April 18, 2006

Dear Sir,

Dennis Pitcher asks (, April 6): Who is ready to step up to be the bigger person and start fighting for real equality? I will tell him. But first let me comment on his earlier statement, "While I cannot confirm or deny that whites may or may not have promoted segregation in the past for I did not live in those days". There is no excuse for such ignorance simply because "he did not live in those days". He can read can he not?

I am "disgusted" and appalled that someone who professed to be concerned about our racial divide has not bothered to inform himself concerning so recent and basic aspects of our history! I am also appalled that he could go through our educational system (if he did) and not learn something so basic and fundamental about our society. It is one thing not "to focus" on our past. It is quite another to remain deliberately ignorant as this individual confesses that he is. Yet he presumes to feel qualified to sit in judgment on me about whom he clearly knows nothing.

Now to the initial question. Over the years there have been many who have "fought" for equality in a variety of ways. Almost the entire black community, throughout most of my long and segregated lifetime, protested the inequality of the racial divide which saw blacks forced to sit in the back of churches and denied the most basic economic opportunities, to note only two examples. There was of course the Black Workers Association, eventually led by Dr. E.F. Gordon and evolving into the BIU that began by fighting for something so basic as equal pay. Then there was that group of black parents who "fought" for equal educational opportunity for their children by supporting Mr. Eward DeJean and Howard Academy.

There was the Progressive Group who fought for equality in the movie theatres which insisted on segregating blacks from the preferred seats by calling for a boycott of the theatres and the Bakery. There was a small group of live theatre lovers, including people like Mrs. Georgine and Ms Carol Hill, who protested the segregation policies in that area. Then, of course there was The Committee for Universal Adult Suffrage, led by Mr. Roosevelt Brown, who fought for equality in the voting process. There were the black founders of the PLP who, for years, fought for equality in politics to the extent of rejecting a long-time black politician in favour in favour of a recent white newcomer to prove how much they wanted racial equality and white members. There was the establishing of the National Association of Reconciliation by a group of blacks led by, among others, Mr. Murray Brown, a young black man, in the hope of achieving equality through inter racial dialogue.

Finally there are all of those black people who have joined the UBP in the hope that they will achieve some measure of equality and not have to suffer all of the inequalities and injustices still inflicted on many in the black community as a result of the continuing inequalities and racial divide. Despite all of these efforts on the part of a variety of blacks and different strategies we are still a racially divided society from which Whites benefit and blacks are disadvantaged.

But Mr. Pitcher doesn't know who has promoted segregation! If Denis Pitcher were genuinely concerned about the racial divide and not merely indulging in a self righteous lecture and passing judgment on me he would have known all of this. With that knowledge he could never have said something so silly and ignorant as his not knowing who promoted (and continues to maintain) segregation simply because he did not live in those days! In fact if he were really concerned the most casual observation even today would inform him as to who is "integrating" and who maintains their "segregation". If he wants to be taken seriously he needs to spend a little time reading about Bermuda's recent past rather than spending so much time in writing such a very long letter of judgment on just one person, and just one phrase (which he chooses to misinterpret) from a rather long letter, most of which he ignores ? no matter how important he thinks that person is.

Quite apart from the fact that he is clearly not qualified to pass judgment on any one in this area because he is so uninformed, no one person is that important, not even me!

EVA N. HODGSON

Crawl

April 21, 2006

Dear Sir,

I refer to Rolfe Commissiong's "Opinion" published in this newspaper on April 12. In that "Opinion", Mr. Commissiong asserted that "the UBP's formula for electoral victory has increasingly revolved around one unassailable preoccupation. That being, how does [the United Bermuda Party attract enough African Bermudian voters to join with Bermuda's white minority who are dominant within that party to achieve political success."

Mr. Editor, increasingly the PLP Government and some PLP commentators have tried to widen the racial divide (with some unfortunate success) by attempting to split the electorate down racial lines by making accusations, such as those made by Mr. Commissiong, that the United Bermuda Party in dominated by whites, rather than concentrate on ideological issues and policy ? areas that really matter to all Bermudians. Mr. Editor, Mr. Commissiong, (and others in the PLP) have quite obviously chosen to ignore the fact that the Parliamentary Caucus is composed of 65 percent African Bermudians, almost a direct reflection of Bermuda's racial make-up. In addition the wider Caucus group mirrors the make-up of the Parliamentary Caucus is terms of race. It seems to me that the United Bermuda Party is hardly "dominated" by the white minority, rather it is an eclectic mix of blacks and whites of different economic backgrounds and ages who believe in promoting the social, moral, economic and political welfare of the people of Bermuda, developing and maintaining unity and understanding among the people of Bermuda and ensuring freedom of opportunity for all to name but a few goals. Such worthy aims are not to merely attract the "swing vote" but are meant to attract people of all races who believe in the ideal of a United Bermuda and economic opportunity for all. I am sure that those African Bermudian members of the United Bermuda Party would not want to be a member if they thought the Party had an agenda to ensure that only whites would be served best under a United Bermuda Party Government. It may very well be that for historical reasons, many African Bermudians have been reluctant to join the United Bermuda Party, exacerbated more recently in part by racially divisive remarks made by various Government Ministers. It is too easy to take the low road and ostracise those African Bermudians who support the United Bermuda Party by using words such as "house niggers" and threaten those who consider voting for the United Bermuda Party that such a vote would be a vote "back to the plantation". Rather than engage in such negativity, the United Bermuda Party has made numerous proposals which would be put into effect when it forms the next Government, including but not limited to (a) creating an office of Economic Empowerment to assist those with the will to succeed but not the means and provide the tools needed to compete effectively for a fair share of prosperity (b) an overhaul of the public education system which will give help first-time buyers own their own home by way of a shared equity plan. With these three areas alone, all Bermudians will, both black and white, be given a fair chance and equal opportunity. The reformed education system will give our young people a better chance to obtain higher-paying jobs in both the expanding international business arena and technical trades. Those who have been left behind by the PLP administration will be given a helping hand in creating their own small business and even more importantly assistance in buying their own home and a "piece of the Rock".

This is Empowerment. Such policies may attract "swing voters", but should attract all those persons who believe in a future for all Bermudians in a United Bermuda.

Mr. Editor, what happened in the distant past to deny African Bermudians true opportunities is just that ? in the distant past. Although all Bermudians should be made aware of the wrongs that occurred to African Bermudians, the PLP should stop using such wrongs as political pawns.

The relentless use of the race card by the PLP is nothing but a cynical ploy to try and remain in power: Is that "Progressive?" I think not.

MICHAEL M. FAHY

Smith's

April 12, 2006

Dear Sir,

The article on gay rights on April 6 gave the debate a human face but how sound is the rationale for moving in the direction of a human rights amendment? Could the same argument make sense for other minorities who fall amendment? Could the same argument make sense for other minorities who fall on the other side of a social norm but feel that their "rights" are being denied?

Suppose there was pressure to amend the Human Rights Act to include speeders. With so many people not keeping the speed limit, the Government can affirm their basic human rights by decriminalising their behaviour, permit them the freedom to speed and protect them from being discriminated against because of how fast they travel on our roads, i.e. "motophobia".

The reality is that people speed and that they speed in Bermuda. Speeding is basic to the species; for as long as a human being has had to get from one place to another there has been a need for speed. People of every race, religion, age, income level and national origin speed. Doctors, lawyers, and even clergy, speed. It happens; accept it. This is the way it is!

As long as there is no injury done to the user or the public, what a person does with their personal property or with whom they do it is nobody's business. So it should not matter how fast one can drive if no one gets hurt. No fault, no foul!

No one would ever think to put a speed limit on how fast people can walk. Why discriminate against a person simply because she uses a motor vehicle? A rider should have the same right to get to their destination as slowly, or as quickly, as the walker. Equal rights for all!

Why should Bermuda be motophobic in a diverse world? Not when there is a wide range of transportation options available. Not when other countries have higher speed limits. Some European societies even have unlimited speed roads. People have to leave this Island just to be able to freely drive faster. Bermudians who live in the 21st century must join with most civilised countries in being more tolerant and less motophobic. Keep up with the times! So then, if a person agrees with the rationale behind the article's stance and appeal, it should also be a no-brainer that a progressive, inclusive society would give equal rights and protection to speeders.

THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX

Warwick

April 12, 2006

Dear Sir,

Please, whoever wants to change over Harbour and Front Street is plain crazy. We have one of the most beautiful, and different Front and Harbour streets in the world and I have seen quite a lot and none can compare with the Bermuda one. Leave it completely alone. Maybe some of the shop keepers could have a few hanging flower baskets in front like Coopers use to have, make it pretty not "Coney" Island or 'Monte Carlo'. This is our Island and our capital. We already have the skyline looking like 'Hong Kong'. Bermudians speak up. Do you want this or is it someone's idea of what they want? Do you think any mayor would change the "Town of St. George's" and that little town is a gem for locals and visitors. I love to visit St. George's and it never fails to interest me.

Just leave Hamilton. No one is complaining. We are already over spending and that money could go to the buildings that are needed.

OLD BERMUDIAN

Devonshire