I was dismayed to read on Page 2 of the November 27, Royal Gazette a quote attributed to government MP Wayne Perinchief regarding the renaming of the Cup Match holiday, as follows: "The talk shows have it wrong, the people have it wrong.'' Well, sir, I have a quote for Mr. Perinchief. "I must follow the people. Am I not their leader?'' -- Benjamin Disraeli JIM GOULD Warwick Y2K bug won't bite December 9, 1999 Dear Sir, In response to Hester's comments in the Thursday, December 9, edition of The Royal Gazette , I would like to take this opportunity to reassure your readers that the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) is indeed ready for Y2K! In December 1998 the BSX implemented a new trading platform called "BEST'' (Bermuda Electronic Securities Trading System).

BEST's software has been developed over the last three years and does not rely on legacy code to operate. The provider of BEST's core software has provided the BSX with a full warranty that the platform is Y2K ready.

Prior to BEST, we subjected both the hardware and software to a barrage of acceptance tests, one of which was Y2K preparedness.

Our system passed all the tests without any problems, including the Y2K module. Our hardware tests included turning the servers' internal clocks forward to emulate the advent of the Year 2000, again we experienced no problems.

The BSX relies on a variety of systems to operate and gather data from networks such as Bloomberg and Reuters. We have received assurances from these agencies that they will be Y2K compliant. We understand the scope of testing for this event and have initially directed our energies toward our mission critical platforms. We are confident that our mission critical systems will function effectively after the turn of the century.

Our focus is now on those internal systems, such as the one currently producing the misdated dividend information in for the Daily Trade Report.

Please be assured that we are aware of an working on the problem and are confident the matter will be resolved in a timely (no pun intended) manner! On a final note, we are delighted to note that Hester is a local shareholder.

Perhaps Hester could use her considerable influence to encourage others to `own their share of Bermuda!'' JOANNE MACPHEE Look closer to home December 9, 1999 Dear Sir, My husband, who plays in the Bermuda Goodwill Tournament, and I have visited your beautiful and friendly Island for the last 13 years. I try to enjoy myself. (But) what has happened? On Saturday, I went to Hamilton to purchase a weekly bus pass. I waited an interminable period while the ticket seller counted money and shuffled papers.

Finally he asked me what I wanted. "A weekly bus pass'', I replied, whereupon he picked up his belongings and left. Another man arrived to shuffle papers and count his money.

The line of people behind me grew longer and longer. Finally, I was served in anything but a friendly manner.

Sunday, using my hard-won pass, I rode to Dockyard, waiting at The Elbow Beach stop for over an hour. On the way home, I waited almost as long. When I inquired of a bus driver about the posted schedule, he informed me that the schedule was wrong.

On Sunday night, we attended a cocktail party hosted by the Ministry of Tourism. I attempted to express my concerns to David Allen J.P., M.P., our host. He turned his back to me, gave his speech, and purposely ignored me.

On Wednesday, a boat tour was scheduled. When we arrived at the dock there was no boat. The two ladies at the tourist information desk did not seem to know anything about the tour. On phoning the tour, of course, it had been cancelled -- inclement weather and wet seats -- (despite the fact that) the rain had long stopped and most of the seats were inside the boat.

On Thursday, I took two buses to visit the Bermuda Railway Museum which was listed as open 10 to 4 on weekdays in This Week in Bermuda. It was closed with no explanation.

I have been reading in your excellent newspaper that the number of tourists visiting your island is decreasing: because of the airlines? The cost? Perhaps the people in your tourist industry, especially your Minister of Tourism, should be looking a little closer to home.

NANCY SHIRER Toronto, Canada Insurance anomaly December 4, 1999 Dear Sir, In England you can insure against possible cancellation of a booked holiday irrespective of your age, similarly if you are a resident of the US or Canada.

As a Bermuda resident, no such insurance is available for seniors. It seems incredible for a country which is full of insurance companies.

I have suggested at a meeting of seniors at the Bermuda College that they take up this matter which they undertook to do, but I have not heard anything further.

Perhaps The Royal Gazette may prove more successful.

HOPEFUL Paget Patience appreciated December 1, 1999 Dear Sir, A group of us, 12 bike riders and our leader, have just finished a five day bike ride on your beautiful Island.

We covered almost 80 miles. We would like to thank all the drivers who were so courteous.

Your patience with our slower pace was very much appreciated. We will return.

ELDER HOSTELERS AND LEADER BBSR