April 12, 2002

Dear Sir,

Upon reflection and after attending the first CARICOM Public Information meeting held by the Government, I have the following suggestions:

As a community of diverse backgrounds, we appreciate the fact, the Bermudian population, of Caribbean heritage, wish a relationship with the people of that area, and all Bermudians, as a diverse group should embrace such a relationship with the Caribbean. Join CARICOM as an Observer Member, which involves no cost, for the first 12 months with a view to reassessing the benefits of future Associate membership, when it is proved to be beneficial. Each visit to the CARICOM by our ministerial representative should be followed by a visit to the Portuguese community, in either the Azores or Portugal itself, the British community in Europe and the North American communities. Each visit to be productive and a formal report being made to the people of Bermuda after each visit. A conference of all the aforementioned groups to be held in Bermuda at least every five years, again a formal report to be made to the people of Bermuda.

More information should be made available to the Bermudian pubic through the Government Information Services, so that the fear factor if removed and the final decision to remain as an Observer Member or become an Associate Member is made by a compilation of facts.

SARAH BURROWS JP

Sandys Parish