A path to success

April 22, 2007

Dear Sir

Health care in developed countries in the past ate up a smaller percentage of the gross national product — which is our national net income — than it does today. Currently, in all developed countries this percentage has been on the increase. As a country becomes more developed so does the steady growth in the number of older individuals; as can be viewed with all the rising number of private senior homes. At one time we only heard of the few private rest homes but always knew of the parish homes which are operated by our government. (Whether it was PLP or UBP). There was the Pembroke Parish home, St. George’s etc. Today we have seen the privatisation of senior housing. In order for this shift there had to be systematic innovation.

Since we live in an uncertain world no one knows for sure which ideas for innovation based upon “bright ideas” have a chance to fail or succeed, innovation being perceptual and conceptual with the idea of improving on conditions. Complete true innovators think with both sides of their brains and welcome the opportunity of the community’s values, needs as well as their expectations. Effective innovations begin small concentrating on specific situations. They are not grandiose. Successful future plans are based on present conditions that are opportunity focused for the masses. As a close friend stated: “We need to focus on our hearts more, rather than our minds, in order to create the path of divine stability.”

Incongruity is a symptom of change; it may be change that has already occurred or change that can be made to happen. Our innovative leaders need to question what would exploit this incongruity (removal of free clinic, open space, road modifications etc.) How can this become an opportunity and what can be done? Economics teaches us that the incongruity between economic realities is a call to action.

If Bermudians start visibly debating the latest shock issue of public health care then we as an entire community may see issues that we missed or discover additional ways to solve our problem. Obviously there is a reason as to why the Government feels the need to change our public health care system or develop our country into the next century by fostering major hotel deals. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, there are physiological needs, safety needs, social, esteem and self actualisation needs. Hence in regards to food, clothing and shelter, well, Bermudians love to eat like they love to drink and we have Hands of Love, the Salvation Army and other groups that assist with the food and clothing. The shelter I believe that is being addressed so we may see fewer individuals residing in cars, abandoned hotels, and caves. Nevertheless every government should be made responsible for some healthcare, education and shelter.

There have been countries where the Government attempts to handle water, transportation, energy, health, telecommunication, and education. This has often proved to have been too straining on their GNP’s and the result is immense inefficiencies in various essential areas. Now, from where I stand, Bermuda’s infrastructure is like no other and we must be mindful that it is of utmost importance to keep traditions intact socially, economically and structurally. We must continue to strive for excellence and rid ourselves of our upsurge in crime and remain rooted in unity.

As a people we cannot promote that which we do not understand. Hence Bermudians need to properly put forth their challenges in all areas. Whether it be housing, transportation , healthcare, education, crime etc. rather than just casually complaining as the latest conversation topic. Our community is free to publicly challenge our innovators who are there to serve and represent the complete qualities that our society needs such as the fostering of ambition, ingenuity and initiative. This is one solid method of remaining on a path that leads to success mentally, physically and above all spiritually.

LA VIRGIL

We need all tourists

April 21, 2007

Dear Sir,

Well, we have had problems with a lack of tourism and now comes a cruise ship with gays on board (not 100 percent). Instead of welcoming them as tourists and spenders of money we have a soap opera. The churches snap to attention and condemn these people already. Oh! Bus them to the churches and pray for them. Who do they think they are? Bigots and homophobes is what they are! The church goers are not exactly Christian with the way they carry on during the week with the drinking and philandering with worshipping the almighty dollar. Nobody has to agree with their lifestyle, nor do they have the right to protest against them or insult them.

We need tourism, not another country beginning to throw people out because they do not agree with what a Bermudian says or how about expats block the roads with their myriad cars and bikes.Look at what is happening now to Bermuda! If the Lord God himself walked down the street as the gay cruise boat docked, he would not be agreeing with them, but I know he would show love and understanding.

AQUARIUS

Devonshire

Do not be deceived

Dear Sir,

Anyone who has seen the Terceira Quarterly artist’s impression of their development at Ariel Sands (check out page 52 of the latest — Spring 2007 — edition of The Bermudian) and compared it to the real thing has to shake their head at the deception in advertising that is tolerated by our architectural community, apparently also endorsed by the community at large (including our Government - Planning), because nobody says (or better still, does) anything about it. The “artist’s impression” may well tempt one to buy, but surely the reality can do no other than repulse. Such a shame! Let us hope that the same level of ‘laissez faire’ does not attach to the proposed Southlands development. If you look at the video on the Southlands website and think about what you can see they are planning to do, it is, in fact, a complete turn-off, in that the “development” (extensive concrete) cannot possibly co-exist with what they show of the existing beauty of the trees and the plants, visions which they are using to try and make a sale and which will surely be bulldozed aside to make room — for what? A whole lot of concrete. So sad! Leave it alone!

LOOK OUT!

Devonshire

Police guard unnecessary

April 24, 2007

Dear Sir,

I have read with great interest the stories in the paper relating to the security that is now being given to the Premier, all paid for by the taxpayer. It appears that public sentiment overwhelmingly is of the opinion that this is all very excessive. “Doc Hollywood” has returned to his American roots by building a presidential entourage that started with a Chief of Staff, a Public Relations “expert”, a Race Relations guru, someone to manage the affairs of his home (as advertised in the paper) and now continues with presidential style high speed escorts and the need in the Premier’s mind for bodyguards (probably armed) and a fenced-in house that will be a real eyesore!

So much for living on an Island that is supposed to be safe. Well, if we are not safe, why is it that only the Premier can ramp up security for himself? We have been calling for greater police presence on the roads and in our neighbourhoods for months but the cry has fallen on deaf PLP ears! Finally, if the Premier and his entourage are so concerned about security why was the person who supposedly had box cutters on his person not detained after the incident at the airport? I am aware that he was seen freely moving around after the event, surely if he was deemed to be such a threat with these box cutters he would have been detained at least until the Premier had left the site. Only in Bermuda ! After all we are another world!

BERMUDIAN

Devonshire

Times have changed

April 24, 2007

Dear Sir,

What is your game here? Do you begrudge the Premier in his desire to have personal security? You talk about the alleged incident of Dr. Brown being accosted by a convicted knife specialist. You write with disdain that this alleged knife handler has not been charged with an offence. Is it your intention to infer that this incident was made up so that Dr. Brown could be assigned an escort? Would you be happier if the cut man or someone of his ilk were to succeed in wounding the Premier or maybe killing him?

This is 2007, times have changed and there are many lunatics in the world, yes, including in Bermuda, who may be very content to inflict harm on the community’s leaders. These leaders have a right to take the proper precautions to protect themselves. In the case of Premier Brown, his security detail must be paid for by the country. Love him or hate him, he is the leader of the country and must be protected. After all, it the same arrangement YOU would want for that Dunkley guy who now heads the UBP, were he ever to become Premier. Right?

As for the cost, what does it matter? The Police service may not be the best place to get this resource, but it must do until a better arrangement can be found. If you are truly and honestly interested in getting to the bottom of the cost. Simply find out the rank of the assignee, get his/her pay grade and benefits package and you will know just what those costs are.

Enough mischief!

WINSTON ISAAC

Richmond Hill, Ontario

Editor’s Note: This newspaper has not expressed an opinion for or against the Premier having a security detail. What it has done is reported on the opinions of those who believe it is justified and those who do not. With regard to the fact of whether the person who allegedly approached the Premier was not charged with an offence, this is entirely relevant to the question of whether an offence was committed, and if some whether it was serious enough to justify charges being brought. No inference was intended or made.

Southside spoiled

April 23, 2007

Dear Sir,

On Sunday I went walking at Southside and I observed several Policemen on duty for a cycle race. It was wonderful to see so many policemen over there as there is seldom a Police car to be seen there. Occasionally there will be a Police car cruising along with its occupants enjoying the scenery. Southside has become a race track for cars and bikes. It used to be a safe place to take young children walking or cycling, but no longer. We need radar there to catch these speeders. You can forget about having a quiet family picnic on the beach at the week-end with the race track right beside it. A lovely area in Bermuda has been spoiled by noise and speeding.

ST. GEORGIAN