Help me see the light

January 30, 2003

Dear Sir,

Can the people who created the traffic lights near to the tennis stadium explain why they made them sensory? Today when I was out with two others workers coming back from the dump the light kept changing to left then went back red (three times in a row).

It wasn't until one guy on a bike who waited that entire time, decided that when it turned back to left, he'll go left that, the green light showed up.This is frustrating.

PLEASE EXPLAIN THIS

Pembroke

There is a solution

February 2, 2003

Dear Sir,

What has happened to our youth? An every day question that has followed us into the 21st Century. Yes, followed us, because, the ugly head of troubled youth, in particular troubled Black Youth has been with us for some number of years. It has now moved from the back burner to the front, the flames are engulfing us and burning out of control. In the 1980's, it was called `The lost generation', but like most social issues (problems), society buries it's head and hopes that it will go away. Yes, we are the living example of the famed `Ostrich Syndrome'.

Bermuda is really an enigma. We have proven to the huge outside world that we are equal to any global country when it comes to business acumen, albeit our size being a mere dot in the north Atlantic. And yes, we are thankful to some very shrewd businessmen who led the onslaught. But we continue to accumulate failing grades in good social management. The `we' in my last sentence refers not only to Captains of Industry, but also to Parents, guardians and less we forget Politicians et al. In the `60s, politically motivated and in some instances legislated integration was the buzz word and movement of the day. Whites were apprehensively cautious and Blacks, excited. Yes, we were going to attend white schools (thought to be the best) and white clubs if we could get sponsorship. We took care of the movie theatres ourselves in the late 50's, and God knows we owe that movement a lot. But now in hindsight, integration stymied a fair number of the black community. For some reason, with integration apparent, the thought permeated throughout communities that everything was going to be alright. That was the big mistake. Prior to that, blacks ran quite a number of businesses, albeit smaller ones, but businesses. Yes, we were invited to join our new found brothers, politically and otherwise and suddenly we were usurped, with whatever identity we did have vanishing in thin air. In no way am I suggesting that our political forefathers of the 50s and 60s were out of step by introducing integration, not in the least. If anything at all, it was the right decision, but a lot of it went wrong by conniving and deceitful persons on both sides.

But a window of opportunity was in fact thrown our way in the 70s by way of the new boys on the block, The Black Muslims, otherwise known as the Nation of Islam. But we bought in on the Integration movement and lets face it, the NOI was seen as racist, separatist and in some instances another form of communist. But, they did then what Blacks needed and still need, badly. They promoted `Togetherness, Respect for each other, Trust and above all, a passage way to Black-run businesses, Black-controlled economics, something that has escaped us for years. They had their restaurants, newspapers, child care, and I believe some farms. If memory serves me correctly, I don't think they were successful in getting Government's blessing to open their own school. When you think of it what a start. A people, finding a way to feed, care for and educate their own people, one couldn't ask for more. The basic necessities of life, but we turned it down in favour of integration and thirty years on, our young (men in particular), and yes some not so young are still asking the question, "Where's my share" and "Where do we fit in". "What is a Bermudian, what does it mean".

The answer to this dilemma is quite simple:

Parents/Grandparents/Guardians of those young men who are rebelling against all authority, dropped the ball and failed to pick up the one thrown to them in the 70s. Although there was some embracing by the wealthier 30+ percent white minority population of the 60+ percent black majority population in the 60s, there was never any intent that they were suddenly going to open their cheque books and make you an equal partner.

Opportunities for all were opened and you were going to have to work. Not necessarily getting everything you wanted, but working towards and obtaining some of it. Many of us `cooled out'. Credit was made easy and the large life evolved - to the current near demise of our young and we're now busy trying to dispense blame. As one of my friends, a caller to the Everest DeCosta talk show frequently says, "It's a sad day", and it really is.

Please allow me to tell a very personal story at this juncture: This is not to be seen as, "I am the Poster Boy for success" but purely to demonstrate that no matter what obstacles are placed before you, don't roll over and complain but strive on.

When I joined the Police Force (now Police Service) in the early 60s, Bermuda was changing. There was largely United Kingdom personnel and Bermudians with one or two West Indians. The command structure was English with one Senior Bermudian. In the mid 60s and onwards, West Indians were recruited in large numbers to offset the then racial imbalance. Prior to 1965, if there was five promotions, usually there'd be four UK Officers, one, maybe, two Bermudians, mainly in the Sergeant's ranks. When the West Indians arrived, there were mutterings among Bermudians that we will now be further stymied because our share of promotions would have to be shared with our new friends. Some Bermudians commenced resigning and trying to encourage others to go. Leaving was never in my plan. I knew quite early into my career that I was in for the long haul. I commenced early in my career in watching service trends looking for openings and preparing myself, never shirking away, but instead looking for the difficult assignments that required in depth investigating and finally comprehensive reporting. I always looked up to and respected those senior to myself and listened intently to their advice, never losing sight of my goal. When I joined I lived in Somerset and was first assigned to the West End Station but I didn't want to stay there long because I wanted to be in the main station (Hamilton) where there were more challenges and it wasn't long before I got there. The rest is history.

The moral is simple: Set goals, prepare, work towards it, never taking your sight of what you perceive to be the end.

So what are we left with after some 40 years of integration. An even stronger business come financial centre which once again bodes well for our size. yes, it's all about money, that's what this Island is about, money. And by the way, that's not bad, because at the end of the day, that's what we're all striving for, the better life. But there's a down side, those young boys who've now gone the extra mile and decided to kill each other. I was mortified when I saw on my television some time in early November, young men stopping a night soccer game when they entered the field of play, armed with baseball bats and machetes, chasing another youngster. I thought that I had seen it all in my 35 years as a Police Officer, then this. If there was ever a time for sober reflection by us all, if you haven't already I ask you to look at The Royal Gazette's January 30, 2003 headline, `There are no winners' and the photograph of traumatic father Gary (Tuba) Mallory, and the sub headlines (same paper) `It was like the movies', says 15-year-old shooting victim and photograph of Nicky Tucker Jr. convalescing in hospital. The searching words of Ms. Debra Wellman, a close relative of one of the young boys involved as she gave a television interview on Wednesday night January 29, 2003. The searching for a solution by Commissioner of Police Jonathan Smith and his Police Service.

We need a team effort for this one. I pray that God, assisted by my team of dedicated doctors will continue to strengthen me as I continue to battle my burden because so many of us ar going to have to stand up and be counted.

Let's try and find a place for these young men (in particular) who feel they've been displaced. The solution is there.

LENNIE EDWARDS

(Commissioner of Police Retired)

Somerset

Your number's up

January 4, 2003

Dear Sir,

I noted on this evening's TV news that Dale Butler is looking for various suggestions to employ students during the summer holidays.

I have one idea. There are still far too many houses in Bermuda that either don't have numbers on them at all, or their numbers are not visible from the road on which the houses stand: have groups of students from each parish put clearly visible house numbers either on the houses themselves, or in some appropriate location where the said numbers are clearly visible to anybody passing the end of the driveway. In fact, maybe have a friendly competition to see which parish can number the most houses during the summer holidays this year?

I don't really mind how it's done, but there are many, many houses out there that need numbering, and soon!

DAVIE KERR

St. George's

The end is nigh

February 4, 2003

Dear Sir,

I see in today's paper that the Smith, Burch and Webb triumvirate have headed off to Switzerland again ... must be something about the place ... they go there a lot! And they talk about `people like me'...well, that group is kinda similar.

I see that the three musketeers went to collect some trophy in David Allens name ... must be some big trophy! As a matter of fact, the paper specifically says that he is being recognised for this African Diaspora Trail he organised. Well, I know he sure spent a pile of money doing his thing at the Southampton Princess - making sure it all got noticed - and I guess this Trail is aimed at attracting African Americans to Bermuda and it ... the trail, right ??

Tell me something, Mr. Editor (and I do appreciate that it is difficult to get anything out of the Government because, if they are not `off the Island' - they just don't like talking to you) but I was wondering if they have been keeping figures about how many African Americans we have attracted to our shores and, of course, to this trail. I walk along parts of the trail and I can tell you I haven't seen anybody.

Anyway, I am really glad the musketeers are getting in their travelling because I think the end is drawing `nigh ! Hey, Mr. Editor, do you think that all those PLPers really think these dudes are doing a decent job?

READER

City of Hamilton

Poor handling

January 29, 2003

Dear Sir,

In reference to "tighten securities" at ports of entry into USA and any place for that matter.

Last week a relative travelling from America to Bermuda checked luggage through from Asia-NY-Bda and lo and behold two large suit cases disappear - how could this happen when securities through out the world (USA) can misplace those two large black bags, Huh? It's easier to accept flights vanishing in the Bermuda Triangle, but can some one explain how two large bags vanish off of a flight? These bags were checked through the night prior to the arrival of the owner. How secure you feel now?

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

P.s.I'm beginning to believe that AA is an irresponsible airline when it comes to handling luggage.

What have we come to?

January 30, 2003

Dear Sir,

I, like so many others on the Island, am absolutely stunned with the extraordinary decision of the courts in this latest Fiasco of a murder trial. The expression on Gary Mallory's face, on the front page of your newspaper says it all.

"What have we come to?"

Here is a father with exactly the same expression of total disbelief which we all saw on the face of Mr. Middleton not so very long ago. Indeed, what have we come to? As a father myself, it is not hard to imagine what is going through Mr. Mallory's mind in that photo. Where are we going with this? Are we witnessing the total collapse of ouir legal system? Three men stab another to death outside a Club on Reid Street. Manslaughter!? This latest case. Acquitted!? What judgment can we expect in upcoming cases?

In addition to that, one has to wonder what kind of message we are putting out to the rest of the world about our Island. They do read newspapers in the rest of the world, last time I looked. I realise that except for throwing a bit of dirt on the coffin, Tourism is as good as dead and buried, despite the few dollars Mr. Dodwell and a few others are taking in these days. Who wants to pay top dollar to come to a place which seems to be heading for virtual anarchy?

It is a fact that the greater percentage of the tourists we get here are white Americans. These people know what violence is. They are nurtured in violence from a very young age. They see it on their TV sets, in their movies, in their sports. In fact, in just about every aspect of their existence. They have a President itching to do violence as I write to you Mr. Editor. Not withstanding that, I can't imagine the American tourist looking for a bit of peaceful R&R, and then heading for Bermuda, when what we have to offer, is our own version of that same violence.

We have unruly youths engaged in gang warfare, stabbings, physical attacks, a government that all but says you're the wrong colour. Pretty much the full gamit. There is an old adage that says: "People get the government they deserve". I'd settle for one that would be so kind as to wake up.

MOVING ON

Sandys Parish

A poem about peace

February 5, 2003

Dear Sir,

Some thoughts on the Iraq situation.

See the Peace Protesters, USA and here, See the Weapons Inspectors in Iraq over there.

Remember Europe, seventy years ago, Neville Chamerlain scurrying to and fro.

Peace, peace was the popular theme, While Der F?hrer built his war machine.

Remember the many, no longer with us, Who died in the Conflict just to protect us.

Has he succeeded, who would be next?

Gays, Gypsies and Blacks would be much vex't.

See in the Book of Matthew, 24:6 & 7, There will be no peace `till HE comes from Heav'n.

JOCK STEWART

Sandys