January 7, 2001

Dear Sir,

It is sometimes informative, often amusing and even downright hilarious to read your Letters to The Editor section in RG.

Recently, I found myself reading with a chuckle, a letter from someone complaining of the sudden increase in Indians on the Island. One of the reasons this person seems upset is because many of these Indians working here "can't even speak English". It seems to me, and I'm only a casual observer here, that some of the Island's schools are, at this very moment, churning out people who can neither speak, nor write English - and most of these, are Bermudians. I run into my fellow Bermudians from time to time who seem to be speaking something a bit like English, but a bit off all the same.

That bakeries are hiring Indians could be accounted for by the fact that, to my knowledge, they produce their goods at night, a time when many Bermudians like to be partying, or tucked in bed. That there are visibly more Indians in restaurant kitchens, and indeed serving in restaurants, may well be because they are willing to do so, conscientiously, cheerfully, and efficiency.

Since Bermuda's tourist industry is most certainly on the skids, so to speak, I would imagine at this point we would encourage just about anyone willing to do the work which Bermudians appear to shy away from. Whether they come from India, Lower Silesia, or even Outer Mongolia for that matter. The key here is "to get the job done".

I think most would agree that New York City has one of the diversified ethnic and racial mixes of any place going. And one of the effects of this rich mixture, has been to make New York one of the most vibrant, exciting and successful destinations on the planet.

Perhaps injecting more ethnic and racial diversity into this little rock might give more in the way of a richness in what "we" have to offer. It might also help to break this ridiculous black/white polarisation, both politically and socially, which seems to be leading this Island straight down the drain.

I'm for Sir John's argument. Lets mix it up. A few casinos, better hotels, exciting entertainment, and a friendlier attitude. In short, more to offer, instead of that overpriced same'ol, same'ol.

Somehow I don't think xenophobia figures in the equation here, if we intend to get this Island back on its feet.

JACK GAUNTLETT

Somerset