October 4, 2005

Dear Sir,

I have been a regular visitor to the Island for 37 years. I do not have any business interests in Bermuda. I do not, nor never have, owned property on the Island. I do have family members and many dear friends who are Bermudians, both black and white. I come here because I love the beauty of the place. As the Talbot Brothers used to sing, "Bermuda is Another World, seven hundred miles at sea".

Nothing stays the same, but change for the sake of change is not always a good idea. In recent months, a number of Bermudians and I have had discussions about Independence. I have listened carefully and think it is now time to distil those conversations into a letter.

The overwhelming message that comes through is that it is very expensive to live in Bermuda, that 'we have priced ourselves out of the tourist market', that 'things used to be better'. Depending on who you're listening to, it's the fault of the insurance companies, or the hotel owners or the Government.

Bermuda has natural gifts in its location, its climate and its history. Without man lifting a finger it would still be a beautiful place. Independence won't improve upon these assets. Visitors are naturally attracted to Bermuda. Potential new visitors are, however, confronted with prohibitive air fares, high hotel rates and not so great service. Now, some might say, 'we don't want tourism, we don't want to be in the service business'. The facts are that a healthy and competitive tourist industry is both economically and politically beneficial to Bermuda.

A fight for Independence would have compelling reasons if its citizens were unable to find work, but Bermuda's unemployment rate is among the lowest in the world.

A fight for Independence would make total sense if its citizens were denied the right to worship, but Bermuda has an active and strong religious community with hundreds of churches that are spread out through all its parishes.

A fight for Independence would be demanded if its citizens could not find schools for its children. But this is clearly not the case.

So what is this all about? 'Bermuda for Bermudians'. I believe that this statement says it all. However, not all agree on what this means. Having an independent government does not in and of itself bring revenues to the Island to sustain its character and lifestyle. It does however, guarantee expenses for diplomats and bureaucrats. Having an independent nation does not mean grater harmony between black and whites. That harmony comes from a shared respect of the Island's natural assets, from education, religious training, and family values.

From all of my listening, I have concluded that rather than put effort into plans for Independence, Bermudians should demand of its Government the reawakening of its tourist industry. If American Airlines won't lower its fares, invite Jet Blue to service the Island. Use the money that would go to sustaining a diplomatic corps for creating and supporting a first class hotel school, Bermuda College or another alternative. Enforce speeding laws. Encourage entertainment to return to the Island.

When I first started coming to Bermuda I could have stayed at the Bermudiana, or the Belmont, or Inverurie, or Newstead. Where are those hotels? I would have rented a bike from Oleander or Wheels and toured the Island. I would have shopped at Smith's or Trimingham's or Bluck's or Heritage House. Things change, but the trend has been away from a competitive tourism industry, and it has made al the difference.

Is 'Mother England' prohibiting Bermuda from revitalising its tourist base? Does Independence, in, and of itself create a friendlier place to visit? Do diplomats and the taxes to pay for them make Bermuda a better and safer place to raise a family? I am not persuaded that the real issues confronting Bermuda dictate that Independence is the answer.

October 5, 2005

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter to put in my two cents on the issue of Independence. First of all, I keep hearing that whites are mainly against Independence, while blacks are mainly for Independence. I would like to say that is pure myth. I am black and I am totally, unequivocally, 100 percent against Independence for Bermuda. So is my family. So are all of my black co-workers and all of my friends. I have only come across one black person, my brother-in-law, who is half-heartedly for Independence, and to me is only so because he is a long-time PLP member and feels he has to be loyal to them. I am sure there are lots of black people out there who do support it, but to make it an across-the-board kind of thing is not right.

The majority of the black community has the common sense to know that Bermuda is not ready to go independent now maybe never. I get so angry with our 'honourable' Premier who feels that he has to shove this concept down our throats. Why? Why take the risk? If there is even a miniscule chance that we would be putting our country and our livelihoods in jeopardy, why take the chance? We don't know what the foreign companies will do and once they're gone they're gone for good. What would we do then? I just don't understand why so-called intelligent people can't get it through their thick skulls that we are gambling with Bermuda's future with this.

To add insult to injury, Mr. Premier makes condescending comments that those of us who signed the petition against Independence 'didn't know what we were signing'. How insulting can he be? I have totally lost respect for Alex Scott, because he keeps making these kinds of statements and thinks people will buy whatever he says. We, the Bermudian public, are not stupid! Most of us can see through Alex Scott and his played-out rhetoric.

Changing the subject, this bring me to my next point ? the Tony Brannon affair. Mr. Premier, do you really expect us to believe that you weren't making a racist comment by referring to people who 'look' like Tony Brannon? There is just no other way that that comment can be taken. Then to spout off some nonsense from Shakespeare ... oh, please! Interesting that you said 'Do not be misled...' Why use those words ... because subconsciously (and probably consciously, too) that is exactly what you are trying to do ? mislead people. I'm no psychologist, but I believe that's called a Freudian slip!

To Mr. Premier and company, just remember that you work for us, the Bermudian public. Important decisions have to be made by us, the Bermudian public. You can't act like a bunch of spoiled brats just because you don't always get your own way. So you didn't get your choice for chief justice (that's where this all started, by the way) just move on! You win some, you lose some.

That does not give you the right to take it upon yourself to make life-altering decisions without our consent that will affect Bermudians black and white for generations to come!

The issue of Independence must be decided by referendum ? we the people demand it. Mr. Premier, if you are so stubborn that you are not willing to let us the people decide how this decision is made, then you need to step aside and allow a more democratically inclined person to take your place, I mean you no disrespect, but this is just too important an issue to take chances with.

JUST SAY NO (TO INDEPENDENCE)!

Hamilton Parish

August 19, 2005

Dear Sir,

I was appalled by the article in the Mid-Ocean News on Friday last with regards to the e-mail sent to Tony Brannon by Alex Scott.

The race issue in Bermuda will never be resolved as long as the leader of our country makes such comments which indeed is a clear indication of his feelings about white people in general! What a sad day for Bermuda!

I am a white Bermudian with many dear black friends and I do not see them as black, white yellow or pink ? they are people to me.

Unfortunately, it is most obvious that as long as the PLP Government remains in power, the race issue will never be resolved as they keep racism alive and well!

STOP THE RACISM

September 20, 2005

Dear Sir,

On Friday, September 16, I received a telephone call informing me that my wallet was at the Police Station.

I was so surprised because I did not realise I had lost it. It was found on Woodbourne Avenue by a gentleman.

There are honest persons on this beautiful Island. I am very grateful and would like to show my appreciation and thank this man. I never got his name. God bless you and thank you very much.

S. BROWN

Pembroke

October 3, 2005

Dear Sir,

The plight of our seniors is a serious appalling situation. What happens now will affect the rest of us soon to be seniors ourselves! What puzzles me is the PLP's stand on this issue.

I'm curious because our Government (most of them) are on their way to be seniors soon also. Wouldn't they want to clear this off the books while you have the power to do so?

Surely you wouldn't want to have to undergo the hardships that our senior citizens are suffering with today.

Even those who saved and/or worked their whole life are suffering. Imagine having to vote on whether to eat or buy meds to keep you alive! They shouldn't have to choose!

As for this Independence issue, none of us know for sure what this will do for us. We have nothing to export and we rely on international businesses and tourism for our survival.

The plane tickets and hotel prices are too expensive. Bermuda is not another world anymore! Our visitors are no longer safe walking the streets day or night, just like any other place in the world. Would you pay all that money, for no entertainment nothing to do and getting robbed and beaten for your holiday? I think not!

Tourism is sliding downhill fast. And I'd bet money that those international businesses that say they won't leave, with Independence, will.

All I know is I'd hate to have my face on our Bermuda dollar when Bermuda falls. Do you really want to be remembered as 'the man' who single-handedly destroyed our Island? Bermuda's first President. The rise and fall of the Bermuda dollar. How much will it be worth after Independence Day?

Better yet, will we still have a newspaper, column in which to voice our concerns? Or will you follow Trimingham's!

IN THE SKY

Devonshire