April 15, 2011Dear Sir,On April 12, 2011 three articles prompted me to voice concerns. They were “Unwelcome Visitors”, “Proud of Bahamas” and “Unfair Treatment of Teachers”. The list quite frankly sums up what is going on in this island. Too much talk and gossip and not enough work and focus being put forward and into the right places. Where has our privacy and humility gone?I quote from “Unwelcome Visitors”: “…Immigration officers make extended visitors feel like criminals…” Not only was this true but they also make locals feel as though they are criminals trying to enter a foreign place. Contrarily, I have entered foreign places and have not been treated in such a way. On many occasions I've promoted and invited people to the beautiful and “friendly” island. However in contradiction, the first thing that they encounter is the grim face of our customs officers. “Where, who, why, when… how many children do they have?” some of the many hassling questions that friends of mine have experienced. This leads one to think that it was racial or age profiling, but apparently not, as I feel for the 70 year old lady who had to experience this nonsense also.This leads me to “Proud of Bahamas” and yes, you should be. The Bahamas is a place where I have visited a few times. Each and every time I have been greeted and treated as if it were my home. I spoke with some visitors a few days ago, of varying ages, and they expressed their boredom on the island and went on to say how they would spend so much more money, beneficial to our economy, if there were something to spend on except good food. I, a young gentleman, have never had a lack of things to do on my visits to the Bahamas, where visitors are permitted to stay at least 3 months. What that says to me is come, stay, enjoy and spend money. The Bahamas and many other islands face the same problems and more than we do, but we seem to be the ones dropping the ball while they watch and keep it up. Our government/tourism department must step up to the plate. Who is our target audience? Who will spend the most money? Who will come here with their families in years to come? My answer is young people. Lets support, encourage and hire our “straight path” young folk, whom are our future. Bermuda must step up to the plate and stop allowing “old rule” to keep us from progressing.WORLD MANSouthampton