if it crossed their minds. The very first caller to the Hott 107 talk show last night with Messrs. Woolridge, Richardson and Hall rightly raked them over the coals for the disrespect to the Leader of the Opposition. It was disgraceful. To all 36 candidates of the UBP continue to take the high road as integrity, honesty and trust are still great virtues. Voters can see beyond the fluff and glitz and will not be fooled for a third time.

KEEN OBSERVER

Devonshire