No Emmys here

Oct. 24th, 2002

Dear Sir,

This present government is laughable and smacks of secrecy. This mockery of the people's intelligence appears to be a cover-up for blatant incompetence. It's not a difficult decision.

We need to vote for a more capable government. Let's get rid of this continuous soap opera that is the PLP. We use to be an Island that was the envy of the rest of the world. We are not running for a daytime Emmy.

We are talking about our children's future here. Let's get on with it.

A VOTE FOR A BETTER BERMUDA

St. David's

Where's the R&R?

October 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

I see in yesterday's Royal Gazette (October 22) that the Police are negotiating for a new and improved shift system.

And not before time. The present system, while a radical innovation in its day, is over 30 years old, and simply doesn't have the flexibility for today's policing needs: and, just for good measure, the gap between the end of a seven-night night shift and the start of a seven-day day shift is actually less than 48 hours.

What sort of recuperation time is that, after seven nights of knocking one's body clock all out of sync?

I wish the Police every success in their negotiations.

DAVIE KERR

St. George's

Keep art free

October 24, 2002

Dear Sir,

It was reported in the magazine ARTnews (issue October 2002) in their section Artnews Retrospective the following relating to 100 years ago:

"Mr. Kenyon Cox, the secretary of the Committee on Tariff on Works of Art, believes that a bill for the removal of the absurd tax on art, which will be introduced at the next session of Congress, will be passed. ... One of the advantages for American artists and art students, if this measure is adopted, would be the bringing to this country of such celebrated collections as those of Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan. This noted private collection is at present in London." - November 29, 1902.

The right thing to do was self-evident then in the US and should be self-evident now in Bermuda.

Writing as an aesthete,

NICHOLAS LUSHER

Hamilton Parish

Spoiled appetite

October 11, 2002

Dear Sir,

Last week I went into the deli in the Washington Mall and ordered breakfast; a scone with cheese.

The very vocal lady behind the counter reached for my scone and started to prepare my order. I was mortified to see that she did not have on gloves. Isn't it the law, that anyone preparing/handling food should wear gloves? I paid for my order and left, disposing of it as I walked up Reid Street. I turned onto Burnaby Street, still hungry, I decided to go into La Baquette. To my horror, the lady behind the counter prepared my order without gloves also!

Maybe someone from the Health Department can clarify this matter.

BRINGING OWN BREAKFAST

Warwick

Give me some credit

September 30, 2002

Dear Sir,

Re: The Bermuda Credit Association

First of all, I am a respectable citizen of this community who does not run away from responsibility.

I found myself in financial difficulty a few years ago, due to circumstances beyond my control, and was contacted by the Bermuda Credit Association to reclaim my outstanding debts. The telephone calls were not only humiliating, but degrading. The situation I found myself in was not by choice, and doesn't deserve any additional negativity from an organisation whose responsibility is to work along with you to collect any outstanding funds.

Are these debt collectors trained in how to speak to and handle people who find themselves in these unfortunate curcumstances? It is their responsibility to come to an amicable schedule for repayment, not to demean and try to imply what an irresponsible person you have been. It is ironic though, that there are employees at BCA that are also in debt and have accounts at local merchants that are in arrears! You'd think they'd be a bit more humble.

Hopefully, by the end of 2002, I will be free of all debts at the Bermuda Credit Association and if I'm ever in a position to help anyone experiencing financial difficulty from having their debts referred to the BCA I would do so.

Criminals we are not.

REMAIN PROUD & RESPONSIBLE

Warwick