March 13, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am writing to express my dismay at the present leadership's handling of the BHC crisis. If, what we are told by the press and what is being discussed on the street is only partially true, then we have problems of monumental proportions.

I have great difficulty in understanding why the minister responsible for the BHC remains in his post. Nowhere else in the free democratic world have I ever heard of a minister not taking the responsible course of action by, at least, offering to resign in like circumstances.

Who will receive the auditor's report? If not the House then there is fear of what may come to light. How much further is this mess going to go? How far is it going to be swept under the carpet?

In my opinion, the BHC crisis is perhaps the warning which we, the Bermuda public, must take to heart. Leaders who do not lead or act professionally must be removed from power to protect the public and to minimise harm they may cause. It is not a matter of the UBP vs. PLP or black vs. white. It is the need to have real control over those we choose to elect into power, to limit the possibility of their abuses and excessive behaviours. We have the very real threat of having bad leadership permanently foisted upon us.

Without the protection of a free press and a participatory electorate the so-called "Boundaries Commission" and its role in "constitutional change" could leave us exposed. The present leadership appears to be determined to force through changes to ensure they hold on to power without asking the people who elected them. Ask yourself why the present leaders are so afraid of a referendum. Bermuda, in order to survive in the world today, must have a freely elected democratic government with controls in place to preclude excesses the BHC crisis so clearly represents.

I wonder, as this crisis unfolds, how much longer are you and the rest of the press going to remain free to inform the Bermuda public. Certain of our present leaders have expressed their wish to gag the press.

A focus on leaders two stepping the BHC crisis is simply wrong. We need our leaders to address the serious threats to our economy, tourism and US legislation to name two .We all need to act now to protect our home.

There are too many risks and threats out there which require our immediate attention. We must have leaders who will put Bermuda and its needs first rather than their own egos or pockets.

RSLG

Smith's Parish