February 3, 2004

Dear Sir,

I use my Bermudian roommate's PC from time to time, and his home page is . I have been following the Bermuda news for quite some time.

I would like to respond to Lt. Col. Burch. A more accurate depiction of those making a "universal declaration" against Independence, would not be to say that they do not trust themselves or their fellow Bermudians, but rather to say that they can learn from the mistakes of others. Anyone who thinks that Independence from Britain, in a country that sorely lacks any means self-sufficiency, is "rendered devoid of logical thought about Bermuda's future".

As to the statement "Foreigners butt out ? this has nothing to do with you!" well, it, in fact, has everything to do with us. It is the United States that will inevitably have to come to the aid of Bermuda's failing status in the world economy. Bermuda is a virtually defenceless nation, without Britain. Their complete reliance on imports would leave them financially crippled. Few Bermudians realise how much tax relief they enjoy from Britain and the US.

As to the economic prowess enjoyed by Bermuda with regards to its international business, do you think that all these companies will stay in Bermuda if they have to start to pay taxes?

Col. Burch passionately argues that the "perceived failures" of recently independent black run countries were "trotted out" as a warning against the pitfalls of sovereignty. First, and foremost, these are not perceived failures, they are unabashed failures. Secondly, it is a fact that these countries are defunct, this isn't a threat, or a scare tactic, it is what it is. There is a reason that the old adage of history repeats itself, carries on.

In reference to the statement "No failure on the part of any white-run independent countries was ever mentioned", I am curious as to what countries the Col. speaks of. Is he talking about Ireland? Or Yugoslavia? Both countries are doing fine. I fail to see the race issue. I don't believe that the ability to govern a country lies in the colour of skin. If it did, wouldn't it be true to say that the woes of Bermuda can be blamed on blacks? Isn't the PLP an all-black party? As they are in control, by default, aren't they the problem? I hope that this sounds as ridiculous as it looks in print.

As the Col. so eloquently put it, "Here it is ? the 21st century," Perhaps he needs to let go of this "racist mentality" and look to the present. The race card is getting old, and like an overplayed song on the radio, people don't even hear it anymore. The bottom line is this ... It would be a financially detrimental to attempt Independence. It is a bell you cant un-ring. Freedom also comes with a downside, and it has a price tag too.

Help from UK? Get real

February 4, 2005

Dear Sir,

Please allow me to respond to Mrs. Diana Williams who referenced me in her letter to you dated January 12, 2005.

It is nice to see that the Independence scaremongering is consistent among those who oppose Independence for Bermuda.

Firstly, Mrs. Williams, if you read my letter without emotion, you would have seen that there is a difference between Independence and inter-dependence. Every country in the world is economically inter-dependent on other nations.

Secondly, when did I ever suggest that Bermuda have embassies all over the world? I think if you do some research on my letters I had suggested that Bermuda contract with the British Government or some other government for the provision of embassy services.

With regard to a terrorist attack, what does that have to do with Independence? Are you suggesting that Bermuda would be a more strategic target if it were independent? What purpose would a terrorist attack on Bermuda serve? Yes, I do recall that Britain sent troops, at the tail-end of the riots, and although we are a dependent territory where Britain has responsibility for internal security we were still presented with a bill from Britain. If we were independent we could pay for the US Armed Forces to provide the same service.

As far as being arrested in some back street in Turkey you may recall a few Americans being in that situation and being citizens of the world's only super power did nothing to help them, so what help is our being a British Dependent Territory going to do to help us in the same situation?

Mrs. Williams, I have offered a challenge to two others who opposed Independence to meet me in a public debate, they have yet to come forward agreeing to do so, maybe you would be interested. I could always make myself available. I will put to you what I have put to them; bring facts to support your position as I will not debate scare tactics.

The fact remains that Great Britain offers no financial assistance to Bermuda. The economy of Bermuda as it exists today is due to the efforts of Bermudians and the Bermuda Houses of Parliament. There was no input from Great Britain because we are a self-governing colony. If you do not know what that means let me help you out. It means that we manage and maintain our own economy without help or assistance from Great Britain.

I have no problem with those who oppose Independence for Bermuda, that is your entitlement just as it is my entitlement to support Independence but next time you decide to respond to one of my letters please present factual information, scare tactics are not facts, to support your argument.

There's real poverty here

January 28, 2005

Dear Sir,

Last year Ashfield DeVent reported on the housing crisis in Bermuda. While he attributes the high rate of divorce as affecting the housing market, he certainly forgot to mention the main culprits. The real culprits are lack of Government initiatives and forward planning, and just plain simple greed.

When it comes to housing, there has never been a systematic housing policy. At best housing for lower to mid-income levels has been very inadequate. Housing in the private sector, (catering to higher incomes) continues to boom. This affects many hard working people who are pushed out of the housing market as the skyrocketing costs of these homes makes them unattainable. The high cost of rental units also means that the average Bermudian cannot afford to pay these rents or are struggling financially to keep a roof over their family's head. The lack of affordable housing is now resulting in homelessness at a magnitude not seen in Bermuda before.

Many families are too frightened to seek help, as they fear their children will be removed from their care, or they will be relegated to seeing their children one or two hours per week. This can often lead to depression, self medication and sometimes withdrawal from the child. Further to this there is a growing trend in domestic violence and sexual abuse, of both adults and children. A great deal of this violence is a direct result of overcrowded conditions.

Bermuda! Are you aware that we are raising a generation of children who have never had a stable home with a bed of their own? Bermuda is a generous nation, ready to help those who are less privileged or having suffered some natural disaster. Extend that same generosity to your own. Help the children of Bermuda. Poverty and the dynamics that accompany it, belong to all of us. Yes! There is real poverty in Bermuda. The issue of housing also belongs to all Bermudians.

Foreign visitors should only be allowed to purchase land on a leasehold basis. We need to preserve land for future generations. A policy could be implemented so that all large scale developments must include lower income units. If we do not act now, within ten years shanties and tent cities will be evident all across Bermuda.

Mr. Ashfield DeVent, the two recently proposed housing developments earmarked for Perimeter Lane (the pond) and Southside help is not far reaching enough to reduce the housing crisis. Since the present Government has been in power, house prices have doubled and tripled.

There is a growing discontent in Bermuda which inevitable will lead to social unrest.

''Incorrect, misleading'

February 1, 2005

Dear Sir,

The comment "that financial statement are occasionally filed incorrectly or went missing in the mail" attributed to me in Tricia Walters's article in today's edition of is both incorrect and misleading. The exact wording included in my written statement to Ms. Walters, who contacted me concerning the article entitled "Revealed: Charities failing to report finances", follows: "...that on the rare occasion such a document may be misfiled and that her office cannot be held accountable for documents that are presumed to have gone 'missing in the mail'...". The use of the word "rare" was deliberate because the incidence of documents being misfiled is minimal. In no way did I confirm that financial statements had gone missing in the mail as stated in the article.

It is important to make the point that article was based on a 2002 Report. The article is misleading especially as much effort has been made since its publication by all parties concerned to improve the situation with the filing of financial statements by the registered charitable organisations.

In May, 2002, reminder cards were sent in error to a number of registered charitable organisations by a temporary staff person. My staff informed me that they responded to several telephone calls and visits from representatives of these organisations and, as far as they knew, there were no outstanding responses to be made. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the representatives of any organisation that did not receive a response from us at that time and would invite them to contact the Registry General should they require any further assistance in this matter.

I would be grateful if you would ensure that your reading public is apprised of the true nature of my comments to your reporter.

M. CHRISTOPHER (MRS.)

Registrar General

Weathering the storm

February 3, 2005

Dear Sir,

I would appreciate it if you would publish this short note of thanks to the stalwart crews of Belco who worked under such arduous weather conditions during the storm.

The concern shown by Belco in stating that power would be restored by evening, yesterday, was also very comforting.

As a "senior", it was reassuring to know that one of our major corporations cares about the citizens of this diminutive Island. Bermuda, truly is "Another World".

EDWINA WAGNER