For those who are at all concerned about the slump in tourism, they would be wise to follow the current foot and mouth outbreak in the UK carefully.

What does all this have to do with us, and in any case Bermuda's economy is not dependent on either dairy or meat production? I can almost hear the immediate response -- as I have so many times over the past week or so. "Oh to be sure it would be a crisis for a few: farmers, you vets and animal lovers, but not really a big deal for the rest of us.'' As usual, it seems that the average Bermuda resident, and shall we venture to say also a certain number of Government officials see only what is directly important to Bermuda. Instead of making shrill demands on others to be "good corporate citizens'', perhaps we should make just a tiny effort to think globally; behave as a good global citizen with a sense of environmental responsibility.

Imagine for just a moment what would transpire if only one case -- or even merely a suspected case of foot and mouth were to be reported in Bermuda. It would shut the Island down overnight: Even the most cerebrally challenged US officials within those departments responsible for livestock farming and disease control would slap an immediate ban on all traffic to and from Bermuda - human and animal alike. Tourism would die in an instant, and much less long and painful death, followed by a long rigor mortis. Supermarket prices would rocket, and internal strife would be inevitable as we all clamoured to stockpile groceries, and Bermudians were unable to "fly to the malls''.

The special relationship with Bermuda would never override the responsibility of the US Government to secure a continuing, un-endangered supply of food for its citizens, so used as they are to a copious and inexpensive supply of milk, bacon and hamburgers.

At last, we would indeed be independent! Instantly isolated we'd all be planting veggies while reserving our individual fishing spots along the North Shore.

DR. A.M. WARE-CIETERS City of Hamilton Give back car parking The following was sent to Mayor of Hamilton Lawson Mapp and copied to The Royal Gazette .

March 8, 2001 Dear Sir, I am deeply concerned by the approach the Corporation of Hamilton is taking in its plans to improve Hamilton.

Parking and traffic congestion continues to be problems in Hamilton. If the Corporation does not tackle these issues first, then it is being irresponsible and heightening the frustration for people who financially support the city through employment and taxes, as well as the many citizens who visit the city daily.

It is wonderful to envision a park-like city with walking areas and trees. But it is commuters who make Hamilton vital and if you can't provide the facilities to get commuters to their workplace, then the city fails.

Each commuter has a different story. Many like myself are using cars because we need to deliver small children to school first before entering the city in the morning. So restricting the usability of the city for us is counter-productive and unrealistic. It seems clear that the city has at least two options: either create more parking or provide effective and efficient transportation into the city.

It appears that the Corporation has no interest in parking even though it is probably the most serious challenge to the workability of the city. The Corporation has eliminated parking spaces in many areas of Hamilton and it has failed to require the incorporation of parking in new buildings.

So now persons coming into town for short visits are finding fewer parking spaces. If they are attending appointments they tend to be late because they are spending an unreasonable amount of time looking for parking. Inadequate parking makes coming into the city unpleasant for both the workforce and the visitor. It elevates negative emotions and stress, which is the opposite of what I assume a "park-like'' city is designed to achieve.

So maybe the Corporation doesn't want to be a car friendly city. OK. Then come up with a way to get commuters to their offices where they're not agitated, exhausted and sweaty on arrival. Create sufficient parking at the limits and provide fast and reliable transportation into the city. Have an express lane for this "city transportation''. Work with Government to solve the problem.

Whatever you plan, don't put the cart before the horse. Solve transportation and parking problems first, then you can beautify the city (it's already pretty nice). The commuters are the life of Hamilton, please consider us in your schemes.

RONDA A. JAMES, DDS City of Hamilton P.S. I don't want to appear disrespectful, but perhaps you and your colleagues don't appreciate the severity of the problem. In the interest of closing the apparent gap between Government and the governed, I suggest you give up your private parking places behind City Hall and experience our reality.