Clarifying feminismMay 16, 2002Dear Sir,In response to the letter written by 'Patriarch' I would appreciate the opportunity to clarify some of his misconceptions about feminism and research generally.

Feminism is about equality, much like the Civil Rights Movement. It is not about male bashing, denying father's rights or otherwise discriminating against men. Undoubtedly some women who define themselves as feminist 'hate' men, just as there are nonfeminist women who 'hate' men.

The term 'radical feminism' is also used incorrectly. Feminism spans a wide range of degrees and radical feminism is one among many. The term describes a theoretical base that propounds that the current infrastructure of Western society (or perhaps all societies) must be dismantled and restructured in a fashion that is inclusive and distributes power evenly.

'Patriarch' also appears to misunderstand the term 'estimate'. An estimate is the perception of an individual and may have validity in it's own right but has nothing to do with real numbers.

In addition, 'Patriarch' is guilty of his own allegations about feminists. Much of the 'research' and 'researchers' he quotes ar suspect at best. For instance, Pizzey, who 'Patriarch' quotes, identifies herself as an "ardent anti-feminist," making any comment from her clearly biased.

It is questionable if 'Patriarch' understands research. He would be well served by investigating his sources for reliability and validity.

K. M. HARRIOTT

Warwick'Impressive local workMay 26, 2002Dear Sir,Since we hear so many negative comments about the work ethic of Bermudians, I feel compelled to relate the following:

On the morning of May 23 I was walking past a garbage truck, stopped to pick up bags from a wall outside one of the houses on Berry Hill Road.

The man tossing the bags into the back of the truck, picked up a large bundle of letters, in a rubber band, from the wall, with the garbage bags.

Since he appeared reluctant to toss it into the truck, we both had a second look at the bundle and decided it must have dropped off the mail deliverers' scooter and a passer by had put it up on the wall.

He took it up to the driver.

I telephoned Devonshire Post Office when I got back home about an hour later.

The employee who answered thanked me for calling and advised that the garbage truck had driven to The Post Office with the package.

A VERY IMPRESSED PAGET RESIDENTNo honour for PackwoodMay 29, 2002Dear Sir,Steven Breen's article (Royal Gazette, May 28) 'Avoid "Slaveryland" at all costs' deserves thoughtful attention. In it he quotes freely from a speech by Dr. Haviser of the Ministry of Education and Culture in the Dutch Antilles who draws attention to the danger of "sensationalism" which could sully historic reality in presenting the period of slavery in the African Diaspora.

In playing to the gallery, there is the temptation to overemphasise the physical brutality of slavery, as there is little drama in servitude. Though denial of humanity is the greatest cruelty of all it is a passive act offering little by way of entertainment.

I must admit that I did not agree with the statement by Kobi Little, of the Selma to Montgomery Natural Historic Trail in Alabama, when he said: "This whole thing is political." It should not be political. It should be history.

My husband, Cyril Outerbridge Packwood, wrote a book 'Chained in the Rock'. a history of slavery in Bermuda, without rancour or bitterness. He was concerned with showing the nobility of the black people despite their state of slavery. He called attention to the great contributions the slaves made in building Bermuda both on the sea and on land.

With reference to Mr. Breen's article on the following day (May 29) 'Promoters of African Links honoured with awards', I was disappointed that my husband was not mentioned. As a founding executive of the African American Studies Programme he was intimately involved in African travel.

I usually assisted Cyril when he led groups to Africa. These learning tours were particularly important for teachers as Africa moved into a position of greater important in the school curriculum. We always had very able and informative African guides as well as prominent lecturers from the Universities.

In 1993 it really was a Bermudian tour with 25 Bermudians and two Americans. An article on our African adventure can be found in rg Magazine, October, 1993. We went across Africa from Dakar, Senegal to Cairo, Egypt, and anyone who knew Cyril knows that he would have been making friends for Bermuda all along the way.

Well, recognition can be fickle.

DOROTHY PACKWOOD

St. George'sWell done Senator SwanMay 27, 2002Dear Sir,I would like to commend Senator Kim Swan for bringing to the forefront the subject of the St. George's Rest Home. Although he is not an elected member of Parliament for St. George's where the Rest Home is located, he seems to be doing the work for those who are elected. It was promised by the PLP Government when the Home was closed for repair a few years ago and the staff and residents were moved out that the Home would be renovated and back in use, in about nine months. But now years later, nothing has been done to the building. I would hope that our elected members of Parliament for St. George's North, Premier (Jennifer) Smith and Mr. (Delaey) <\p>Robinson would take some action and have this necessary facility back in use. The people who reside there cannot afford to rent, even the low cost housing. They are people who also need the care that the Rest Home provides. They are mostly seniors and invalids.

There has been much talk at election time, that the PLP are so sensitive about the needs of the elderly, and those who cannot do for themselves. So, now is the time to put their money or our money in the St. George's Rest Homes.

Mr. Nelson Bascome, before we send $90,000 to CARICOM renovate the St. George's Rest home. We need that more than CARICOM.

I am curious.

Is the $90,000 that it is going to cost us to be a member of CARICOM?

Is that BDA$ or CARICOM$?

Its a vast difference in the two currencies.

I would also like to thank Senator Kim Swan, Mayor Henry Hayward and all the others who put pressure on Government concerning the St. George's Police Station. I think Kim Swan would make a good member of Parliament for St. George's.

P.S. Do the other members of CARICOM have to pay $90,000 or just Bermuda?

ST. GEORGE'S NORTH VOTERWhat's up with the noise?May 25, 2002

Dear Sir,This letter is written in response to the article in the newspaper, mentioning that loud music leads to noise pollution. Yes, this is true but the person who wrote this article, forgot more things. Overrevving(hard revving), loud bike engines, and a few other things also add to noise pollution so what's up with that?

BERMUDIAN

PembrokeTea party a successMay 13, 2002Dear Sir,We are thrilled to report that our Third Annual "Hats Off To Spring" grand tea party held on Sunday, May 5, (in spite of the rain) was an overwhelming success.

On behalf of the Members of the Board and the Special Events/Fund Raising Committee of the Sunshine League I wish to warmly thank our tea party friends for their much appreciated support.

Special thanks to our corporate sponsors, those who donated door prizes, Mr. Leopold Mills 11, CBE, Ms. Ruth Thomas, MBE, Bermuda Regiment, guest models, Brian Flanagan & staff at the Fairmont Southampton Princess, the various hat shops, Tony Robinson, Bernard Stemphlet, Jason Burrows, Tina Colby, Michelle Fray, 27th Century, People's Pharmacy, Undercover Tenting, Elaine Kennett, and our most gracious Patron of Honour, Dr. Terry Lynn Emery.

Again this year, our event was a sell-out, which attracted more than 400 well dressed (hats & gloves) ladies and gents.

We have been encouraged to continue with this "unique" fund raising event, so please mark this date on your calendar "Hats off to Spring 2003" — will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2003.

Thank you again, for attending our event in support of the Sunshine League — you make our hearts sing.

BRENDA RICHARDSON

Chairperson/Special Events & Fund Raising

The Sunshine League

P.s. Please join us on our annual MOON WALK on Saturday, July 20. Bring a friend, bring the family......enjoy this 5|0xbd| mile walk with your friends while supporting your favourite charity The Sunshine League.Giving thanksMay 22, 2002Dear Sir,First of all let me convey my thanks to you for allowing me space in your valued column.

I would like to take this opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. June Augustus and the ladies of the Physical Abuse Centre and also to Mrs. Eileen Brown and the ladies of Parents Anonymous for the honour they bestowed on me during the Government declared family week.

The reception which was held for me on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 is one which I will always hold dear whenever I travel down memory lane. Thanks also to my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends who helped make the day so memorable.

Many thanks to Mrs. Grace Butterfield.

Thanks to my Premier Jennifer Smith.

Above all my sincere thanks to God who has sustained and guided me through these many years. Again to one and all may God continue to bless you.

LOIS L. WEEKS

Pembroke<\!s>Poor mothersMay 21, 2002Dear Sir,With reference to the letter addressed to you, May 3, 2002 — You have lost control — A mother, Pembroke.

I wish to thank the author/mother for her response. Your letter was excellent. Although, I must admit, I was a little exhausted when I finished reading it. It is amazing how much stress mothers have to endure to protect their children.

Take care,

Thank you for your support.

OBSERVER

Southampton