Unanswered questions
June 28, 2009
Dear Sir,
The handling of the Uighurs has asked a lot of questions, but has not revealed many answers. Perhaps there is something that maybe the Premier does not want us to know. So far we have not been informed of what benefits the bringing of the detainees has been to Bermuda as a whole. Listening to many people's opinions on this matter seems to suggest that everyone is in a state of confusion. There is one thing, however, that is abundantly clear, the Premier tends to do things his way without much consultation to the people that matter, us the voting, tax-paying public.
It still stands out in my mind how, when there was a challenge for leadership between Dr. Ewart Brown and Mr. Alex Scott, the former stated that he would disappear or words to that effect, if he lost. Thinking on this, it suggests to me that Dr. Brown, if losing, would have abandoned serving the people of the Progressive Labour Party. This could be viewed as being a selfish act and suggests that he doesn't really have the party's interest at heart. It probably would have been better if he had said, 'If in fact I lose the leadership challenge, I would still stay around and help the party in its future endeavours to serve the people of Bermuda.'
Mr. Dale Butler on the other hand, did not want to damage his party the PLP, and therefore on the Vote of No Confidence, opposed the motion but after having helped his party, he then resigned at what appears to be his disillusionment of Dr. Brown's leadership.
Perhaps the PLP would gain strength from new leadership? Only time will tell.
EX PLP VOTER
Hamilton Parish
Wondering about being here
June 28, 2009
Dear Sir,
I really do wish that the Bermudian people would start listening and understand that the main issue is not the fact that the Uighurs are here in Bermuda. The main issue is the steps that the Premier took to bring them to the Island and the fact that he did it all on his own accord.
The joy of a democracy is that there is more than one person "in power" and each of the members of Parliament are there to check each other. In my opinion, Dr. Brown went against the Constitution and acted in a manner that only illustrated further his narcissistic attitude and the belief that he answers to no one.
There are two ways that the Premier could have interpreted the Bermuda Constitution he could have taken this as an immigration issue (which is an area that is delegated to the GOVERNMENT of Bermuda) or he could have taken it as a foreign policy issue (which is delegated to the UK).
Ewart decided to take it as an immigration issue. But if he is going to take that stance then he should follow the precedent he has set. That being that a non-Bermudian person entering Bermuda must get a work permit.
And if he plans to give them some sort of 'status' so that they are not stateless, then he has to have the ability to do that. Since they have to be British (and even HE doesnt have the power to grant that) they cannot be Bermudian
Do I hear you say "these were exceptional circumstances"? Well because these exceptional circumstances do fall under a different category that cannot be handled under the standard and ordinary practice of the Bermudian Government when dealing with immigration issues then we can argue that this is in fact a foreign policy issue. And what does the Bermuda Constitution say? That the UK Government handles foreign policy matters.
It's quite simple. If you are going to make this as an immigration issue then you need to be able to treat it the same as all other immigration applications. If not, then it is not an immigration issue and it is a foreign policy issue. But let's be honest here Dr. Brown simply read between the lines and CHOSE to make this an immigration issue. I think it's pretty clear that this is a foreign policy issue.
Furthermore, how many times are we going to open the newspaper and see dollar signs with HUGE numbers next to them being paid out by the Government. Dr. Brown's salary, the road works costs, this new lobbying firm, etc, etc. I mean seriously – it's like this money just gets thrown about. When I see these numbers I just think where the hell does all this money come from and how in the hell is there any money left over?
The thing that scares me about the recent activities is that the members of the PLP party allowed Ewart Brown to stay in power after these actions, which will only lead him to consolidate his power over everyone. And what the heck does this man have on you guys? Some of you agree that he should be gone, but yet you all vote against the no confidence motion? You ousted Jennifer Smith and Alex Scott and they are Mary Poppins compared to Ewart Brown.
Bermudian people watch out – it is happening. He's gotten away with this and while all of this has been going on have you seen the other headlines? Housing prices down 30 percent; the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George's being abolished; Oh and what's this I just hear? MORE gunshots?
I'm a 23-year-old Bermudian with my eyes wide open and I'm wondering if I want to live here after all....
BYE BYE PARADISE HELLO CUBA
Southampton
Time to act
May 4, 2009
Dear Sir,
Re Cost of overseas trips tops $140,000 for five Ministers!
This present PLP government appears to spend taxpayers' money, like there was no tomorrow! They seem to have carte blanche to do as they please, with no accountability for all these frequent and expensive trips! They are public servants, spending other people's money ... They therefore must show accountability and transparency for all these expenditures! It's "high time" the opposition UBP along with Mr. Richards and the Bermudian public started demanding some verifiable answers!
I'm sure most Bermudians are aware of what has just transpired in the British Houses of Parliament, regarding so-called "expenditures" etc. The British public had the "backbone" to demand transparency from their elected representatives ... Will Bermuda do the same, or will this charade of spending the "public purse" be allowed to continue unchecked, infinitely? There is a TV commercial, in which the announcer states ... "it's your money, spend it when you want to" ... The PLP are obviously doing exactly that!
Also, on another note regarding your editorial ... drugs and corruption! I quote the following statement from Wayne Perinchief MP: "Consider the circumstances: The same individuals who are accused of running drugs who are actually apprehended with drugs in hand and charged with possession of drugs, they then fall off the radar screen, they have never been indicted.
"What conclusion can we come to? These individuals are known by name. Subsequently the same individuals are attacked.
"We know who they are, I know who they are. I am not afraid to say who they are at the appropriate time and to the appropriate people.
"If it is time for a Commission of Inquiry as to how our Police, customs and prison service operates, then let it be so."
If in fact what Mr. Perinchief has stated is true and verifiable ... then the Governor must act immediately! As the Queen's representative, it is his responsibility to inform the British authorities, so they may take the appropriate action necessary, to eradicate any and all corruption on the Island!
I have said it before ... Bermuda needs professional help in many areas! You had better take it ASAP. before it is too late!
BRUCE MCCLARRON
Arizona
Keep park tidy
July 3, 2009
Dear Sir,
I am writing this letter to congratulate the Corporation of Hamilton on the completion of the beautiful new Wesley Park on the corner of Wesley and Church Streets.
While it is very pleasing to the eye and it seems what was intended was to brighten up a rather dreary corner of the parking lot it has, unfortunately, already become the new home for a certain group of men who, whether they are homeless or not, should not be allowed to remain there. There are already empty liquor bottles laying around, camouflaged in brown paper bags and burnt out cigarette butts on the ground.
My hope is that seating is NOT put in this park as it will only become a magnet for the mischievous and this does not leave a wonderful lasting impression on anyone, especially for tourists.
Another concern that I have is that the position of the walk and railings on the Wesley Street side. To actually cross the Zebra crossing one has to step out onto the road as the wall has been built on either side of a lovely tree and blocks access to the crossing from directly in front of the sidewalk. It is rather difficult to explain without actually seeing it for oneself. I only hope that no one is injured at this junction as a result of such poor planning.
I would like to add one final note… I just took another walk to the Wesley Park at about 4.45 p.m. to admire the Chesley Trott sculpture and was happy to see that someone from the Corporation of Hamilton has cleaned up the empties and cleaned the cigarettes off the ground and the hang-abouts are not there, for now. I imagine that they will be back later this evening. Who knows! They might also bring along their own seating!
NOT FOR THE PIGEONS
Hamilton
