An offence in law

September 4, 2008

Dear Sir,

I would like to know if the Traffic Act 1947 (see below) applies to bus vehicles. I have seen on many occasions that the bus-drivers leave the bus unattended with the engine running.

This morning at 7.35 a.m., I was passing Watford Bridge and the woman bus driver was walking toward the restaurant at the ferry. The bus was parked in the lay by some 300 feet away with its door open, the keys had to be in the ignition for the engine to be running. No other bus-drivers or vehicles were in sight. Anyone could have got into the bus and drove off.

At a time when there is a gas shortage and environmental issues of pollution, why is this permitted?

Road Traffic Act 1947

Securing vehicle left unattended

16 (1) No person shall allow any vehicle to stand unattended on or near any highway, estate road or naval or military road unless —

(a) the vehicle is so secured as not to be liable to move; and

(b) in the case of a motor car or motor-cycle or auxiliary bicycle, the engine is switched off:

Provided that the condition mentioned in subsection (1) (b) shall not apply in relation to the working of the engine of an emergency vehicle for any fire fighting purpose.

(2) Any person who contravenes any provision of this section commits an offence against this Act.

TAXPAYER

You might like answer

September 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

Please allow me this opportunity to address a problem with a simple solution. Regarding motorcycles and mopeds on our roads an the noise they make and the smoke they belch out, plus the fuel they burn, it seems simple to me that at some date and time in the future we will no longer import petrol, drive bikes and only import electric bikes and in so doing, we send a very clear message to anyone with a bike that if they write it off, there is no replacement. So overnight persons start to drive a lot more carefully and over a period of time the petrol driven bikes die off and we become a much quieter and somewhat slower community!

Great idea, yet it gets even better. Those Onions who over the past years have devised ways to soup up their petrol driven bikes are now wracking their brains for ways to build a better/faster electric bike and Bermuda becomes the world focal point on great electric bikes and we have groups coming to Bermuda to see just what/how some bright soul in Cedar Hill or who knows where, has built a better electric bike. Give this some thought. You might like the answer, unless you are an oil company.

DOUG — THE BUILDER

Pembroke

Kudos to Serenity's crew

September 19, 2008

Dear Sir,

We would like to thank the captain and crew of the ferry boat Serenity who came to our assistance at about 5.30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13. We were returning from a pleasant day of swimming and picnicking when our boat engine failed. We could see the ferry boat looming down on us, but, of course, we were unable to move out of its path. When the Serenity crew realised our predicament, they took our craft in tow taking us all the way back to P.W.'s Marine Gas Station, even offering us money should we need to purchase gas.

We appreciated the fact that "our rescue at sea" probably delayed the Serenity's scheduled arrival at the Dockyard. We apologise to the passengers on board for this inconvenience. Unfortunately, in the excitement of the moment, we did not get the names of our rescuers, but would like to express our gratitude to them through The Royal Gazette. While we were at P.W.'s Marina, one of our boat's bumpers became dislodged and drifted away. A very helpful young man, "Chris" who was a customer at the marina, got in his boat and retrieved our bumper as it was floating away into the harbour. What could have been a very upsetting end to a pleasant day's outing, ended well, thanks to the caring spirit of fellow Bermudians. Thank you to everyone.

EIGHT GRATEFUL LADIES WHO WERE STRANDED AT SEA

Smith's

Necessary part of Planning

September 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

I was very pleased to read the article in The Royal Gazette expressing the views of Alex Scott regarding the parking lot at the US Consulate. I wish Mr. Scott had proceeded further with his opinion and questioned how the unsightly gatehouse was ever granted permission in the first place. It has been my experience for the last 50 years that permission to build and change of usage was very much determined by the parking that would be available for clients or visitors. I think this necessary part of planning should be applied equally to all and not made a mandate for some. I am sure a blind eye was cast over this unfortunate decision. As it now appears a compromise has to be rushed through – just one of a long line of many.

PETER OUTERBRIDGE

St. George's

Looking for more photos

September 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

First, may I thank all the readers who kindly contacted me after my request for pictures of the flying boat Excalibur in The Royal Gazette a few months ago. I now have several good colour shots of this aircraft. My book about the history of aviation in Bermuda is nearing completion but of course there is always room for some new information and photographs.

Both Kindley Field and on a smaller scale, the US navy base at the NOB, held Open House and Armed Forces days going back to the 1950s. These events were attended by thousands of Bermudians who witnessed spectacular airshows featuring such delights as the USAF Thunderbirds, the US Army Golden Knights parachute display, US Navy flying boat flypasts, USAF Rescue airborne lifeboat drops, etc. There was even one event where a giant USAF airship was moored at Kindley for inspection. In addition to the extensive ground display of aircraft and equipment, there were always well organised entertainments for the children of visitors and the base workers.

I would like to hear from any reader who has photographs taken at these events, especially those that show the aircraft. Photography during these events was not restricted so I hope that many of you have interesting pictures that I could see with the possibility of some of the shots being used in the forthcoming book.

TOM SINGFIELD

25 Chennells Way,

Horsham,

West Sussex, RH12 5TW

UK

A wonderful visit

September 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

Please allow me the space to respond to Maggie from Canada, who was a recent visitor to Bermuda after 17 years absence, and to also express my feelings on my very recent visit to Bermuda as one born in Bermuda 66 years ago. Maggie, as I flew over Bermuda and I looked down, I too had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat looking at the island of my birth (home) who I still thought looked so beautiful laying there in the Atlantic.

My visit to Bermuda was to celebrate my 46 years of marriage to an American girl that I met in Bermuda in 1961. This was the first time we were back in Bermuda together in 38 years. Yes Maggie, Bermuda has changed. There has been good changes and some changes have been negative. It seems that everyone looks at the bad changes, or what they perceive to be bad, and never speak on or of the good changes. Maggie, change most of the time comes at a price. Yes, there are areas of Bermuda society, government, social, etc. that is open to constructive criticism, but in all honesty not by me.

I can voice my disappointment in changes which I perceive to be negative, but if I felt so strongly about the direction the Island has taken then in all good conscience I could have remained in Bermuda and attempted to make a difference. I chose to leave Bermuda and make a new life for myself. Seems to me that you did the same thing.

You mentioned morality in Bermuda; is this based on past experience or gossip? Would you tell me that Canada could teach morality? You reference the departure from Bermuda of Ms Sangita Iyer. Must tell you, Maggie, you sound like her public relations person and, yes you sound very bitter.

The recent visit my wife and I made was absolutely wonderful. Our visit was made more wonderful by the fact that we stayed for one week at the Pink Beach Club. Thank you Mr. Harry Kromer for your stewardship of such a breath taking property. Thank you Mr. Michael Williams for your effort in support of such a wonderful place. Thank you Bill Caisey for you professional demeanour as Maître d', but more than that your "so-Bermudian charm", friendship, and pride in who you are and what you do. Thank you Judie for making us feel so welcomed and at home.

Thank you to the housekeepers, especially Charmaine and supervisor to housekeeping Jeannette. Thank you for making my wife and I feel like family. Thank you Archer and Jason for everything. Sergio, thank you for being such a fine friendly server. Thank you too Joell and Martin. Thank you to David Moniz and King Trott for the entertainment and memories by their music. To Marvin Ford, your musical talent and entertainment was a credit to Bermuda and the Pink Beach Club.

There are so many to thank at the Pink Beach Club, such a marvellous and dedicated staff. Thank you Harry Kromer for everything, but mostly for being such a great representative of Bermuda and the Pink Beach Club. Thank you Bermuda, we love you. Respectfully,

MICHAEL E PITTS

Inverness

Florida

Alex Scott is right

September 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

I cannot understand why the US Consul should have any of our land. They have property back of that building they recently built on the roadside, why not open the gates and let the cars go in there? I live in the district and I have to walk out of my gate to catch the bus which is right outside of the Consulate. I agree with Mr. Scott.

DEVONSHIRE

Ps. We already have our Police Station there on duty.