WHERE are our politicians and why aren't they talking about anything relevant?

I've yet to hear anyone seriously address the concerns which are important to the majority of the population. Government's plan for sustainable development is proving a hypocritical joke, crime isn't on the decline, housing is still unaffordable and increasing numbers of Bermudians no longer feel this island holds a place for them.

Perhaps nothing has been done because our parliamentarians don't care. More likely, however, is that they're out of touch with the common folk and inexperienced at government.

A couple weeks ago Premier Alex Scott allegedly told the listening audience of VSB radio that it doesn't matter that the majority of Bermudians are against the idea of Independence, that their opinion carries as much weight as a poll of slave masters would on whether slavery should be abolished.

At the time, 70 per cent of Bermudians were against the island cutting ties with Britain.

Premier Scott's comments, if indeed true, showed a complete lack of respect for the opinions of seven out of every ten voters ? by any politician's standards, not a wise move.

Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert made an attempt to take the matter in hand but it unfortunately went astray.

He made a quick stab at defending the rights of the people ? "He's got it wrong. This is not about the UBP or the PLP; it's about the people and their clear wish to have a referendum" ? but wasted too much energy, in my opinion, responding to Mr. Scott's rhetoric.

"It was unnecessary and suggests to me that his thinking on the issue, and maybe others, is really shut down," Mr. Furbert reportedly said of the Premier's remarks.

"It seems to me that whenever the (Progressive Labour Party) use slavery to make their arguments about an issue that they really don't have anything constructive or positive to say about a way forward."

This is a guess on my part, but the thinking portion of our population has by now learned to wade its way through the Premier's palaver. They realise Mr. Scott makes such comments because he has nothing else to say. Moreover, they're tired of it.

l On another note, I hope that Diallo Sharrieff ? son of anti-drugs campaigner Takbir Sharrieff and nephew of National Drug Control Minister Wayne Perinchief and principal Crown counsel in the Attorney General's chambers Philip Perinchief ? was not one of the civil servants to benefit from the massive pay rise accorded to them by Government in April.

Mr. Sharrieff was suspended from his duties as a customs officer after he allegedly found an ATM card and used it to withdraw $900 from someone else's account. He avoided prosecution and punishment and has been allowed to return to work.

I do hope the powers that be realise a worrying precedent has now been set. Oh, and Mr. Furbert, this is one of those issues the Opposition should address.

l To the gentleman who left a message regarding my article last week, I am sorry I lost your telephone number as I did intend to return your call. However, as a means of clarification, I wasn't criticising the increase in pay to civil servants. I was criticising the decision by Government to award a blanket rise despite having received a report indicating that some civil servants are not performing satisfactorily.