A clarification

November 5, 2008

Dear Sir,

A simple call to our office would have easily explained to your correspondent "KEG, Pembroke" dated October 24, 2008 that we received $1.5 million to be used as of April 1, 2008 if the new Government Day Care proposal was operational. Detailed planning to implement this proposal started January 1st and after detailed community consultation, passing of a bill and gazetting the regulations, we accepted applications today, November 3rd with $1.5 million to pay for service until March 31, 2009. We anticipate this will be sufficient until that time. Our lines are still open at 296-1574 should "KEG" need additional clarification.

THE HON. DALE D. BUTLER, J.P., M.P.

Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation

Never forget

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I write this letter in response to the "Looking for our Barack" letter in Friday's Mid-Ocean News. I find it quite laughable that he has a problem with the Sally Bassett memorial in the Cabinet grounds. He states that actions such as this prevents the majority of us from moving on. He makes no mention of what else took place just days after Sally was unveiled on Cabinet grounds; namely the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph by local dignitaries and politicians in memory of the soldiers who died in both World Wars. He did not suggest that maybe we should knock down the Cenotaph and stop remembering the atrocities that took place then. How many years ago die this take place? Between 63 and 94 years to be exact?

There only seems to be a problem when black people or other people of colour around the world want to talk about or commemorate their trial and tribulations. And who brought these atrocities against these coloured folks? White Europeans with the Bible in one hand and the gun in the other. There was probably close to 100 million people killed in both world wars. Who gets all the headlines? The Jews. They say that approximately 6 million were killed by Hitler. Less than ten percent of the total casualties. I don't hear the world telling the Jews to get over it and move on. Today is the Jewish sabbath and I bet you somewhere in one of their sermons the subject of Moses and Pharoah is being talked about.

This is supposed to have taken place over 3,500 years. Sally Bassett was burned at the stake less than 300 years ago. So I do believe that if the Jews can go on and on about something that may or might not have happened 3,500 years ago, don't tell me that a statue of a black slave burnt at the stake by some white slave masters less than three centuries ago is uncalled for. Don't you or anyone else try to tell any race or creed to get over it and move on. And as for the November 11 remembrance ceremonies. I am 49 years old and have never attended one ceremony and probably never will. But I would never condemn those that do participate. That is their choice.

LESLIE JAMES SMITH

Sandys

Go the whole hog

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

Don't all expatriate "guest" workers have an ID card already in the form of a work permit document? Isn't it the employer's responsibility to ensure all expat employees have a valid work permit failing which the employer should be subject to fines or other penalties? Incidentally, another Premier with the surname 'Brown' is pushing for all residents of his country to carry ID cards (with 90 percent of the population against the proposal). Why not go the whole hog here in Bermuda?

A GUEST WORKER AND EMPLOYER

City of Hamilton

Create one card

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I see we have yet another massive over reaction to solving a relatively isolated problem. There is a very simple way of dealing with illegal workers without invoking the memories of Jews in Nazi Germany. Most adults already have ID cards, called driving licences, what do you produce when asked for photo ID? Exactly! The answer is simple, for an expat the driving licence number is the work permit number and it expires the day the work permit expires. No driving licence, then issue the same wallet sized card without the vehicle details. As an aside why do seniors need two "ID" cards? Why not change the coloured stripe on the driving licence to indicated the driver is over 65

PETER G. FORSTER

Paget

Trivialising the Holocaust

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I just read the article in which Mr. Bob Richards laments the fact that PLP is planning to issue ID cards to expatiates. Mr. Richards jumps to the conclusion that Bermuda is getting like Nazi Germany with that plan. I know that politicians are sometimes prone to hyperbole, but this is just too much. Further, such talk trivialises the deaths of the Jews who were victims of the Nazi's unspeakable evil inhuman deeds. Why such a comparison? Isn't this plan an effort by the government to streamline the work permit process? This id/work permit would be on the person at all times.

I guarantee that all legitimate guest workers would welcome this move. I don't see a problem here. Only those who are involved in illegal activities could find fault here. If you are a drunk driver you are not happy that police are conducting spot checks for fear of being caught. But the sober drivers are quite happy as the potential dangers will be removed from the road. In much the same way legal workers would welcome this plan.

Travel to the USA and try to find work, legally without a Green Card; or travel to Canada and try to find work without a permit. Mr. Richards should be glad that the government is trying its best to make sure that only authorised persons are working on the island and that illegal workers are not taking the place of those who have the legitimate right to work on the island. Mr. Richards, this government has a lot for which it must atone, find them and challenge the government. Your efforts would be better suited for another fight.

PURPIE LENOIR

Richmond Hill,

Canada

Not all expats are illegal

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I am a Bermudian, living in the States and have been reading the articles about the ID cards. First of all I am shocked! My Island is going backwards – it's 2008. Then I read Bob Richards' response – thank God there are some right-thinking people on the island, and people will speak out. And I guess the biggest questions that I am pondering at this moment is – Who voted this Government in to power? Who in the Government allowed a statement like this to be released? Isn't the issue what are we going to do about illegal people residing in Bermuda? Not all expats are illegal – most have work permits. I, as a Bermudian, will be registering to vote in the next election]ALLISON CONYERS MOYERS

St. Paul,

Minnesota

How the USA does it

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I have no problem with the idea of ID cards for guest workers in Bermuda. I am not quite sure what Shadow Labour Minister Shawn Crockwell means when he says (referring to guest workers employed by our international business sector): "For people from these companies to have to go and get photographed to prove they are legitimate in Bermuda, that's disrespectful."

For a party that talks of being inclusive why would it only be disrespectful for guest workers from the international business sector – why not for those employed by say the construction industry? Inclusiveness dictates that if it were disrespectful at all, it would be disrespectful to all guest workers, not just those in one sector. In my humble opinion, it would not be disrespectful to anyone.

My husband and I are Bermudians temporarily residing in the US and know first hand that we must comply with all US stipulations regarding proper documentation. As a matter of fact following is how the US identifies those on work permits in their country An Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to authorise an alien to work in the US for a period of time, usually one year.It is also called a work permit.

It takes the form of a card with the alien's name, photo, and work eligibility expiration date. With the EAD, an alien may legally work in the United States for any employer. (http://www.ilw.com/immigdaily/news/i-766.jpg) Sounds a bit like Minister Burch's proposal.

Also, I took a few minutes to look at work permit holders in the UK and to my surprise not only are they close to introducing a work permit ID card, but they have gone further and are moving forward with a national ID card. The new credit-card sized document will show the holder's photograph, name, date of birth, nationality and immigration status. A secure electronic chip will also hold their biometric details, including fingerprints, and a digital facial image.

While this is a work in progress, as far as I can see, these cards will be available for use some time in the near future. While the national ID card has not been without controversy, the debate in the UK stems from privacy issues, rather than issues of being "disrespectful" to anyone.

SHIRLEY SMITH

Warwick

Incredulous

October 31, 2008

Dear Sir,

Concerning businessman Ricky Cox's 'ignorance' and not licensing a vehicle in a timely manner (when most of Bermuda seemed to achieve this goal) c'mon now![AT]bodynoindent

ANDREW LESEUR

Smith's

Post vacation surprise

November 14, 2008

Dear Sir,

I was off-Island recently, and returned to find out that Mr. Randy Horton, no longer held his (former) post in the PLP Government …

Didn't "ah, ah" not know, "if one fails to play the game/s by the rules, then, they're off the team?" Just maybe, his ace boy will find there's another post he'll fit … and help him avoid having to face the realities surrounding all of us so called "common folks".

Randy, welcome back … I say this because you, and many others all too often seem to forget where it is they'd come from. (Especially when on that team that had kicked you/them to the kerb; or shall I say, "to the wolves"?)

RAYMOND RAY

St. George's

IDs limit us all

November 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

The recent policy announcement by Senator Burch proposing that all non-Bermudians carry an identity card has correctly been criticised by Bob Richards as an "offence to right-thinking people".

This absurd and reactionary proposal reminds me of the American journalist H.L Mencken retort that "It is the theory of all modern civilised governments that they protect and foster the liberty of the citizen; it is the practice of all of them to limit its exercise, and sometimes very narrowly." This is exactly what the PLP government is doing – limiting the freedom of us all, not just non-Bermudians.

Once again, the PLP is performing the old fascist trick of pigeon-holing people. When you wish to control people, you classify them. This was the methodology of the Nazis in Germany, the governing party in Rwanda, and the apartheid party in South Africa. There is nothing more dangerous to a government than an individual, and it therefore becomes important to destroy individuality by any means possible.

The fascist technique, employed by fascists such as Senator Burch, is to define society not as an entity made up of individual people but as a bunch of collectives, such as Bermudians and expatriates, whites and blacks, Christians and Muslims, Tutsis and Hutus (Rwanda), rich and poor, and so on.

By doing so the totalitarian politician effectively isolates us into special groups, and thereby limits or destroys our individuality. We are no longer individuals with unique minds and talents who just want to be left alone. We are defined instead by the colour of our skin, or the country in which we were born, or in other countries by the tribe we belong to or the religion we practise. All of this is the exact opposite of freedom for the individual. Instead of protecting the freedom of the individual (which is what government is supposed to do), it destroys or limits that freedom in order to enhance its own power.

Senator Burch says, well we all have a driving licence, or a voting card or a passport and this proposed ID card is something just the same. Well they said that in Russia, in Rwanda, and in Germany in the 1930s and look where that got them.

Once freedom is circumscribed by Government it becomes the beginning of something more sinister. Maybe the next step is an ID card for people under 18, who have to show it if they are outside after 10 p.m. Maybe, like South Africa it will tell when someone is outside the racial area in which he lives. Maybe it will be like Germany to determine whether or not you are Jewish. Maybe it will have to be carried by those who criticise the government. Maybe you have to carry it just because Sen. Burch thinks you should. The order of a policeman asking "where are your papers", I had thought ended with the collapse of Nazism and communism.

Is this likely in Bermuda? Probably not, but why take the chance with people like Sen. Burch and Premier Ewart Brown who are control freaks. Freedom gets lost not all at once but in increments, and history demonstrates clearly that the greatest threat to individual freedoms is not illegal immigration but domineering government.

Lenin, the Russian revolutionary, used to call people who passively agreed with dictatorial practices because they did not want to make a fuss "useful idiots". Anyone who goes along with this proposal on the nonsensical grounds that it is just an administrative method of controlling illegal immigration is falling into the category of a useful idiot.

ROBERT STEWART

Smith's

Take back parenting role

October 29, 2008

Dear Sir,

Again I read today that there are some who are really set on making gambling legal in Bermuda. Of course gambling has always been a part of Bermuda, but it was never legalised and I am sure there are those around who could tell stories of the great losses of those who gambled illegally. It appears that there are some who have weekend gambling houses and with this new so called relaxed law they could now come out of the closet.

In these difficult times this country does not need another challenge to set it back further on the economic fallout. We need positive direction from a positive government. Dr. Brown said the other day in one of his stage performances, that as leader he is going to lead by example. Dr. Brown if you are going to lead for God's sake get out of your room of mirrors. It is said that a good leader will surround himself with wise people that will help to make wise decisions. If you take a good look in the mirror Mr. Brown you will see your own reflection and not a wise man but a lonely man seeking selfish ambitions.

More than anything this country needs some restraints on the cost of living. The only talk that is going on is how, when, where, should, we can, we will try, it's gonna work, but the truth is many of us do not want to work together to make anything work. Over the years both parties have adopted habits from other countries instead of setting an example. The population here is hardly a small town in some countries and we cannot find a group of adults who can come to the table and thrash out the problems that are besetting the country.

It is time that we start respecting one another and look for ways to better this country. Economic strangulation is facing too many of us and our welfare cannot stand the onslaught. In my opinion this country will face some very hard and trying times in the next ten years. Gambling is not the way because every day is a gamble and many lose each day. Dr. Brown as leader of this country, think of that person out there is having a heard time financially. Think for a moment that person will gamble their last trying to get what is not promised at the gambling table. So consequently that person has to find some way to meet their financial need. So crime of all kinds will be on the increase and the police cannot control crime today. It seems that the leader is trying to put a fire out by adding more fuel. It is time to add fuel to the minds of our young people and help them to think constructively. Of course there are some that have seen the light and are working at improving their skills and that is a blessing. But too many are finding themselves in financial difficulties and look to blame someone else and not themselves. Self must learn to be responsible for self.

Myself could have taken that avenue, but due to some floggings from my mother and stern warnings I got the message very early. So thanks to my mom I am here to tell those that choose to read and listen to some good advice, you too can make it. Stop blaming others for your downfall and take advantage of the opportunities that are available. If the guest worker can find a job, there has to be one for those that are truly interested in work. Bermudians this is your country. If you cannot make it here, where are you going to go to make it? Take a good look around and find what it is you wish to do and plan to apply yourself fully. Just do it and surprise yourself. You will be so glad that you did it and it will be hard to quit and peer pressure will not even bother you. Guess what? It just might catch on with your peers and they will follow your lead. Go on and do it and become a leader and leave the following to those that come behind you.

Parents it is time for us to take back your role as parents and stop being led by our children. The other day there was talk of taking back the streets, why not take back controlling our children that are out of control. The judicial system has become so relaxed that it has become a stand-in-the-corner system. The children catch on to this very early and commit a wrong and stand in the corner on their own accord. When is the government going to put a deterrent in place for crime. We have to change the mindset of our young people for the betterment of our tomorrows. Fortunate or unfortunate for some, we have more yesterdays than we have tomorrows. Some of us seniors would like to know that we gave it our all and tried to make a difference for those that have to pick up the baton to carry on the good work of fellowship, worship and friendship. Remember the ship will sail on, it is just a matter of what part will you play.

A.E. WENDELL (SCOPSIE) HASSELL

Sandys

The last straw

November 4, 2008

Dear Sir,

The UBP is clearly dead long live the PLP. For my voting dime, the last straw has now come and gone. The lack of fortitude displayed by the UBP when considering whether or not to discipline Wayne Furbert over his disparaging remarks about Charlie Swan demonstrates clearly to me that the folks now making up the UBP Caucus do not have what it takes to lead and/or govern Bermuda.

That it took so long to reach a conclusion on the matter suggested that Mr. Furbert would not be disciplined at all, let alone suspended indefinitely from the Party. In my opinion, Mr. Furbert has recently displayed sufficient warts to warrant his full expulsion from the Party. Threats of defecting to the other side, probable involvement in a pyramid scheme in his business life, and now openly criticising Charlie Swan following his nomination by the UBP Caucus is simply too much for me to take as a resident, and therefore voter, in Constituency 6. That the folks now making up the UBP Caucus cannot see this tells me that they are not the folks for whom I should consider voting going forward.

In my opinion, Mr. Furbert has shown callous disregard for what it takes to be a team player. In turn, the UBP has shown that it has very little backbone when confronted with difficult decisions. My conclusion, therefore, is that the folks making up the UBP MPs are not able to lead or govern and therefore should not be put into a position that they cannot handle.

In my opinion, Bermuda's politicians should be able to stand up to the intense scrutiny suffered by those in the US, Canada and the UK. Should they pass such intense scrutiny, they should then be willing to support the team when team decisions are made. Sadly, today, there are a number of politicians in Bermuda on both sides of the political divide who would be unable to meet the rigorous tests that their counterparts in other parts of the world are put. Given his recent growth of warts, I would suggest that Mr. Furbert is one of the Bermuda politicians who fails to meet the standard required of those who would choose to serve the people.

By contrast, I would expect Charlie Swan to pass such scrutiny with flying colours, however, following what amounts to a referendum of sorts on how his party views his candidacy. If I were Charlie Swan, I would withdraw myself from the by-election in Constituency 31 that is to be held on December 4.

E.H. TROTT

Constituency 6

Wake up and shape up

November 6, 2008

Dear Sir,

We are blessed and highly favoured to live in a country that has some of the most well equipped learning establishments. Yet for some unknown reason, public education is seemingly failing. After six false starts within the past ten years, we still cannot get it right. Former Education Minister the Hon. Randy Horton hit the nail on the head: "It is not a 100 yards dash."

Pray tell Sir, what is it? However, now that we have identified what it is not. Let us hope that the new Education Minister leaves the starting blocks with the knowledge of what needs fixing. I refuse to buy the "It takes three to five years to implement reform". Gone are the days when parents could fool kids with the myth: "The stork brought baby brother." Just as we see evidence of the soon to appear baby. We also need to see some evidence of this reform.

It is very distressing to see on a daily basis adults who are unable to read. Whilst we are waiting for it to happen, a whole generation of public school students are falling through the cracks. Why is this so? Maybe we should remove the computers from the classrooms and revert to the slate and lead pencil days. The leader of the country is accountable. He has done what is seemingly in the best interest of our children and we cry foul.

Wake up and shape up, Ministry of Education. Our children are out there in a jungle of indolence and slough, where there are rabid beasts waiting to devour them. Children are our future. Let us make it bright and right.

JOSHUA RICHARDSON

Pembroke