January 22, 2002

Dear Sir,

I read today with great interest the article concerning the new would-be Pembroke West MPs for the upcoming by-election. I was particularly interested in the comments made concerning the conscription issue by Carvel VanPutten and Jamahl Simmons. Since serving in the Regiment I have always followed any army-related articles in the newspaper and was often disappointed with the apparent lack of understanding many have with the fundamental role the Regiment plays. On several occasions I have read comments from magistrates and MPs talking about "…if Bermuda ever went to war…" in an attempt to justify the existence of the military or trying to impress on a truant recruit the need to show up for drill nights. Today I was again let down when reading the comments of UBP candidate Jamahl Simmons who stated the only countries using conscription these days were "communist countries and countries in a state of war", and, that "conscription is a backward relic of a bygone era".

This blanket statement, aside from being completely inaccurate, disregards the unspoken benefits I have seen from mandatory service. Looking at the simple facts, I should first say that aside from Bermuda, Switzerland still actively conscripts all able-bodied men at the age of 20. After a 15-week recruit camp, the conscripts are required to complete seven years of service doing a three-week camp each year. In addition, the recruits are expected to keep and maintain all army kit, including their weapons, at home and at their own expense. The obligation to serve and be called back into service remains until the age of 45.

Bermuda's two-week recruit camp and three year's service rather pales in comparison. Sweden conscripts able-bodied men aged 18 into military service. Conscientious objectors are still required to serve, however, they may serve in the medical corps. Conscription is used in Denmark as well with the Danish government paying its conscripts an amount similar to the wage earnings of the average craftsman. Also, young men convicted of minor offences are given the option of doing National Service rather than prison time.

Without going into great detail, the following countries still have a system of mandatory national service: Austria, Germany, Finland, Greece, Turkey, Norway, Cyprus, FYR Macedonia, Israel, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary.

In some cases, alternative forms of service are allowed, just as there is here in Bermuda i.e. Police Service and Fire Service.

John F. Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Serving in the Bermuda Regiment is serving your country and that is something to be proud of. The role of the Regiment is two-fold, to provide assistance to the Police in times of civil unrest and assist in recovery from natural disasters, not to represent the island in armed conflict with other sovereign nations.

During my Regiment time, I saw many young men who were watching life pass them by and no doubt were Westgate-bound. They responded remarkably well to good old-fashioned discipline and remained in service beyond their required time progressing through the ranks to positions of authority. This demonstrates one thing that the army does well, build leaders out of the most unlikely of candidates.

As the article was political in nature, I should confirm my support for the UBP platform, and though I am not a constituent, Mr. Simmons would have my vote. However, if he intends to represent the people, he needs to know the facts surrounding the issues. The Regiment is not perfect and can be improved in many ways, however, abolishing conscription I believe would do more harm than good to the community and the future generations of Bermuda.

GREG BROWN

City of Hamilton

January 19, 2002

Dear Sir,

After reading the article about the gentleman that has started a hunger strike in protest of his being called to serve three years in the regiment I was appalled, but more so of his supporters who held a candlelight vigil for him. To them and those that do not agree with our laws of having a Regiment I say that if you truly believe this then where were you when other conscripts protested because of their beliefs ten years ago, five years ago or even last year? Where were you during Hurricane Emily? Would you have protested against the Regiment then?

We are so supportive of other countries and often come to their aide and cause except for our own. Americans pledge allegiance not only to their flag, but their country and swear to uphold their laws and protect their citizens, and for this some of them have given their lives so that others like you and I can enjoy the freedoms and liberties that we have today. We ask our young men to serve their country as well, but by only giving up a small amount of time in their lives to perform community service which you and I both enjoy the benefits of, but yet you are against those same people that have sworn to protect those benefits we so freely enjoy.

I had the pleasure of serving my community during the devastation of hurricane Emily, and while at times I wished I were else where I can surely tell you that my time was well spent and an experience that shall not be forgotten. Not only did I learn about CPR and first aid, I learned radio communications as well for I was a Private in Signals Division.

The Regiment performed many community services during the hurricane, not only did we provide security for "key points" around the island, but we assisted the police directing traffic while the traffic lights were out. We cut fallen trees and hauled them away, cleared away rubble and debris, so that residents could get to and from their homes. We provided tarpaulins and assisted homeowners that had their roofs blown off. We assisted Belco and Telco with fallen wires and erecting new poles and assisted in clearing all the roads and parks. We provide generators where needed and assisted those without electricity even though some of our own homes were without electricity. These are some of the things that I know of first hand, but there were many more things that the Regiment assisted in, or was involved in on every level.

From cook to telephone operator, Private to Colonel. You name it, we did it, and we performed our duties with pride. For this reason I am very disheartened to hear people say "it's a waste of taxpayers money" when in fact the Regiment is working to keep these same businesses going in times of trouble and despair, and provide the country with a means of safety and security. How can you be against those that you are paying to protect and serve you? It sounds like a double standard, "well someone has to do it except me", but yet we are willing to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

The most memorable part of my service during that time was when I dipped water for an elderly lady and as I reached into the dark water tank and brought forth a few buckets of water for her she stretched out her hands and gave us a most appreciative thank you. So for those of you who raise a fuss because of one man's refusal to serve and protect his own country because he feels he is a pacifist, ask yourselves where would we be if we did not have a defence force to protect us and whom would we call upon in times of need? Keep up the good work Regiment Soldiers.

T. ANDERSON

Southampton