Furbert was off the mark

September 13, 2004

Dear Sir,

I write in reference to a story in the Bermuda Sun on April 16, 2004 from Ms Laverne Furbert that Dr. Sean O'Connell had little interest in the union before he was dismissed by the Bermuda College.

To set the record straight, Dr. O'Connell was a very active member of the Bermuda Public Services Union and gave dedicated service to the Union for many years. He sat on several committees and represented the Bermuda College on the Management Committee. He always got on well with his peers and as a member of the newsletter committee was apt to highlight their activities and accomplishments.

He was one of the few diversified members that the union has had and was able to take everything in his stride.

Having worked very closely with Dr. O'Connell, he was always amicable, genuine, and had a good word for just about everyone. He also did good work in the community.

I cannot speak to what happens within the bounds of the Bermuda College, but Ms Furbert's comments regarding his lack of interest in the BPSU until now because he is fighting a case are unfounded and those of us who know his character have to disagree with her remarks.

Perhaps Ms Furbert needs to know more about the history of the BPSU and those persons who played a significant role in its progress as Dr. Sean O'Connell did during his tenure.

Crack down on begging

September 10, 2004

Dear Sir,

Increasingly, on Front Street, we have to deal with the problem of beggars and vagrants who have taken over what was once an immaculate first look at what this island offered to visitors; clean streets, polite people, natural beauty, tranquillity and, most importantly, safety. These vagrants have been allowed to become a constant source of irritation and concern to many.

On Front Street, one cannot walk from Parliament Street to Queen Street without being accosted more than once from someone who needs "a dollar for coffee" or "a cigarette" or "enough money to get a sandwich, because I'm hungry". Oh, no doubt, the beggars on Front Street are very courteous as they always add the pre-requisite "please" or "thank you", and "sir" or "madam", or remark on "how lovely a day" it may be. If they are not begging, they are unashamedly laying about the sidewalks in some of the high-traffic pedestrian areas on Front Street. Quite frankly, I'm sick of it.

It seems better to completely ignore these beggars on Front Street and walk on by, pretending not to hear them, because when you refuse their request, they become a greater nuisance and, on occasion, even cause injury to persons. I've had such an experience at least four times in the past few months on Front Street, with two of them resulting in a physical attack by the same person.

The most recent occurrence happened just this week on Front Street. While waiting in my car with two friends to collect another who was shortly finishing work, I was assaulted by one of these "men".

It was about 10.30 p.m. when the vagrant on Front Street rode by on his bicycle, saw us sitting there, threw his cycle to the sidewalk and approached in a threatening manner. His opening statement was: "Before I bust your f-ing widnow, tell me you can help me."

My calm reply was that I couldn't help him, as I had no money on me. This resulted in an ongoing outburst from him about "being tired of being disrespect by you people", and ended with him leaning in the car window and punching me in the face for failing to comply with his request. As this was not the first time I had encountered this individual, I expected him to be violent, and was able to move in such a way to minimise any damage from his fists and therefore I sustained no injury.

I drove to Hamilton Police Station, where I reported it to the Police. I asked them to seek out the individual, who is apparently well known to them, offer him a stern warning and advise him that, should such an incident occur again between us on Front Street, I will have him arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I mentioned to the officer that I had noticed there was a decreasing police presence on Front Street and even patrolling the streets of Hamilton. His reply was that they were simply "too busy".

Surely this community must recognise that these increasing incidences are a cause for concern ? not just for visitors ? but also for all of us. All anyone need do is walk on Front Street, day or night, especially when the cruise ships are in town.

These vagrants, some with the most eloquent speech and manners, look out for the tourists who appear to be a little bewildered, offer them advice and directions, and then as for money, which is sometimes gratefully, but often reluctantly, given in exchange. Then the vagrants follow them down the street or set off to look for another victim. They seem to have mapped out a route between the city's parks, bus station, restaurants, banks and coffee houses. If unsuccessful, they start their route all over again.

Most of us, in order to get away quickly, are willing to comply with the request and we give them a dollar or two and we have become enablers to the problem. I made the decision some time ago to refuse all requests. So, what can we do about them? Some would say, "put them in jail" Ha! A few days of comfort, three meals a day and they're back on the streets to perform the same acts within minutes of their release. Some would say, "Create some sort of rehabilitation for them." How? Where? With what money?

Come on, Bermuda, this is an ongoing problem that needs immediate resolution.