Dear Sir,

I am appalled at the insensitivity of Government that they did not discuss the change of date for the new public holiday with organisers of the Long Distance Comet Race.

Replacing the Queen's birthday in June with the National Heroes Day in October to my mind shows they are not being sensitive to the historical significance of the Long Distance Comet Race or the fact that June is the perfect month weather-wise for this type of race.

Back in 1945 this race was first organised by the black sailing clubs when the West End Sail Boat Club and East End Mini Yacht Club got together and organised it.

This was their statement to the status quo that we can sail and we can organise a significant race.

This race to my mind is just as important as the May 24 road race and the Cup Match festival to black yachtsmen who organise and sail in this race. If you don't believe me, get your boat out and see the following this race has.

I think Government should take a serious rethink of this change. Knowing Minister Butler's (Dale Butler) love of history, I can't believe he had much say in this matter.

But as Rudy (Bailey) said: "It's Ewart's (Premier Ewart Brown) world."

DAVE GARLAND