Webb's personal agenda

November 21, 2002

Dear Sir,

First of all let me say at the outset that this letter is not intended to offend or criticise the African-American community in any way. It is directed at, and in response to the "Honourable" Minister Renee Webb, who happens to be black. As one can appreciate however, it is very difficult to make a negative comment about "people who look like the Minister" without being labelled a racist or bigot, but I feel if we've made "any" progress in the last fifty years towards racial harmony, then one should be able to express their view without it being interpreted as a racial attack.

With that said I when I read Ms Webb's comments in The Royal Gazette I couldn't believe that this individual is a Government Minister holding not one but two portfolios and was elected with the assumption that she would be representing "all" the people of Bermuda.

While she is to be commended for wanting the black community to succeed by enjoying major ownership of businesses and that large firms should recognise black individuals who are capable and qualified to head these firms, I think she loses all credibility when she insists that contracts be given to companies solely on the basis of them looking like her, and believes it should be a mainstream Government policy.

Let's face it: we all want to succeed and enjoy a comfortable life-style, and it should be the goal of any Government to help change any unfair practises of the past, but there is a right way and a wrong way to carry it out.

Ms Webb has a personal agenda which can be seen by anyone whose eyes are open, and unfortunately it appears she has the support and the approval of the Smith Government behind her, which should concern us all.

BERMUDIAN

Pembroke

Consideration needed

November 25, 2002

Dear Sir,

At this time I would like to express my frustration and anger towards the most thoughtless of motorists.

I am referring to the people who illegally park in handicapped parking spaces. There are very few spaces marked specifically for the physically challenged, and I find it very offensive to find these spaces taken by private and commercial vehicles, or taxis. These spaces are reserved for use by the physically challenged who carry a special blue card issued by the Corporation of Hamilton, and is in effect for 24 hours per day and seven days per week. There is never a time when the general public can use these parking spaces, and I would like to seek the offenders ticketed.

The public needs to be made aware of just how important these spaces are to those who are challenged, and become more considerate, compassionate and responsible.

MOTHER OF A PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED CHILD

Pembroke

Time for responsibility

November 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

The Government of this Country needs to do one of two things; they either must embrace Renee Webb's policy and enact legislation confirming as official Government policy that special consideration needs to be paid to black or women when applying for Government contracts, or handouts as they are seen at some Government agencies.

Or, they must object to the suggestion that racism be used as a tool to correct past injustices. Racism has been an insidious tool used in the past to try and subdue a race of people; it didn't work. What racism does do is create hate. A fair and open policy is the right way to level the playing field. (No more cronyism either!)

Who were the officials responsible for the fiasco surrounding Bermuda customs' illegal seizure of legal gambling machines? When will politicians and civil servants be held to the same standards as Bermuda's general public?

If an executive at a publicly held company made a bone-head choice of the magnitude of the illegal seizures made by the customs task force accompanied by apparently legally obtained warrants. Who was responsible for the warrants? Oh, I forgot, in Bermuda no one is held responsible for their actions.

SPANISH POINT VOTER

Pastoral fight

November 20, 2002

Dear Sir,

Having spent my early years living in the Government Gate, North Shore area I have many fond memories going through the alley to attend Excelsior High School. It was a pleasure to learn under such wonderful teachers as Ms Butterfield, Ms Williams, Ms Ming and the late Ms Hurdle and many others. It was a special pleasure studying under the principle of all principles the late Dorothy Hughes, whose dedication to all students was above measure. What a wonderful village I grew up in with so many great neighbours!

The First Church of God under Dr. Vernon Lambe was welcomed into the area without any real objection although the view of some would be impeded by such a huge building. Years later it would appear that Dr. Lambe has been swallowed up by the word and is using worldly measure to oppress the people of Government Gate. By appealing a decision that would not allow him to further block the view of those who live near the First Church of God under Dr. Lambe has become a political fiat with little regard for the people of Government Gate, North Shore.

I pledge my support and service to my friends and relatives in their fight against the behaviour of Dr. Lambe as pastor of the First Church of God North Shore.

RAYMOND RUSSELL

Pembroke

Thank you all

November 28, 2002

Dear Sir,

Now that our time of Thanksgiving is upon us, my wife, Chris and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the wonderful people of Bermuda, who helped us to endure during our devastating incident last month.

We send our heartfelt thanks to: Anjula Bean and Elizabeth Thomas at the Bee's Knees who protected and cared for our son, Cole while the paramedics attended to me on Front Street; the unknown woman who comforted and prayed with me and held my head while waiting for the ambulance to arrive; and to Dr. Schultz and the staff at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care and accurate diagnosis.

We also thank Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Gurr and Ms. Karen Floyd, Bermudians we never even met who took the time and effort to send cards and flowers to us that horrible Monday.

We especially thank Mr. Thomas Trott, who was brave and caring enough to track down my attacker and assist the police in his capture.

Premier Jennifer Smith, Mayor Mapp of Hamilton, Shadow Home Affairs Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, David Dumont of the Department of Tourism and the staff of the favorite activity of our shortened trip - Dolphin Quest; thank you all for your concern, prayers and well-wishes.

They are truly working for us.

We hope that someday we have the opportunity to return to Bermuda and thank you all in person.

Until then, all our best,

SCOTT AND CHRIS JABLE

Naperville, Illinois

A sponsored Santa

December 3, 2002

Dear Sir,

I have some non-related questions that just need to be asked.

Did anyone else think it a little tacky that Santa's sleigh had sponsorship?

Why does the Premier not wear a Bermuda flag next to her PLP badge when in Bermuda? George W. Bush wears an American flag all the time. Is she more proud to be the leader of the PLP than the leader of Bermuda?

CURIOUS

Pembroke

Phone or blazer

November 20 2002

Dear Sir,

Funny, today in the Sun, Linda Wales declared that she could not afford to buy her daughter a school blazer. Perhaps they should sell the cell phone hanging off her daughter's hip that was proudly displayed in the photo. It's all about priorities, don't you think?

JUST THINKIN'

Warwick

Corey D summed it up

November 28, 2002

Dear Sir,

This letter which was dated November 17th, 2002 and published November 26 and signed by Corey D says it all.

In my opinion, Corey D sums up the present political state in our island very accurately and I am sure his views are shared by the majority of Bermudians. Thanks for speaking up, Cory D.

MARYE LEE DUNKLEY

Devonshire