Can we have bond back?

May 15, 2009

Dear Sir,

Can we at least get our $700,000 back that we gave Union Asset Holdings for the bond?

CURIOUS

Pembroke

Unacceptable deal

May 15, 2009

Dear Sir,

As a taxpayer, I find the rationale behind the decision not to purse the funds owed from Union Asset Holdings unacceptable. First, there is the irony. One of the main reasons given was it "could mean a new multi-million dollar, multi-year legal challenge with no guaranteed result for either side". This is from the same Premier who had no problem wasting the taxpayers' money when he unsuccessfully tried to bury the BHC files via the Privy Council.

Recouping the performance bond would have unfairly (and adversely) impacted the union's members, but someone has to be held accountable for this fiasco; either in Government, Pro-Active or within the union leadership itself. This is $6.8 million that can't be used towards taxpayers' health, housing, education, safety…

One outcome is the union's agreement not to call wildcat strikes. However, I don't see this as much of a compromise since I believe they are already illegal. There are proper channels to air grievances. Downing tools every time a union member does not agree with management or Government is completely dysfunctional and a great inconvenience to the general public, including the tourists we are struggling to attract.

Finally, comparing this $6.8 million write-off to the $200 million preferred share guarantee scheme with the Bank of Butterfield is an insult to every tax payer's intelligence. The statement was merely designed to distract taxpayers' from the fact we have just lost $6.8M.

KENT SMITH

St. George's

England sets example

May 22, 2009

Dear Sir,

In reply to David Chapman's letter, I too have been reading with interest the recent turmoil in England over MPs using tax payer's money for their own personal interests. The difference between England and Bermuda is this:

(1) The people of England are furious and will not tolerate it;

(2) They speak out against corrupt politicians without fear of reprisal;

(3) Those politicians in England will be pursued by investigators to the fullest;

(4) Their corruption will be made public, it will be transparent;

(5) Those guilty will be kicked out, or made to pay; and

(6) At the next Election, they won't run or be elected

We Bermudians on the other hand, respond to our politicians like a bunch of pussycats (and that's putting it politely).

In Bermuda it's all about …you scratch my back (Politician), I'll scratch your back (Crony who got the contract) and we'll all carry on stealing from our people because all we have to do is produce the race card.

David Chapman says England has no room to point fingers at its dependent territories. In this writer's opinion they have plenty of room because they are now going to give us Bermudians an example of how to deal with their rotten lot.

CHERYL POOLEY

Smith's