Make no allowancesOctober 16, 2006

Dear Sir,After leaving Bermuda in 1985, I was finally able to return for a visit last May to my childhood home. I am an American who had the privilege of growing up in the wonderful country of Bermuda. My father was stationed on the Naval Annex as well as the Naval Air Station during the 70’s and 80’s. I must say that my return and reunion with some of my old friends was quite emotional. I must admit that my husband thought I was crazy for being so emotional, but unless you have experienced the Bermuda way of life, there is just no knowing those feelings.

When it comes to the two Americans jailed for fighting and injuring a third party over something senseless, I applaud the government for taking action against them. With all the recent violence I’ve been reading about, I would expect nothing less. They did need to be punished, maybe not quite so much jail time, but it was necessary to send the message that such actions can not be tolerated by anyone visiting Bermuda, American or not.

To the father of one of the American tourists that was jailed, I would bet that if this had happened in China, Mexico, Turkey, or even any other foreign country, the men would probably have been jailed there as well and might not have fared as well as they have in Bermuda. Just because they are American does not give them the right to do as they please and expect immunity. Stop giving Americans a bad name and think before you act. I always told my children, “For every action, there is a reaction either good or bad. The choice is yours.” The men made a bad choice therefore must suffer the consequences.

As far as the “boycott” is concerned. I will NOT be participating. To participate in such a boycott would to me be condoning such actions of violence that the American tourists displayed which harmed another person. It cannot be tolerated in any form by any nationality. If there is an allowance made for one person, it would have to be made for another, thus undermining everything that the Bermuda government and police have been trying to do to keep Bermuda a safe place to visit.

I urge all Americans and other nationalities as well, please help Bermuda by not boycotting this wonderful place to vacation. As with any vacation destination, there is always a risk of theft or some type of violence. I maintain that Bermuda is still the safest place to visit, even among the many destinations I could choose here in the United States. I lived on a small island off the coast of Virginia for several years and still live close by. It is considered a safe place to visit and live but we have had our share of violence as well. Violence is always punished by the full extent of the law. What makes this case in Bermuda any different.

To Bermuda — my husband and I will be returning in the near future to enjoy your beautiful pink beaches and the other wonderful attractions that you offer. I will always promote Bermuda Islands and it’s wonders to others.

ANGELIA RUSSELL-FAITH

New Church, Virginia<$>Donovan’s boycott won’t workOctober 18, 2006Dear Sir,Bermudians should be reassured that any ‘Boycott Bermuda’ campaign mounted here in the US by the father of confessed thug Michael Donovan will only enhance the Island’s reputation, and attract more tourists. Waterfronts are not always or everywhere known as havens of civility, but as a regular visitor to Bermuda, I greatly appreciate the freedom to stroll Front Street with my wife and child, day or night, without fear of being embroiled in a fierce assault by drunken louts — be they American or otherwise. Bermudians can feel justly proud that their courts conscientiously defend citizens and tourists alike — with the consequence that the island has a reputation for safety that is the envy of other tourist destinations.

A ‘Boycott Bermuda’ campaign that took Donovan and Pontieri’s 90-day prison sentence (lenient, some might say, given the severity of Mr. Emanuel’s injuries) as it basis would only serve to remind visitors that the rule of law obtains on Front Street, as throughout Bermuda. As to Mr. Donovan’s father, his emotion is understandable, but he would be due more sympathy if he had expressed more himself, for the awful suffering inflicted on Mr. Emanuel by his son’s egregious violence.ANGUS MCCALLUM

New York CityNo punishment is too severeOctober 17, 2006

Dear Sir,

I live in New York and have been to Bermuda over thirty times. If an American or any other person from any country commits a crime to another human being they should be punished according to the country’s laws. No punishment is too severe. You are a guest in the country and should behave accordingly. I believe Bermuda was right in the punishment of the perpetrators and they should remain in jail like anyone else on the island would. End of subject. It will not hurt Bermuda tourism. If I had my jaw broken and was beaten up, I would like to see the persons responsible punished.

SUE BURNS

New York City