September 17, 2003

Dear Sir,

Because of one man the BIU is angry with thousands have to suffer! What is wrong here? We've had massive damage done to the Island and we've been praised for the way we all pulled together to handle the situation. Now this!

All the people who are still without electricity, can't even replenish their stock of batteries, lanterns, generators etc. because all of the above are sitting on the docks!

We have elderly without power, who are sitting in darkness, without food and cool drinks and becoming depressed! They can't just to to work where there is power and forget for a few hours.

What about the few tourists we have left. They are coming to our island as we are trying to pick up the pieces after a hurricane. Instead of unity, they see discontent and disregard for those still in need. Not to mention the inconvenience to the tourists themselves. It's embarrassing.

I truly hope the government steps in and tells the BIU you can't strike at this time or crisis that the Island is going through. We need everyone to pull together for the good of the country.

JEANNE LEGERE

Pembroke

Selfish and shameless

September 9, 2003

Dear Sir,

As a Bermudian living in Boston, over the years I have sent a great many people to visit my beautiful homeland. Everyone came back with glowing remarks on what a wonderful island Bermuda is

When Fabian hit the island I was extremely concerned for not only my family but all the people of Bermuda. It was saddening to hear about the loss of life, especially as it involved people who had a duty to put themselves at risk to save others.

The whole world looked on as Fabian ravaged Bermuda. Many friends called to make sure my family and the Island was OK. I appreciated their concern and said "Bermuda is a wealthy country, it will survive and rebuild, so make plans for another trip soon!"

Now I hear there is an Island-wide strike. For all those on strike I can only say one thing; you are acting in a manner that is selfish, shameless and irresponsible. At a time when your whole country needs you more than anytime in the past 50 years, you have shown a complete lack of concern for it's well being.

Let the lawyers handle Mr. Green's issues and get back on your buses, return to the docks and your other posts and get kids back in school and help rebuild your country before the whole world looks on and starts to laugh.

And maybe in a quite moment, take some flowers down to the waters off the Causeway and say a little thank you to those who gave their lives for all of us.

DEREK A.G. JONES

Boston, Massachusetts

No man is an island

September 9, 2003

Dear Sir,

I am both outraged and disillusioned!

Just as I was being impressed by the efficient manner in which our Premier was handling the havoc Fabian wrested upon our Island, he then proceeds to ignore completely a large proportion of our population, by pushing his own political agenda for Independence!

Bermudians are not stupid people; we can see clearly his intent by refusing Britain's offer of help which had been standing by with it's much needed assistance. Yet, in the next breath, he does an about face and accepts help from the Caribbean! Surely, could we have not used help from both sides, thereby getting us back on our feet that much sooner! Perhaps the new Premier/Government need to be reminded that just as they were voted in, they can be voted out!

It night be well to remember that, though we live on an Island, "no man is an Island". We are all just one very small part in the scheme of things - a very insignificant and "dependent" part, I might add. We, here, cannot even feed our own people. And whether we care to admit it or not, we are very much dependent upon others for a great many of our everyday needs; and lest we forget, indebted to our Creator God for the very air we breath!

So please, Mr. Premier, for the good of all, this Island, put politics aside, eat humble pie if necessary; recognise our limitations; and accept the help so graciously offered by others!

O AND D

Southampton

Brutal Immoral Union

September 14, 2003

Dear Sir,

You may call the current action of the BIU suicidally stupid; I call it brutal thuggishness. There can be no possible excuse for this kind of insane tantrum. Because the BIU has a dispute with CableVision does not entitle it to lash out and beat up on the entire Island, particularly when the Island is already beaten to its knees. To kick the Island when it's already down is an act of unspeakable moral depravity.

Unfortunately this habit the BIU has of throwing a tantrum and lashing out indiscriminately at everyone within reach whenever it doesn't immediately get its way is all too frequent. It is the behaviour to be expected of an autistic child, not of a responsible organisation of adults. Since the BIU seems entirely unable to keep its temper and behave in an adult manner, it must be punished until it learns to behave responsibly, just as one would punish a violent child.

Illegal work stoppages of the sort from which we are currently suffering must be met with crippling fines. I suggest that any union illegally striking or otherwise withdrawing labour to hold 'meetings' or 'marches' other than against a specific employer with whom the union has a legitimate grievance should be find $250,000 the first day, $500,000 the second, $1,000,000 the third and so on. The prospect of imminent bankruptcy should persuade these unscrupulous thugs to think twice before they assault the public again.

This outrageous, immoral, indeed almost treasonable behaviour presents a challenge to the Government, traditionally supported by and supportive of labour. If it is truly to be seen as the Government of all the people of this Island it will take immediate action to kerb in advance any future nasty tantrums indulged in by the BIU. This vicious, brutal strike is an unprovoked blow the belt to all the people of this Island - and that just when we are most vulnerable.

How about it, Mr. Scott?

DOWN FOR THE COUNT

City of Hamilton

Too much power

September 17, 2003

Dear Sir,

I am totally disgusted! How can the BIU shut down this country over some lame excuse to support the biggest loser in the service industry in this country - CableVision?

How can Government support this? When we have just been through a category 4 Hurricane and the people of this country are working so hard to get their lives back to normal, how could Government allow such action by these lazy, radical members of the BIU? Does this mean that the BIU have the power to hold this country at ransom at any given time? And that Government have their hands tied? How do we look in the eyes of international business and tourism when these people are marching down our streets and shutting the country down, all for what? To support the biggest failure of a company - Cablevision? If they consider this a legitimate reason to shut down this country without mercy, leaving people stranded without transportation, children unable to attend school, God only knows public education is bad enough but that's another issue, what will they do next?

Solution: Remove the power the BIU has over this country.

DISGUSTED

Extreme and selfish

September 17, 2003

Dear Sir,

I must admit that whilst studying abroad I am an avid reader of The Royal Gazette online. And after reading today's headlines regarding the strikes, halts, stand stills, etc. I find the news to be quite harsh and disappointing.

Despite the current circumstances that surround those individuals who have a gripe with their past employer (CV), no matter how severe the affair is, I think that the order of actions taken by members of the BIU is quite extreme and selfish. And excuse me if I sound a bit ignorant, because I happen to have read only one part of the actual story and do not know the full scope of the matter, one assumes that during this pivotal period in Bermuda, the Island's community should spend more time focusing on rebuilding, renewing and strengthening our country. (Easier said than done)!

Consequently, the aftermath effects to Hurricane Fabian leave many Bermudian families coping with the reality of losing their loved ones, damage to their homes, no electricity/water and I am sure that I could go on and on. To put it simply, there needs to be a quick and peaceful resolution! It seems as if this matter has only become heightened due to the notorious popularity of CableVision.

It is really disheartening to learn of such extreme measures taken to ensure the equality of Bermudians in the workforce, especially during a time of restoration and unity. With that in mind, each individual who spends time contemplating about picketing or striking, should empathise with those who do not have or are without, and those who are unemployed. And I cannot emphasise enough how each and everyone should be grateful that they have life!

In closing I leave with one simple thought:

"Our real blessings often appear to us in the shapes of pains, losses, and disappointments; but let us have patience and we soon shall see them in their proper figures; for appreciation is a wonderful thing; it makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."

SARINE BABB

Studying Abroad

Well done Belco

September 17, 2003

Dear Sir,

Like thousands of residents, I too had to endure the hardship of being without the luxury of hot meals, warm showers, cold drinks and all the frills that come at the flick of a switch. All of this as a result of Fabian's visit.

Each day I waited with bated breath to hear Mrs. Linda Smith say: "Your area will be next." Nine days later, I had my wish. Today I got an estimated Belco bill with a polite excuse. Should I be mad at Belco for not reading my meter? Even if that thought crossed my mind, all I need to do is remember the cold baths, canned food, noisy generator etc.

Men in Blue. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. May God continue to protect you as you put yourselves at risk so that we may enjoy the things in life that we so often take for granted.

JOSHUA RICHARDSON

Pembroke