June 4, 2003

Dear Sir,

The recent lecture held at Bermuda College involving Lazaro Rodriguez, the guest lecturer from Cuba was purely a cultural lecture. The lecture, which included an extensive question and answer period, covered the following topics: language, religious expression, education, healthcare, music, the arts, tourism, the economy and the electoral process. There were approximately 100 members of the public at this lecture.

However, VSB was not in attendance at this lecture. The Royal Gazette was not in attendance and, Mr. Joshua Richards, who has reported on Mr. Rodriguez' visit to the media and who has been quoted extensively by both VSB and this paper was not in attendance at this lecture.

Bermuda Broadcasting Company Limited, while present, did not cover the lecture, reported solely on a independent interview that was granted to the Bermuda Broadcasting Company reporter by Mr. Rodriguez. Much of the controversy that has been generated is as a result of this interview - not the Bermuda College lecture.

The Bermuda College lecture did not contain any of the content reported in the media and Mr. Rodriguez' private comments do not reflect the views of the Bermuda College or this writer.

EUGENIE M. SIMMONS

Director

Professional and Career Education

Bermuda College