A matter of principle

May 29, 2002

Dear Sir,

The reason for the ineptitude (to put it gently) of the current government, and the Departments of Immigration and Tourism in particular, is clearly explained in the book by Laurence Johnston Peter titled 'The Peter Principle'.

The Peter Principle is as follows:

"The theory that employees within an organisation will advance to their highest level of competence and then be promoted to and remain at a level at which they are incompetent."

SUNKEN SHIP

Pembroke

Hear those empty vessels

May 30, 2002

Dear Sir,

I read with great interest the insightful letter from Kelli of Warwick in today's Letters to the Editor. I can't say that I am surprised to read of radio Talk Shows being inundated by narrow-minded Bermudians complaining of the wonderful picture of the Filipino dancers in the Bermuda Day Parade. Such simpleton comments can only come from the likes of people who have no appreciation for the diverse cultures which make up the fabric of Bermuda. It is very sad to think that these people's vision of Bermuda is so one-sided.

I've always thought that these same people who call the radio shows on a daily basis just like to hear themselves drivel on. They are living examples of the old adage "the empty can makes the most noise". I'd advise Kelli to do what I did years ago. Don't waste your time listening to those mouthpieces. Their stupidity will only depress you.

To avoid a repeat of this next year make sure your reporter only gets pictures of Gombeys, Majorettes or some Africa themed group. Apparently this is the only "Bermudian" fraction which will satisfy the talkalots .

As for the individual who wasted valuable print in today's paper (May 31, 2002) all I can say is we are all descendents from somewhere else. Why don't you head back to your motherland and see how much you like it. Maybe you'd get a better appreciation of how good we have it here, with the help of all the foreigners who make it happen. God knows if we left it all up to "Bermudians" like you what a sorry state we'd be in.

FLP

(FLATTS LIBERATION PARTY)

Treat us with respect

June 3, 2002

Dear Sir,

I need to write this letter to the Editor for a better Bermuda.

Over a month ago I applied for a position in one of our major hotels.

I had the experience for this position, and was interviewed by three highly professional managers. It was a successful interview, and I was hired. The managers who interviewed me, sincerely believed I was the right person for this job, and were happy to have me as part of their team.

I also was excited to be a part of this hotel, as I was employed here in the past for many years.

A day was set for me, and I could not wait, as I planned to be here for a very long time.

One thing I did not plan for was the supervisor I had to train under, with a bad attitude.

The first two days appeared to be okay, as the days continued it became very uncomfortable, so therefore mistakes were made.

The treatment I received from this supervisor was the worst experience I have ever received. I have trained many new employers in the past, and been very successful and enjoyable. Training new employers is an art, you must be professional, patient and very humble. Even if you have done this job before, you must train this new employer with a good attitude, and be sure this new employer is as comfortable as possible, let them know you are happy to have them, and treat them with respect.

This experience was shock to me, as I have not received this sort of behaviour in the past. I did not go into details with the managers who hired me, I did apologise to them for leaving on such a short notice, I thanked them, and left quietly.

Business of Bermuda

My message to any Heads of Department/Managers/Supervisors, before hiring new employers, Heads of any post need to be reminded on how to train new employees and be assured to make them as comfortable as possible and be treated with respect.

HUMBLE

Southampton

Conference a failure

May 31, 2002

Dear Sir,

Sorry to say but the African Diaspora Conference was not what it is being cracked up to be. One would have thought the Caricom countries would have flocked to it as the "trail" is supposed to run through the Caribbean.

It showed signs of lack of proper planning, and of something hurriedly put together.

Another colossal waste of funds.

KEEN OBSERVER

City of Hamilton

Southside is secure

May 17, 2002

Dear Sir,

This is a letter from a friend.

Some years ago, citing security fears in our tiny Island, you moved the offices of the Consulate from central Hamilton to a zoned residential area. Local businesses would not have received permission for such a move, but we are your friends and this was an amicable and very understandable arrangement. (It was a pity that you did not have the same concern for your Embassies in Nairobi or Dar which some should have seen as being a bit more exposed than Hamilton, but I digress).

Now it seems that you have felt it necessary in these difficult times to cut down the trees on your property in that residential area citing security fears, and will apparently be given permission by your friends, the Bermudian people, to erect a nine foot steel fence around the perimeter of your consulate.

I would like to make a suggestion. You need security and of that there is no doubt. Is it necessary though to ravage the residential area where you have many friends? If a secure location is needed, why not relocate to an area such as Southside where the security parameters can surely be met in a heartbeat. The building you now occupy can then be returned to its residential status and value.

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITIC

Hamilton

Mirrors needed

May 9, 2002

Dear Sir,

"Would Mr. Alex Scott Please Practise Some Risk Management!"'

Dear Mr. Alex Scott, As the Minister of Works and Engineering I am directly addressing this matter to you. Mr. Scott, who's monitoring our road safety? It is an unfortunate fact that there is a tremendous lack of guidance mirrors on our Island's roads. Especially on our dangerous junctions and blind corners where an oncoming vehicle and another vehicle are unable see each other until they nearly collide.

Mr. Scott, your Highway Superintendent needs to be monitoring and resolving this problem. Or do we have to wait for another road fatality to occur that could have been prevented before anything is done? By installing these mirrors, excercising loss prevention they will greatly help and assure all motorists with some degree of certainty and safety. Who constructs these junctions Mr. Alex Scott? There is an extremely dangerous junction on the top of Reid Street in Hamilton that presents a particular danger to pedestrians as well as vehicle drivers. Where there is a junction, and intersection and four cross-walks all in one area. This Mr. Minister is presents a physical hazard.

I absolutely urge the public to apply the speed limit and take all precautions.

BLINDSIGHTED

Sandys Parish

Ad stars shine bright

May 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

I always enjoy watching the 'Market Place' commercials. The customers appear to be having a good time - especially the two little boys. It makes me feel good to see the people in our community smiling and laughing together.

Our local 'Movie Stars'.

3 free! 3 free! 3 free!

OBSERVER

Southampton