Has PLP widened the gap?

April 1, 2004

Dear Sir,

I would like to congratulate a Mr. George Burcher of Hamilton Parish who wrote an open letter to the ruling party politicians in today?s newspaper. I have often wondered how people felt who actually voted for the PLP ? the so called ?people?s party?. I didn?t vote for them and so I don?t feel betrayed at all. However, Mr. Burcher points out so many shocking truths that have disgusted me ever since the PLP came to power.

All the money that the PLP politicians are spending on trips, large cars and other nonessentials could have provided some needy people with housing. For a socialist party to behave this way is all the more shocking to me and Mr. Burcher (obviously a PLP supporter) has hit the nail on the head.

For the life of me I cannot understand why they were voted back in last year ? after the overspending in their first term. The latest trip to Jamaica certainly wasn?t necessary. In my opinion, since the PLP came to power in 1998, there is a much wider gap between the ?haves? and the ?have nots?. Also, there is a much bigger wedge between blacks and whites.

All they have done is line their pockets ? plus the pockets of associates. They really don?t seem to care about their own people who actually put them into power. I am truly amazed. I tried to reach Mr. Burcher on the telephone, but was unable to do so.

Where are the fathers?

April 8, 2004

Dear Sir,

I?m getting (past) tired of reading and hearing about single mothers - as thought it were a status symbol - or cause celebre . I?m old-fashioned but it used to be a reflection of a social error and a sad state of affairs. Newspaper item: Mother of two is evicted. She is 23 and her two sons are aged five and seven. This means she was 16 when she became a mother and probably 15 when impregnated.

I do feel sorry for her and even sorrier for the boys. But where is their father? For every ?illegitimate? baby there is a ?man? (sperm donor) walking around. The babies aren?t illegitimate ? the parents are! There are many such fathers who do take their responsibility seriously but the sad truth is that most consider it a badge of honour (sexual prowess) and don?t give a damn about the welfare of the child.

And girls! Where are your brains? Do you think ?making a baby? will keep the daddy faithful to you? Think again! If you want to give boyfriend something ? perhaps a goldfish! It would be less drain on your life. Wake up.

Don?t let it happen here

April 7, 2004

Dear Sir,

A few thoughts about Independence. I wonder if the people who are so desperate to get Independence for Bermuda realise that the Bermuda dollar will certainly devalue. Recently I met a Jamaican who said and I quote: ?why on earth are they even considering Independence for Bermuda ? are they crazy??

He went on to say it would be total madness to go independent at this time. Evidently, in 1975 the Jamaican Dollar was worth $1.27 to every US dollar. Today you need 60 Jamaican dollars (yes, 60) to buy just one US dollar. Do Bermudians really want to see that happen here?

Just remember one thing ? things can only get worse after Independence. Nothing, repeat nothing will get better. Do Bermudians really want to take the chance for their future and the future of their children? I really think that the entire issue of Independence is an emotional issue, but I would like to ask the ?pro? independence people ? would you still vote for Independence knowing that the Bermuda dollar will devalue? Please answer this question as I am curious.

Make Westgate tougher

April 12, 2004

Dear Sir,

It?s sad that most people don?t feel safe when they go out. We are one of the smallest islands in the world and almost have more violence per capita than anywhere else. At one point most people wanted to live in the States, but raise her children here, because it was safe. Now how do we feel about that?

The schools have too much going on and now we can?t enjoy a Sunday football game The people who are doing all of this nonsense know who they are, they are not just affecting that one person they have beef with they are affecting the whole community. I don?t have any children but I have godchildren and I find it sad that this is what they have to look forward to.

We need to stop all of this now because all we are doing is going downhill from here. What are these children being taught? Most of our violence is the youth. Casemates should reopen along side Westgate. While incarcerated, all privileges need to be taken away. They need to be treated like the ?thugs they think they are?. Going to jail is a mini vacation. Jail is no longer a fear.

Crack down on hooligans

April 6, 2004

Dear Sir,

To quote an ex gang member phoning in the David Lopes show... ?these guys don?t mind goin? to casemates at all! Their mates are there. They are well fed. They play football. They can get drugs easily. Time there is no problem? What does this tell the government?

Crack down on these hooligans. Punish them! Don?t reward them! Change laws if you need to! This is a crises! Get Bermuda in order, especially before wasting time on thoughts of independence. Stop enabling these gangs as well as all violence! You have the power to...