Just gorgeous but...

July 8, 2002

Dear Sir,

This is my first visit to Bermuda and I am here as a tourist. I thought you might like to publish my impressions so far.

My first real chance to take in my surroundings was when I arrived at Flatts Inlet where I am staying. I was almost overwhelmed by what I saw. Turquoise waters, sub tropical trees and plants, fragrant air and a pastel kaleidoscope of beautiful and preferably sealed buildings. All I could say, over and over, was "gorgeous, just gorgeous". And so it is.

Over the past two weeks I have visited many places and have tried to get a feel for what life is like for Bermudians as well as enjoying what is on offer. When dining out I found the quality of food to be very good and would have dined out more frequently had prices been more within my means - and I speak as someone who loves and eats out regularly in central London, England.

I have been surprised to find that there are very few places where I can go to enjoy an evening drink with a nice/sea view (hotels notwithstanding). Cafe' society does not seem to exist here unlike other places I have visited.

Also, there are many, many spots where the addition/provision of public seating, such as benches, would provide a relaxing means of enjoying the many wonderful views. A local example of this is the recently completed block paved area adjacent to Flatts Inlet.

Equally surprising to me is the frequency and volume of traffic using Bermuda's few roads. Then, I discovered that once there was a railroad here. As an enthusiast of this type of transport I couldn't believe that the magnificent views of coastline and interior afforded by the original route could not longer be enjoyed by train. A railway systems would surely be a great attraction for tourists and cleaner and quieter alternatives form of transport for residents.

Two examples of restored and successful railways with which I am connected are the Ffestiniog, in North Wales, Britain, and the Himalayan and Darjeeling in India. There were many logistical and financial problems to overcome before both these lines became viable but enthusiasm, imagination, determination and commitment made dreams into reality. The same could happen here.

Everyone I have spoken to, and many of the articles I have seen in the Hamilton library, support the idea of reinstating the Bermuda railway. In The Royal Gazette July 5, Michael Winfield was critical as to the wisdom of allowing megaships to regularly visit Bermuda because of the difficulty in moving large numbers of visitors around. If indeed this poses a potential dilemma, then a railway would surely solve it.

As an aside, I am not sure that Mr. Winfield's desire for more 'high spending' tourists is in tune with the reality of Bermuda today. It may have been true in the past but the high spending tourist of today has so many other choices available, the attractions of which could easily surpass those of Bermuda, e.g. better value for money, stable climate, very high service levels (particularly in Asia) etc. Perhaps Bermuda might benefit, in the long term, from readjusting its sights a little and accepting that things change in the World, even in Bermuda. Less than this might be considered arrogant.

So come on Bermuda, what are you waiting for?

KEITH WOLSTENHOLME

London, England