Another blow

August 4, 2005

Dear Sir,

When I think of an ideal Bermuda for Bermudians, it is a country where our people's needs are put before all others. When I think of a Bermuda for Bermudians I think of an Island where the opportunities are endless for our people to enrich their lives and better themselves. Above all else when I think of a Bermuda for Bermudians I think of a Country where we give our children the chance to enjoy our Island's beauty and bask in the glow of our heritage. I can't say how disappointed I was to read in today's newspaper, "Trimingham's to be turned into office and retail banking space". I feel that this is just another blow for Bermudians as the primary service now of this building will not be for the better good of this Island's people.

While I can respect the fact that the traditional fa?ade of the structure is to remain it is just that, a fa?ade. I beg to differ with Mr. Butterfield and his position of the benefits this will have on the dynamic of our city. The shift from retail to corporate buildings and a hope for more development within the city limits would only benefit non-Bermudians and exempted companies, forcing our own people to do even more retail shopping outside of the Island. I found the article to be riddled with promises of using less fossil fuels, improving the Harbour front and preserving green space. All of which are masks to the injustice taking place. The tight restrictions on non- retail development put forth by planning officials are there for a reason, because retail banking happens to conveniently fit in this category it doesn't mean that it is in the best interest of the Island.

I also found the foreshadowing mentioned in the article of larger cruise ships to be premature. I too support the need to improve the harbour front but how the proposed retail banking fits into this category eludes me. I am confused as to how a shift towards corporate development and the notion to bring in mega cruise ships, which will hold ten times as many tourists, goes hand in hand? If the proposal for development on the harbour front is merely to accommodate our visitors then I fear that once again the priorities are in the wrong place. It begs the question, "How much are we willing to take, give up or change before we address the needs of our own?".

August 4, 2005

Dear Sir,

I applaud your writer "Rorschach" of Warwick whose right-on letter in today's paper calls on Minister Dr. Ewart Brown to summarily dismiss the female officer who was outrageously heavy-handed with flight passenger Mrs. Turman, a well-travelled black visitor from California.

I feel very strongly about this subject of unnecessary interrogation by HM Customs. I am white and have experienced the wrath of a woman Customs officer who happens to be black. So let's get real here before the race card is played. It's obvious to me that it's a power issue; one gone terribly awry. When I was subject to a similar bombardment of asinine and completely irrelevant questioning, I became visibly shaken. The Customs woman's arrogrant attitude escalated so much so that she called over a marshall, for heaven's sake. This marshall threateningly stood by, arms folded, and told me to watch what I said or I'd be arrested. I kid you not. Where do we Bermudians live? In Dodge City? I almost expected to be read my Miranda rights!

I will never forget this incident. Once again, and for the record, I speak for all other whites who have had a similar experience. Don't make this into a racial issue.

It is not. It's an inhumane issue and whether it's Minister Brown or Customs Head Mrs. Fostine-DeSilva, these inspectors at the airport should be put on notice ? and monitored until they get it right.

Since this letter was written, the Bermuda Police Service has said the officer in Mrs. Turman's letter was a Police officer and not a Customs officer and has also stated the complaint will be investigated.