Golf path long enough

February 1, 2010

Dear Sir,

In today's edition of The Royal Gazette, Mr. Robinson expressed his outrage over the cost of the cart path at Port Royal. Mr. Robinson freely admits "I don't know how big the pathway is but for that price it would need to be over three miles long." I just wanted to point out to your readership that, in fact, the course stretches out to 6,842 yards, or just under four miles. One can reasonably expect the cart path to approximate this length. Of course, one has to wonder at the quality of planning that resulted in a renovation plan and budget devoid of cart paths.

ANDREW WOODWORTH

City of Hamilton

Haitians are civilised

January 27, 2010

Dear Sir,

On Sunday, January 24 I had the popular morning VSB Talk Show on my radio again. Some of the discussion was on Haiti, involving its history and economy from its colonial days, independence and now. The talk was good for learning, but during it one caller just went very distasteful. He mentioned how Haitians are uncivilised. He reminded me of the colonial people of the 1500-1900 AD era of world history. They were sailing, landing, and conquering lands thousands of miles from their homes, then calling the conquered people uncivilised, because those peoples didn't do life their way. How sad for a person in this 21st Century speaking of these people as uncivilised. This caller regularly comes on this talk show and others mostly firing against the Government. I'd like him to reply back to your paper or come on that Sunday morning Talk show and explain himself further on using the word uncivilised to describe Haitians.

ROGER LAMBERT

City of Hamilton

Excellent Race Weekend

January 27, 2010

Dear Sir,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank and commend the organisers of The International Race Weekend. What a world class event! The organisation was superb and the sponsors showed themselves to be first class! The events were run so smoothly I suspect visitors would think this a weekly occurrence. To all involved. . . Well Done!

I am the coach of Kaley Hookn who was the first foreign national to be invited to compete in the senior girls division of the KPMG mile. The Friday event under the lights with a huge crowd on Front Street had her coach more nervous than she was. Needless to say she did exceptionally well in a close race and was able to prevail near the end over a spirited challenge from Bermuda's Taylor-Ashley Bean. (Kudos to the BOA who have seen fit to sponsor this exceptionally talented young lady.) Both Kaley and her mom were overwhelmed by the pleasant graciousness of Bermudians and athletes alike who offered encouragement, support and admiration for her abilities. Needless to say we cannot underestimate the impact these things have on our youth. As a former Bermudian athlete I have been keeping up to date with local and sports news for a number of years (thank you www.theroyalgazette.com) and have to admit we flew down here with some trepidation. However, even though the news of late has not been the best, for six days the Bermuda that I love and remember came through.

STEPHEN MARTIN

California

In defence of the mother

January 27, 2010

Dear Sir,

In today's edition of The Royal Gazette (January 27, 2010), there was an article about Wendy Ebbin, the former bus driver who stole money from a passenger's bank account. After reading the article, I feel it necessary to clarify some statements of misinformation that was published. For the record, I do not believe this to be the fault of this newspaper or the reporter but the result of recording comments made during certain court proceedings.

In defending Ms Ebbin, the statement: "Ebbin's dishonest behaviour stems from a bad example set by her mother" was made.

When Ms Ebbin and her siblings were young, their mother in efforts to provide the basic necessities like food would go through great lengths to do so. This behaviour however, did not continue throughout their upbringing. Also during this time, she never encouraged her children to do the same but showed them the error of her ways. This is exemplified by the fact none of her other five children, one of whom is the oldest, most exposed, and carried the most responsibility as a child, have never been involved in any allegations of theft. On the contrary, all are hard working contributing members of society with families of their own and like Ms Ebbin have financial challenges. It was also stated that, "She (Ebbin's mother) would often steal and commit similar crimes and encourage Ebbin to do the same."

As it is fraud that bought Ms. Ebbin before the courts, this statement insinuates her mother also committed fraud. Never in her mother's 67 years did she commit fraud to obtain goods, cash or otherwise. In defending Ms Ebbin, this statement was made in efforts to prevent her getting a harsh sentence. While this strategy proved successful, in doing so, the speaker intentionally or otherwise, misconstrued the facts to paint a more sympathetic picture of Ms Ebbin. While their intent may have been good, many would say this act constitutes slander. Let us be clear, Ms Ebbin was no innocent victim of a bad upbringing. Her situation was the result of her own doing. If her actions were the result of her upbringing, why is it that her unscrupulous behaviour did not develop until she was in her early to mid-30s? Is it not a coincidence that at this time in her life she became involved in an abusive long term relationship? Ms Juanita Estina Brangman, loving mother, devout Seventh-day Adventist, child of the Heavenly Father, and known to many, passed away on November 12, 2009. It disgusts me that her memory will be tarnished by false words spoken in a court of truth.

MICHAEL BRANGMAN

Sandys

Not for Butler

January 28, 2010

Dear Sir,

I may be a minority of one, but I do not support Dale Butler's candidacy to become the next leader of the PLP and Premier of Bermuda. I agree with Mr. Butler on a few points but disagree with him on others:

First, any inclusion of individuals from other political parties in the Cabinet is very positive so, yes, I think that this would be a prudent move.

Second, the next Premier will have to first demonstrate to and convince the PLP delegates what will be the next phase in race relations under her/his watch. As the foundation of race relations has clearly and honestly been established by the tireless efforts of Dr. Eva Hodgson (working long before the political mantle was crafted under Dr. Brown's leadership) and now by others appointed by Dr. Brown, the next Premier will be handed a baton to place her/his mark of distinction. The next phase can be very different in focus, tone and energy, as it can be very broad and inclusive and/or have a much lighter touch. However, Mr. Butler has tactlessly disrespected Dr. Hodgson and Rolfe Commissiong for their contributions to this very difficult and emotive process. Please, do not pander to a special interest group at the expense of others!

Third, as a law student who has studied media law I find it very unsettling that Mr Butler would offer to restore The Royal Gazette's advertising revenues if the Gazette stops publishing letters to the Editor by anonymous authors, or conversely, will only publish letters that state who the author is. Inarguably the offer undermines The Royal Gazette's journalistic integrity and public trust. The purpose of anonymity in letters to the Editor is to enable Mr. & Ms Public to comment on public policies that may go awry without fear of political and/or financial reprisal to the anonymous author. So, this issue can be accomplished by enacting carefully construed and vigorously regulated primary legislation – whistleblowers act – not financial remuneration from the public purse to The Royal Gazette. My point? No inducement should be offered to a newspaper to sidestep their ethical standards and public trust. Here the newsworthy questions and points are, would The Royal Gazette accept Mr. Butler's offer if he became Premier of Bermuda? And, Mr Butler, since the offer is nothing more than a mirage, in my humble opinion, what would be the real quid pro quo here?

Fourth, placing draft legislation on sexual orientation before Cabinet twice was unfortunately not enough. To include sexual orientation under the Human Rights Act may require that parliamentarians use a different approach or think outside the box. Request the opportunity to speak from the pulpit to convince congregations that to pass the legislation is to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, not a vote to condone a lifestyle. It is a finely balanced argument, yet, you have a duty to defend and protect human rights in all quarters of our society, even in our churches. So, if the church is receptive to speakers from Parliament, then you should continue to move forward in good conscience.

Fifth, our Constitution is our most important legal document, a legal instrument that defines our human rights and civil liberties, so when a constitution is outdated in its views of our changing world, or world events arise that were never envisioned, then the constitution needs to be amended. I look at this legislative document and question why we have given up our right to chart our own national security? And, why on issues of vital importance to our collective well-being Britain makes decisions in secret? We have the fundamental right to determine what is in our best national self-interest, even without Independence. Amending our Constitution must be addressed as a national issue of importance and priority. In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a new Premier, I do not have a voice in the immediate selection process, but I believe in offering my wholehearted support for the next Premier through good and difficult times. Yet, after reading your bullet points of vital national issues, I get a sense that you are keen to listen to, protect and advance pockets of power or special interest groups, but at whose expense? So here is where I say no, I will not be comfortable defending the back of a future Premier who has no interest in protecting mine.

VALIRIE MARCIA AKINSTALL

London, UK