Full support for ID cards

November 14, 2008

Dear Sir,

I read with interest today in the daily the announcement by Labour Minister and Sen. David Burch that ID cards were being planned for guest workers and whilst I haven't agreed with everything the Minister has said in the past, with this recent plan he has my full support. However, I believe he needs to go one step further and issue ID cards for everyone, not just guest workers but also Bermudians and local residents.

It is my humble opinion that we need to develop a database of every Bermudian from the time they are born to the day they pass on to their Maker and there is no better way to do this than by way of issuing ID cards. I would envisage every resident in Bermuda having an ID card with their own identification number, sort of similar to the Social Security System in the US. But with advances in technology, I think our Bermuda ID Card could do so much more. For example:

1. The ID Card should tie into Bermuda Government Records to indicate whether the individual is a student, employed, retired, physically challenged, guest worker, resident, etc.

2. In the case of a student, it would be prudent to have the ID number tie in with their school records which should allow for cross referencing to identify whether a student is in school or not. Students who are absent can be quickly identified and behaviour hopefully corrected.

3. The unique ID number for each card should also correspond to the Government's tax database of residents, workers and retirees which could assist the Government in other areas.

4. For example, workers who are employed pay their taxes as well as contribute towards their retirement pension plans.

5. On the other hand, if searches of the database show a batch of numbers not registered in some form of employment over an extended period of time, Government officials could investigate. Persons who are not working and not officially 'retired' are not paying taxes and are not contributing to their retirement pensions.

6. If investigations into # 5 above reveal that persons are not employed for a variety of reasons –disability, lack of skills, drug addiction etc, then the Government could offer assistance to those individuals in order to return them to being productive workers in our community.

7. Employers who don't pay their portion of the employee's taxes could also be investigated through the same process, for the employee's ID number can be cross referenced with the tax receipts and anomalies that appear can be investigated.

8. IDs could also be helpful in determining whether a person has health insurance and intervention can assist those in dire need.

9. I also see these IDs containing pertinent information about the owner, such as blood type, allergies and other health related issues, emergency contact person details etc, which could be beneficial to them in the event of an accident, for example.

Whilst for some the idea of IDs may appear burdensome, I consider the plan a good one provided it is implemented for everyone, particularly those who have left school and who should be gainfully employed. What I particularly like about an ID scheme is Government's ability to identify and assist those who appear to be falling through the cracks. Such intervention early helps not only the individual concerned but also the taxpayers who will be called upon to pay in the future.[AT]bodynoinden

ALLAN D. MARSHALL JP

Smith's Parish

Double duty cards

November 14, 2008

Dear Sir,

Those pesky foreigners will be wanting to eat, next. Maybe their new identity cards should double as ration cards, to ensure that they don't take too much food out of the mouths of Bermudians.

Yours on the breadline

ANDREW R. DOBLE

Hamilton Parish

Four guidelines

November 9, 2008

Dear Sir,

Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in Paradise, owe it to the future generations of inhabitants to ensure that the environment in which they live, work and play is not only a safe one, but one that also fosters respect and a genuine concern for the well being of all persons whether they be citizens of Paradise or valued guests.

Just think that we in Paradise can become a Beacon for the rest of the World, if we would only embrace the following.

Free our Hearts from Hatred – Forgive

Live simply and appreciate what we have

Give more

Expect less

I am not naive enough to think that these will solve all of the problems that we face in Paradise, but isn't it a wonderful place to start.

KENNETH G. STONE

Warwick

Honour David Wingate

November 4, 2008

Dear Sir,

In conversation with a dear friend who happens to be both white and a stalwart member of the UBP, the topic of renaming public buildings arose. She raised the point that all the honorees to date have been black. I had to concede the truth of this. Since I prefer to believe that the present government doesn't really want to be mere copycats of those in the past who appeared to be exercising bigotry by favouring one group over another when giving out honours, I have a proposal that all factions on this island can unite around.

In the spirit of Barack Obama, of whom we are all so proud, in the interest of equality for all, and most importantly, to give credit where it is certainly due, I would like to propose that David Wingate be honoured by changing the name of Nonsuch Island to David B. Wingatge Island.

Mr. Wingate has spent most of his life restoring the entire island to its pre-colonial state, including the incredible achievement of bring back the Cahow from extinction, for which he is honoured in conversation circles around the world. It is time and past time that Bermuda showed our appreciation for his outstanding work and dedication. It would be especially fitting to do this while he is still alive and with us to appreciate the gesture. As my beloved mother used to say, "Give me the roses while I can still smell them."

SILVIA HAYWARD-HARRIS

Pembroke

Transformation

November 12, 2008

Dear Sir,

That this Premier is determined to transform Bermuda into his own "Biotope" must surely be evident to all by now: Nothing of "Old" Bermuda is to be retained.

It is yes to bigger SUVs and wider vegetation-free roads to accommodate them; yes to Jumeira-style Dubai developments; yes to Government 'info'-media and Cabinet-controlled press releases; yes to chummy, chummy friendship with Gregory Sleighbells for as long as he lasts; certainly yes (it is after all appropriate) to exclusive travel for loyal Ministers; and a resounding yes to consolidation of power via Independence.

It is no to Southlands – well that's obvious; no to the free press; and especially no to anything that contains the adjective royal. Therefore it follows that any holidays connected with royals are out. It is no to any logical place names that remind us of our past, and a big no to location or building names that contradict the Brown-topian version of history.

Clearly the 18- to 34-year-olds are considerably smarter than he gives them credit. It seems, they at least are aware, that they now live in a world where turbo-capitalism has run out of fuel, a recession looms, and small-town-sized island-states, which earn their fast cash as tax loop (black) holes are very probably little more than rather large blips on the radar screens of global financial search-and-destroy equipment.

If Bermudians wish to hobble their own futures and surrender what must be the most privileged and envied freedom of all, namely direct (full British citizen) access to the best of the East and West (from Bermuda) and global overseas consular protection, then let it be only by referendum. One person, one vote of equal value! ... Remember that?

THIRD TURTLE INN

St. David's

People have a sixth sense

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

Unlike the "Bermuda Independence" thinkers, European countries are still lining up to join the European Union as they realise the importance of unification in a complicated world.

The UK also knew the necessity of association and without a doubt Bermuda benefits, without cost to our Island. We know the numerous advantages such as education, passports, and business opportunities so there is no need to elaborate on these opportunities other than to say that clear thinkers do not alienate allies.

It is also important to mention most of the Caribbean islands formed an alliance between themselves, as they have also determined the need for partnerships. We assume their united front is also recognised worldwide. So, what is it that the Premier does not understand when the majority of Bermudians have already indicated they do not want Independence? Psychologists suggest some people are born with a calling that exclusively possesses their thought process. So when others don't want to be a part of their vision of glory, these people can't understand why!

People have a sixth sense about powerful leaders who dig in their heels when they are on a slippery slope. Obviously they should not expect enthusiastic support when their leadership abilities are questionable. In conclusion, the government will undoubtedly continue preaching propaganda about the wonderful reasons for Independence; however the majority will want to see a new set of values put on the table before they are convinced our little island can walk alone!

TOPPY AND SAUNDRA COWEN

Paris

France

A means to protect

November 14, 2008

Dear Sir,

As a Bermudian who has both completed higher education and worked in the United States of America it comes as no surprise to me to see that we will be issuing guest workers with ID cards.

All legal foreign workers in the United States must carry their "Green Card" upon their person at all times. I do not view this measure as draconian or "Big Brother-ish" it is merely a means to protect both citizens and guests alike. Let's not make a tempest in a tea cup!

VANESE GORDON

St. David's

A note of thanks

November 5, 2008

Dear Sir,

We are very pleased to use your newspaper to thank all of our tag day volunteers, businesses and members of the public who gave so generously in support of our second annual tag day, held recently on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.

We wish to thank the volunteers for their time spent selling tags and generally helping with the tag day, we could not have done it without you! We would like to give a special mention to the Hamilton Rotary, the Sand Rotary, Moira Lindo of XL, and Roslyn Simmons of the King Edward (VII) Memorial Hospital for their willingness to organise volunteers at particular locations.

Thank you to all the locations that gave us permission to sell tags on their premises: Renaissance Reinsurance Limited, the King Edward (VII) Memorial Hospital, the Bank of Bermuda HSBC, (the Bank of N.T. Butterfield and Son,) the Phoenix Store, the Marketplace (Supermarkets) including the Modern Mart, the A1 Fine Food Markets and the Shopping Center. Lindo's Family Foods and Market, whites supermarket, Harrington Hundreds, Miles Market and The Supermart.

We are grateful once again to (The Family Centre) for loaning us their tag day buckets for the occasion. Finally, congratulations to the members of the public and the businesses who contributed so generously to our tag day. Your donations and support of Meals on Wheels helped to make this day a great success and we are so grateful for your kindness.

TAG DAY COMMITTEE

Meals on Wheels

As different as night is to day

November 4, 2008

Dear Sir,

Last night as I sat and watched the remarkable election taking place in the United States, I had to marvel and admire the way one man could unite a population of millions. Watching Mr. Obama give his wonderful address, made me think of Ewart Brown and Bermuda.

The difference between Barack Obama and Ewart Brown is as different as night is to day. When the PLP came into power under Dame Jennifer Smith, you will probably agree that Bermuda was somewhat similar to the United States, in that we all felt a sense of togetherness. How things changed when Ewart Brown took over the role of a leader. He made it clear from the beginning that he did not wish to see harmony within the community. He is now falling out with members of his own party. Things would have been so much better had Ewart Brown seized the opportunity and rallied everybody with something like "We Have A Dream" or taking a page from Barack Obama "Yes We Can".

Today, as one went into the gas station, the post office and just about anywhere, you could see Bermudians smiling and pleased with what they had seen in the United States last night. You would have thought that they had all woken up this morning having each won a million dollars. Oh, what I would give to see those happy smiling faces each and every day from now on. In an effort to keep that going, I am appealing to each and everyone living in this wonderful country to take up the "Yes I Can" challenge as follows:

Can I make Bermuda a better place Yes I Can

Can I make myself and other happier with a smile Yes I Can

Can I make a difference by working harder Yes I Can

Can I stop the politicians destroying Bermuda Yes I Can

Can I make Bermuda safer by driving better Yes I can

Can I meet someone today, shake their hand and say hello Yes I Can

If one single person can brighten millions of people in the United States and around the world by his own personality, words and actions, surely each and everyone of us here can do a similar thing in Bermuda. Our politicians have failed to show us the way, so starting now let us each show them the way. The challenge is "Yes I Can". Put up the list of six points on your refrigerator and each morning before you leave home, look at them and start to bring back Bermuda.

YES I CAN

Devonshire

Losing direction

October 29, 2008

Dear Sir,

The month of September has in my mind been a dark month. Looking back on Labour Day as Mr. Chris Furbert (BIU) President handed Mr. Horton a notice of intent for a shorter work week may have brought cheers and to some maybe tears. Mr. Horton thought it was a great idea as he thought it would give parents more time with family.

Well nothing could be further from the truth. Let's look at it on a broader scale. The shorter week will bring shorter pay cheques and parents will have to find a way to fill the short comings, which means they will spend more time away from home trying to fill the gap and children will be more on their own. and we already see what is happening with neglected supervision. On the back of this proposal we are hearing that the government is putting law in place to hold parents accountable for the actions of the children.

I am convinced that someone has lost direction in positive thinking for the direction of this country. I think that it is time for we the people to speak up and seek representatives who are prepared to run the country with the focus on the people of this country. Erasing personalities and personal agendas and fully focus on the needs of this country.

It has become apparent to me that those that get elected have one agenda before the election and after the election, their personal agenda is put in place and all else is laid aside. Some where we the people have to stand firm and demand a government that will give us (the people) a clear window to look into the affairs of the country. We are always given the outset price of a project, but never the final tally. We the people are the employers and w are not respected by our employees. On the day when it was called for a day of prayer, our Dr. Brown stood before the people and raised his voice to say how we were going to wear out our knees praying. The amazing thing is that he never bent a knee to set the example as the leader of this country. So I ask you the people where does he stand on spiritual issues or is he in any way spiritual minded?

As recent as Friday October 24th the government and hoteliers give notice of a feasibility study on gambling. And it is proposed to spend $300,000 on how to create an addiction for the people. Is government telling the people that the drug and other addictions that are destroying the morals of this country is not enough. The government cannot control these on goings and so let's introduce another problem. After all it will only set us back another few million dollars. With all of this free giving, how are we to do all the paying? Keeping in mind that nothing is free, there is a price for everything. And while our Premier is in such a good giving mood I pray he will give us a window of how much debt the country is in. If we are clear, let us know. Some of us are really interested and I can see no harm in letting us know, unless there are some hidden agendas.

But I leave that with the conscience of the elected and I know that having a clear mind helps one to face the people with a genuine face. People of Bermuda keep praying, because there is a hostile air over Bermuda and we need to clear the air.

A.E. WENDELL HASS

Sandys

Very curious

November 10, 2008

Dear Sir,

Pardon me, but I am very curious as to why Jack Handy (Royal Gazette, November 7, 2008) questions if I work! I am not on welfare, so he, as a taxpayer, is not contributing to my upkeep. So why does he care enough to ask?[AT]bodynoindent:

EVA N. HODGSON

Hamilton Parish