Tourists are mistreated

August 20, 2003

Dear Sir,

Upon a visit to St. George's yesterday evening, we were forced to witness yet another very unpleasant encounter between some poor, unsuspecting tourists and two local boys on their bike.

The tourists were walking toward the Unfinished Church and, as we drove up the street, we witnessed this depressing incident.

The two boys were, of course, speeding up the road on their bike and narrowly missed the three walking tourists.

The rather shocked but jovial tourists actually made a joke of it but did request that the bike slow down.

At which point, the bike turns round, speeds back to them and finishes up by saying "you (expletive) tourists ruin this Island, we don't want you here".

Immediately afterward, we offered these tourists a lift to Tobacco Bay and they relayed this awful story to us. What could we say?

Another great PR stunt for tourism, wouldn't you say; three unhappy tourists, who won't be coming here again and will presumably advise their friends likewise.

This is not the first incident witnessed. Would you like to hear the one about the bus driver and tourist. The tourist was lucky to get away with his life... following a disgusting display of verbal abuse from the driver and the driver's friend at the tourist, for what? Unknowingly stepping onto an empty bus before the driver.

DEPRESSED

Paget

Story was in bad taste

August 22, 2003

Dear Sir,

The Royal Gazette's first page of August 20, 2003 heading "Time for Jennifer Smith to 'get out' of Laurels, says UBP" cannot be viewed merely as an unfortunate misdemeanour.

It is the height of bad taste, scurrilous and ugly.

The quote "unless Ms Smith is deemed to be the Idi Amin of Bermuda, the self-proclaimed leader for life, who must sponge off the taxpayers, she, and the PLP government must recognise that the residence goes with the job. She no longer holds the jobs. She needs to get out."

For you even to compare Ms Smith's situation with that of the evil, murderous Idi Amin of Uganda is outrageous. Although quotes are quite evident in your extremely offensive article, the corresponding credits are not apparently available.

I think The Royal Gazette would do well when writing about Government business, to do so with a sense of dignity and less rancour.

DOROTHY C. PACKWOOD

St. George's

Editor's note: The quotes referred to in Ms Packwood's letter were taken directly from a written statement from the UBP Shadow Minister for Works and Engineering commenting on Ms Smith's continued stay at the Laurels and were attributed to Ms Gordon-Pamplin in the article.

Kindness on the road

August 22, 2003

Dear Sir,

Around ten days ago I had a flat tyre on my Jeep, very close to Admiralty House.

As it was 11 p.m., my friend and I got out and tried to attract a passing driver as I had discovered my cell phone did not work.

So many cars passed by, but no one was interested in stopping at Spanish Point.

Finally two ladies pulled over and loaned me their telephone to call my son for help.

These ladies were so very kind as to offer to stay with us until my son arrived. I thanked them for being so brave to stop and said we would be fine until our help arrived.

Thank you again ladies, your kindness was much appreciated.

Sincerely,

ROSEROBINSON

Paget