What about us?January 19, 2011Dear Sir,In The Royal Gazette dated January 14, 2011 we read a headline which states Butterfield to give charity $25,000 monthly. It seems so odd that Mr Kopp would come out with a plan to give a charity monthly $25,000 when the bank has to retire staff and cut staff time due to economy crisis.I wonder if Mr Kopp would object if one of us would bid for these funds as we feel like we need a charitable handout right now. Most of us have a mortgage which is held by the bank and a $25,000 or $5,000 balloon payment would surely be a help until things get better.I would like to thank Mr Kopp for the time spent at Butterfield Bank and wish the remaining all the best as bleaker times is to come.BANK RETIREEDemeaned for centuriesJanuary 25, 2011Dear Sir,There is currently a flyer being circulated calling on all Bermudians to view “respectful behaviour” as a human right. I thought of that circular when I read the letter from “ Concerned Bermudian Abroad”. (RG Jan 20). As that writer points out, her experiences were anecdotal, but they were anecdotes with which many of us can identify. I often express special appreciation for the courtesy of those who serve because so often there is discourtesy and disrespect on the part of those who serve. We are not so much “losing our way” because, in many ways, we have already lost our way for many reasons.At the same time it is hardly wise to pretend that, in some things, it has ever been “our way”. There has always been a price to pay for being “outspoken against certain groups”. That is certainly not new. There was a time when people would not even write a letter to the Editor, even unsigned, because of the justifiable fear of the “severe consequences”. Some of us, of course, had hoped that with a move towards democracy implied in universal franchise, and a change of Government, that would no longer be the case.It is certainly true that Bermuda was once a tranquil place, which it no longer is but the motor car alone would have changed some of that. Certainly the decision by those who formerly held power to encourage international business while being indifferent to the tourist industry was very significant. It was as significant as the decision in the Forties and Fifties to displace Bermudians with foreigners in the hotels. The economy has moved to accommodate foreigners at both ends while Bermudians are often squeezed out. Both of those moves have negatively affected black Bermudians some believe deliberately.Certainly this society is built on a foundation of disrespect and the demeaning of an entire people. Segregation and economic exclusion and oppression were the most obvious ways of showing this disrespect and maintaining control. We have rid ourselves of much of the public segregation but the economic disparity has never been addressed. It is true that at one time blacks were both friendly and courteous despite the segregation and economic exclusion and oppression, but the increasing presence of material wealth around them, the futile expectation of positive change, that for many blacks did not come, the material and social success of a few blacks who then ceased to identify with both the traditional black culture, values and black identity or the continuing problems and exclusion of other blacks, and yes, drugs as an alternative economy, all have contributed to the moral and spiritual decline of the black community and therefore the entire society.There is one aspect of the issue of the black males that seldom gets mentioned. If there is an issue with the “black male” there is also, of course, an issue for the black woman and the black child, that is the entire black community. One might be naïve enough to ask what has the black community experienced which has not been the experience of any other ethnic group in Bermuda. Perhaps that has some relevance. Decades, centuries have been spent to deliberately impress on the “black male”, in very possible way, by all the Institutions, policies and practices of the society that they were inferior and that was reinforced by the demeaning economic exclusion. This policy is no longer Government sponsored. But what has any government, including this one, ever done to show it respects the black community (which voted for this Government) by attempting to counteract the continuing impact of this past, economically or psychologically?If the inevitable economic disparity of 1834 has never been addressed it would seem futile to expect even an acknowledgement of the far more complex, difficult and destructive continuing psychological impact of being demeaned in every way for centuries.EVA N. HODGSONHamilton ParishNo faith in ‘Donkey'January 25, 2011Dear Sir,It was with dismay that I read a Letter to the Editor in your January 25 publication that was written by “Donkey Moron” (Duncan Moran) about “Paula Cog”. He chooses to interpret “they think we can't run anything” comment as they means white and we means black.“They” cannot possibly mean UBP and “We” mean PLP. His interpretation gives one some insight into his mindset. While I and others fought for the right for all to freely express viewpoints without fear of retribution, I must confess that this is not the sort of rant that was envisaged.Your writer states that he remembers many years ago Paula Cog screaming like a banshee in Parliament. Any fair observer of the lady in question can attest to her quiet dignified manner and may conclude that your writer's description is from an imagination made fertile by the putrid manure of propaganda. The term ”banshee” refers to a gaelic spirit whose appearance warns of death. Paula Cox, on the other hand, is a vibrant individual striving for a better life for all and it is only on a flight of fancy that one could see her in a “gaelic” context.Further, he refers to debacle, scandal, theft, ridiculous land swap and every other project and then states hundreds of millions of dollars have evaporated or been wasted.Donkey berates the response to a creditworthiness downgrade: “We don't accept this”.That means we should not meekly acquiesce to that determination. In addition to raw financial data, there are other considerations such as harsh politically-biased comments which help to create perceptions that are part of the mix evaluated.It is interesting, though not unexpected, that he accepts the assessment of Bob Stewart apparently without question (one can wonder why this oracle-like status is bestowed)Because Ms Cox retained the Finance Ministry upon assuming the Premiership your writer considers that to be the height of arrogance. I consider it to be the height of arrogance and extremely offensive for him to state that among over 3,000 members in the PLP, the only one with meaningful financial knowledge is Terry Lister. The banks, exempt companies, investment houses and accounting firms with whom some of our members are employed would not agree with your writer's conclusion.The Donkey holds no faith in the Government, and probably has never had faith in this Government. I have no faith in the Donkey. As you may know the Donkey (Equus africanus asinus) is a domesticated member of…………. (but that's another story.OBSERVERCity of HamiltonMeeting economic challengesJanuary 11, 2011Dear Sir,“Unity in our community” is our mantra for the new year of 2011. May we all continue to do our best at what we do best, in the best interest of our Island home Bermuda.Our shrinking economy is demanding we adopt a different approach in how we operate in doing business. Recent agreements between Government BIU members and Public Works Department, spell out the challenges our community will continue to experience through 2011 and onward.PW employees have agreed to accept straight time pay, in lieu of overtime as of April 1st. However, great concern was expressed about how Government intends to shape a fair balance of cut-backs across the board, and what it will look like.One of Governments' “litmus tests” on overtime cuts began as early as April of 2010. The “Annual Agricultural Exhibition”, one of Bermuda's premiere cultural events held at the Botanical Gardens, became the focal point of a debate on overtime. As Parks employees we partner with a host of volunteers in preparing and managing the three-day event.Prior to the event, Parks Department heads as well as then Minister of the Environment, Glenn Blakeney, approached staff in hopes of cutting a deal. “Time-off in lieu of overtime pay”. The proposal meant we would work the Saturday and receive two days off instead of two days' pay.Management and the Minister on two separate occasions, insisted there was no money for overtime in the budget. However, some colleagues were unconvinced and extremely disappointed.The annual Exhibition and the Cup Match Classic serve as the only two calendar events providing overtime pay for the majority of workers at Parks.The desire and will to support the exhibition was evident. Discussions between union and management began and unfortunately escalated into a three-day work stoppage due to what was considered by employees, as unfair disciplinary action given to a colleague expressing himself during these unprecedented talks.Ultimately an agreement was reached, albeit at the loss of one day's pay and three working days. The agreement determined we would be paid one day's pay and given one day off for Saturday, etc. We had achieved a compromise that halved Parks' payroll costs and put money in our pockets with time off.It is my personal view the above agreement could have been achieved in a spirit of reconciliation without collapsing the negotiating process. Think about it, we lost thousands of our own tax dollars while negotiating mutual economic interests. (The thinking that got us into difficulty, cannot be the thinking that will get us out)... Albert Einstein (paraphrased)Moving forward, consensus urges a reduction in government spending during this period of local and global economic uncertainty. Premier Cox has specified $150 million for 2011. As government employees across the board, what can we do in keeping with the reality?Can we support the strengthening of our tax dollars by way of increasing job efficiency, trimming our personal budgets, retraining and bringing innovative ideas to the services we provide? Can we also develop a deeper appreciation of the quality of life we have enjoyed, and celebrate our roles as Government service providers?Some say the “golden Age of Plenty is behind us” Who knows! It may be wisdom's plea for us to pause and contemplate an invitation to reinvent and rebuild ourselves and our community in a sustainable way.Our collective history calls upon our collective vision, talents, strengths and faith to guide us through the challenges of uncertainty. We have the ability to initiate and endure the necessary changes.It is my wish in 2011 that Government, unions, businesses, churches, non-governmental organisations and yes, you and I, continue partnering in achieving a reconciliatory economic and social climate necessary in sustaining Bermuda's spirit and balance, through this period of challenge and change.LYNN MILLETTHamilton ParishPembrokePraising Agape HouseJanuary 18, 2011Dear Sir,I want to let you and your readers know again, since I'm sure others have sung the praises about Agape House.Our dad became a patient from July 29, 2010 till his passing on November 16, 2010. My dad had spent six months and a bit in Boston. On his return home at the end of December he had to be admitted to KEMH we had to take him direct from the airport. He was a fall risk. Much to our regret he was there until the beginning of February then he was at home where he was cared for day and night by my son for the next five months and three weeks. At this time I had been working days and nights. My son had been made redundant at a job he loved and he then became our dad's caregiver until his PALS nurse recommended he would need the care of the Agape House which we were so glad. We knew much about the Agape House because my mom was a volunteer at PALS and Agape House. Our dad spent the last five months of his life loved and cared for by the staff there. they are amazing people. The great love and care you could not get anywhere else in Bermuda. My siblings and I and dad's grandchildren spent much time there, most times morning and noon and nights. My dad loved it and all the love and attention he received in the hospital was not even an option. If not for the Agape House, someway, somehow dad would of been home. We had a few bad experiences at KEMH and were even told by a Bermudian nurse we could take him back to Boston because I questioned the care and attention my dad received and the bad attitudes. I wish dad could of stayed in Boston he got top notch care at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Spauldings Rehab. KEMH has a lot to learn. To your readers, if you have family that one day may need special care and Agape House becomes an option, please be assured you will give them the best possible care. Take them to Agape House if they are a candidate. Agape House is a place where they can have total tranquility every day and be surrounded by genuine love. There is also PALS which is in a class with Agape House.Once again, to the friends of the Hospice and Agape House staff and volunteers and PALS family, thanks, thanks. You made our lives better knowing dad was cared for and loved in his final days here on earth.ROBIN L. HARFORD & FAMILYPaget