Not so wonderful

October 4, 2004

Dear Sir,

I am amazed to hear and read today that "The stem cell donor drive that took place at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital at the weekend was 'wonderful', according to Kathleen Whalen of the Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This weekend, "229 people volunteered to be part of the National Marrow Donor programme."

Personally I think it is appalling that out of approximately 30,000 adults in Bermuda, only 229 saw fit to try and help save a life.

Shame on you

October 4, 2004

Dear Sir,

I would like to say to your critic regarding the film "Ladder 49", "Shame on you"!

Your critic wrote; "Ladder 49 poses the question; What makes fire fighters run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out? Unfortunately, "Ladder 49" could have a similar effect: Fire fighters may rush into theatres to catch it, while everyone else flees this well intentioned but deadly dull dramatic tribute."

After seeing the film one cannot help but feel a deep heartfelt respect for the fireman who puts his life on the line for us each day.

I would encourage everyone to see the film. It will certainly help us to be more careful regarding the possibility of starting a fire. To the heroes, God bless you for saving lives.

LUCY WILLITTS

City of Hamilton

Heartfelt thanks

September 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

The Committee of Management of the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association (LCCA) extend their thanks to the numerous members of the community who donated so generously to our recent Annual Tag Day on September 17.

Special thanks to our "Taggers" ? the many volunteers from the service organisations, individual, friends and special mention to the students who helped throughout the day with the counting of the proceeds. A total amount of $18,178.87 was collected from this event. These funds are utilised in our General Assistance programme for the local needs of the needs of the less fortunate members of the community, particularly the elderly and for the benefit of children. The LCCA has continued to carry out the ideals and philosophy that was initiated by Lady Cubitt in 1932.

Sincere thanks to everyone for their assistance.

LADY GIBBONS,

Chairperson

Annual Tag Day Committe

Do the right thing

February 4, 2004

Dear Sir,

This is open letter to Finance Minister Paula Cox.

The right thing is not the thing, but the best thing is the right. However unfair it may seem, confidence is everything in politics and finance. But it is necessary for all of us at one time or another to put country in front of party; this must be the choice of our Government in order to correctly address our housing problems.

Because of Bermuda's economic success, a great number of our people find themselves unable to meet the cost of renting in the private sector. Many of our single mothers are working two jobs which is causing many social problems in our society.

It is my concern that housing is not a mere social service. It is as economic an undertaking as the building of our tourism. A well-housed citizen is apt to be more productive than an-ill housed one.

Housing has a strong rippling effect on the economy. I strongly believe that because of our high housing needs, Government should contract out the labour cost of building while Government supplied all the material by importing direct from the US and Caribbean which could result in a 30 percent saving in the cost of building homes.