Shocked by changeJuly 3, 2006Dear Sir,“.. .even worse, many do not even realise that a smile and friendly body language are part of their job and the first step in closing the sale.” So says Dr. Leil Lowndes in her Business section article.

I lived in Bermuda in the 1970’s, then visited the island again recently after a long absence, and I was shocked by the change in attitude towards visitors shown not just by shop staff, but also bus drivers, customs officers, in fact just about anybody under the age of 40.

When did it become not just acceptable, but apparently the norm, for a sullen scowl and resentful, surly attitude to typify Bermudian service? What’s happened to the friendly faces and helpful, pleasant people I knew? Only the older taxi drivers seemed to dare to be pleasant and friendly.

The scowls, long delays, and arrogant, offhand treatment one meets on disembarking from the plane are particularly out of place with the traditional image of Bermuda as a friendly, welcoming island. I’ve yet to experience any such hostility in a Customs hall anywhere else in the world — and I travel the world frequently. What are they trying to prove — that they can be as unpleasant as they like and we just have to put up with it? Arrival at Customs is the ‘point of sale’ for visitors to Bermuda — their first and most memorable experience of the island — and if it’s unpleasant, then you can bet they won’t return.

Nobody wants to come on a long expensive flight, to a very expensive island destination, and be greeted by a surly, scowling, suspicious official with all the charm and grace of a hungover rhinoceros, to be ordered about without explanation or apology, and then one finally emerges into the sweet Bermudian air, only to find the same attitude in the bus drivers ... and in the shops ...

I’m very saddened by the change in Bermuda.

I’ll come back when my friends on the island tell me that sanity, and a civil attitude, has returned to everyday life. If any of them stay long enough to see it.

NL

London, England<$>

Comments were unfairJune 28, 2006 Dear Sir,I must comment on your article about the theft from a Mr. Post of Boston, Massachusetts. I am a frequent visitor to Bermuda and have found it to be the most enjoyable location for a holiday.

No matter where one visits you must always be vigilant in your actions. To visit Horseshoe after hours and leave your belongings unattended is simply foolish ... not only in Bermuda but anywhere else. Would he do that in Boston? Not likely. His comments are not fair to the fine Island of Bermuda.

PHIL GEORGE

Allenhurst, New Jersey