Continued from Page 4

A classic smokescreen

June 25, 2009

Dear Sir,

I appreciate the leadership and efforts of Janice Battersbee and other fellow Bermudians working to restore democracy to our Government. I think it's time now to get back to the business of considering the issue of these former Guantánamo detainees now living among us, to determine the risks they present to the well-being of our community. Do not let your concern be silenced by suggestions that your questions represent a lack of humanitarian sensitivity; we all know that is a classic smokescreen.

KIM SMITH

Pembroke

Contention and turbulence

June 18, 2009

Dear Sir,

I have read with some chagrin the acceptance of the four Uighurs. When I look back at this Government's record on whom they thought should be allowed to reside and work in this country, I can recall several instances of the rejection of persons whose presence here was far more beneficial to the local population than these individuals.

For example, I would like to bring to your attention the case of a former ENT specialist here. I found Dr. Murray to be, as far as I was concerned, the best ENT specialist on the island and yet his work permit was not renewed. Can any of these four gentleman offer any service in any field that will benefit our community as did Dr. Murray? I do not understand the logic behind the actions of our premier and his government in accepting these individuals. It is my opinion that the premiership of Doctor Brown is filled with contention and turbulence.

MICHAEL BICKLEY (FORMERLY ERASMUS)

Smith's

Allow gambling bill

June 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

This is an appeal to both sides of the House to stop splitting hairs and vote unanimously to allow cruise ships to open their casinos on-board after 10 p.m. We have nothing to offer visitors in either Hamilton of St. George's to keep them entertained after ten p.m. and it matters not one jot to us what they are doing when they return to the ship. Statistics have proved that 95 percent of cruise passengers are back on board by 9.30 anyway, and there is no reason why we in Bermuda should deny them permission to use their casinos if they want to.

If there is an issue about Bermudians being discriminated against, or something of the kind, let us discuss that matter later, and get the cruise ships to commit to regular visits first. Personally I am in favour of allowing the hotels to have casinos, and I am sure that this will happen eventually, but let this matter come up at a later date. I do not think that ships should be allowed to open their shops at night, but that is not the question. I fear that denying this request will stop small cruise ships visiting Hamilton and St. George's when we so desperately need them. Both towns are like morgues these days without cruise ship passengers, and to take the risk of losing this chance for regular visits by denying their request to open their casinos at night is ridiculous beyond words. Please, for once, can the opposition stop opposing and allow the Government to pass this bill ASAP so that the people of Bermuda can once again look forward to regular visits of cruise ships to Hamilton and St. George's.

E. RABEN

Paget

Poisoning our schools

June 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

As a parent with children currently attending a local public school, I am more than a bit concerned regarding the constant bickering among the professional stakeholders entrusted with overseeing our children's education. The latest row between the Ministry of Education and the principal of Victor Scott Primary School, Dr. Gina Tucker, and the Association of School Principals (ASP) bears further testimony to the nature of the problems facing our public education system. I read the article, "Victor Scott School Principal ordered to move", published in the June 9 2009 edition of your paper. As I understand from reading the article, a dispute involving Dr. Tucker and a member of her staff (guidance counsellor Anthony Peets) was referred to arbitration by the Department of Labour, presumably with the consent of all parties involved and with the implication that the arbitrator's ruling will be legally binding on both parties.

The Arbitrator, after hearing the cases made by both parties, concluded that Dr. Tucker be removed from the school. Since I am not privy to the full set of facts concerning this matter I am not in a position to comment on the reasonableness of the ruling, however it is suspect that Dr. Tucker and the ASP is now attempting to undermine the integrity of the arbitration process after the fact simply because they are not happy with the final ruling.

It seems ludicrous that the ASP would find it necessary to file a grievance against Acting Commissioner of Education, Wendy McDonnell, on the basis of actions taken by her that are consistent and in the true spirit of the arbitrator's ruling. Given that the arbitrator ruled that Dr. Tucker be removed from Victor Scott Primary School, the duly appointed officials of the Ministry of Education cannot ignore this recommendation without becoming open to liability on the part of the stakeholders (Anthony Peets and the Bermuda Union of Teachers) on the other side of this dispute that are also bound by the Arbitrator's ruling as it applies to their circumstance.

To suggest that the removal of Dr. Tucker from her post at Victor Scott Primary School would adversely affect the quality of education delivered at that institution does a disservice to the many teachers at that school who work tirelessly to provide the best quality of education to their students irrespective of the circumstances. Furthermore, it implies that Dr. Tucker is the only incumbent that can serve satisfactorily in the role of principal at Victor Scott Primary and that any other principal brought in by the Ministry to serve in her absence is merely incompetent.

Dr. Tucker appears to have a healthy dose of self-esteem as she describes her many accomplishments during her eight years at Victor Scott Primary. However, these claims are being challenged by unnamed sources quoted in the article claiming many teachers at Victor Scott were unhappy with Dr. Tucker's management. The credibility of this claim seems to be supported by the fact that a member of her staff has brought actions against her management resulting in her pending removal. It is unclear as to why these issues would become a matter of public record since the arbitration processes and ruling usually binds the involved parties to confidentiality. This being the case then such public proclamations by involved parties would no doubt constitute a breach of confidentiality and an expression of bad faith. It is exactly this kind of bickering that poisons our schools as both a functional working and learning environment.

CONCERNED PARENT

Hamilton Parish

Breach of protocol

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

While watching the TV news coverage of the Queen's Birthday Parade with some American friends, we were shocked to hear the Premier's wife referred to as "First Lady Wanda Brown". Who was responsible for this unfortunate gaffe? Wanda Brown is not First Lady of anything. The title is exclusively the right of the wife of a President – e.g. the United States, France and a few other countries. We trust this egregious breach of protocol will not occur again.

JEAN HANNANT

Pembroke

An accurate count

June 5, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am now in my fourth month of being unemployed. Is there a way I can find out how many Bermudians are unemployed right now due to the recession? Could an update on these figures be published in the paper by the Government? I feel we need an accurate count – a wake up call, I am sure it would be (not guesswork but the truth) of just how many are in the same situation that I am – which is unemployed! When one has a job, one doesn't bother to think how bad it might be out there for others. With the few jobs in the paper (most being low pay, I am sure) that I can apply for despite being overqualified, I still have not been able to find a full-time job. I'd like to know how many like me are experiencing the same issues.

Being unemployed and not getting any response to the few jobs I do apply for can make a person worry and become depressed when we see no change in the economy and no increase in the jobs advertised in the newspaper or on job sites.

How are we supposed to pay our bills and live without work? How much competition is there out there for what I do? It may explain why I cant find a job and how many are applying for every job that I apply for. If the Government doesn't have an accurate figure make it mandatory that if you are unemployed you must register with the Government Employment Office (located on the later part of Reid Street by Defontes) so the Bermuda Government can see what's happening to its people. Check also with the Temp agencies because I am sure they can give you a figure on how many have registered with them since January.

UNEMPLOYED SINCE FEBRUARY

St. George's

Just say no...

June 23, 2009

Dear Sir,

With the UBP in tatters and 75 percent of Bermudians deeply unhappy with the direction in which the country is going, I have a suggestion. I preface it with an assumption, which I deeply hope is correct: The majority of Bermudians are sick and tired of the race card being played every time the Government is criticised. Most Bermudians get along very well together. We are increasingly dismayed to see race being used to divide the people of this island. "Just say no to racism."

Every time a politician starts to go on about race, their supporters should demand that they "stop their nonsense!" Flood their e-mails with protests. If they keep it up, don't vote for them next time. PLP supporters, we in the Opposition want the same thing that most of you do: Honest politicians who don't lie, cheat and steal. Politicians who genuinely have the interest of all people at heart. Politicians who don't just talk the talk but walk the walk. Politicians who genuinely want to serve the people rather than fattening their wallets on the public purse. Clean out your own house! Think about it. Pray about it. Do it. "Just say no to racism!" Yours as a Bermudian,

VAN MARTIN

Southampton

A card of thanks

June 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

World Vision would like to take this opportunity to thank the public of Bermuda for their generous donations of over $13,900 collected during our annual Tag Days held on May 22 and 23. All proceeds will benefit impoverished families in Mitumbiri Village, Malawi and our children here in Bermuda at the Sunshine League Children's Home. We would also like to thank all of our volunteers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to sell tags and all of the businesses for allowing us to sell tags on their premises. World Vision greatly appreciates your continued support in helping children and communities in need. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.

WOMEN OF VISION

BERMUDA CHAPTER

World Vision Tag Day Organisers

Parliamentary time limits

June 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

The question asked had been, "Should our MPs be subject to time limits on their speeches as in some other countries?"

Absolutely! It is a must. Too often the important topics aren't debated, due to the lack of "time" while the House is in Session. An intentional move, I feel, a tactic that is used by both parties to divert the course of justice … this is where we come to the $64,000 question I've often asked: "Is it justice or just us?" (Or to be more accurate, "is it just them?")

RAYMOND RAY

St. George's