I have just finished reading the most ignorant and narrow-minded letter that I have ever read in all my life.

I have wracked my brains as to how I could best respond to these comments, and have come to the conclusion that there really is no way to take back these words as attacking the writer is not my style, as a Jamaican. You see, not all of us are criminals. Most of us actually have class.

Naturally, one does feel a little rebellious when trying to stick up for one's fellow Jamaicans, and you can be assured that I will never write a letter to my local paper in Jamaica asking to ban Bermudian nationals from visiting or living in Jamaica -- no matter what.

Maybe you should write another one of your brilliant letters next week about the possibility of maybe banning Americans to the island, as there was that incident last week with someone shooting everyone for no given reason. Or, maybe you could suggest banning the English -- I heard a couple of months ago about the rising number of murders and rapes being committed over there.

Really, maybe you should just cut to the chase and suggest banning everyone from visiting and living here! That would be a great answer for the tourism figures -- which by the way, Jamaica does not have a problem with! In the future, please get your facts straight before you attack a whole nation -- and could I ask; on behalf of all Jamaicans residing here, that you also have the courage to sign your name so that we can all avoid you like the plague.

CHRIS AND JEANINE M. TRIBLEY Warwick `Rebel' five deserve praise July 29, 1999 Dear Sir, What a relief it was to see The Royal Gazette front page headline, "Burger Barons burned'', accompanied by a joyous picture of Ann Cartwright DeCouto, who can look back on this battle as one of the most important she has won in a distinguished career as a veteran politician and lawyer. Your one-word caption, "vindicated'', below Ann's picture said it all.

Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto spoke for all of us with her exuberant reaction to the Privy Council's ruling. Congratulations, Ann, on a magnificent effort. We can say the same for your four Parliamentary colleagues.

It was insulting and inexcusable that you all had to put up with the designation "rebels''. The word should have been applied to former Premiers, Sir John Swan and Dr. David Saul, and their cabinets. They rebelled against the wishes of a near unanimous majority of Bermudians.

Let's remember each of the other four. In face of ill-advised UBP party criticism, they never wavered in their support for Ann's brilliantly presented case.

C.V. (Jim) Woolridge is undoubtedly the best Premier that Bermuda never had.

Twice he was robbed of the Premiership by much lesser individuals. After the failed Independence Referendum, Jim's esteem and popularity were so high he should have been appointed Premier as soon as Sir John Swan resigned. We appreciate Jim for his many sterling qualities. He was and is an eloquent and gifted natural leader.

Trevor Moniz has become one of the most able and promising politicians of recent years, although his value to the UBP and Bermuda, from all I hear, is still not recognised by the Party hierarchy.

Dr. Clarence Terceira and Dr. David Dyer have since resigned and retired from politics, but their strong steadfast voices during the McDonald debates helped in the creation of legislation vital to Bermuda's well-being.

A sincere word of appreciation is very much in order for the timely support given by the PLP.

However, The Royal Gazette report did include an ominous note. Apparently, the super patriots (?) who comprise Grape Bay Ltd. can still file another appeal to the Privy Council. Dare we hope that John Swan and Maxwell Burgess will have the decency to refrain from doing so, and not inflict any more damage on Bermuda? Let them take McDonald's and vanish into the gloom of their own far from noble motives.

T.C. AITCHISON Pembroke Disappointed by hotel August 2, 1999 Dear Sir, On the second day of Cup Match, I decided to extend an invitation to my 86-year-old mother and my sister for a ride to Somerset and have lunch at Cambridge Beaches. We live in Pembroke.

On arriving, we asked for a table for three and immediately were asked if we were guests and upon saying no -- we were locals, we were informed very quickly that locals are not accepted in their dining room (despite the fact that at the time the dining room was a quarter full), which apparently is a policy put into force about a year ago. (Note: my girlfriend and I went there for lunch six months ago with no questions asked). As we were both amazed and embarrassed by this information, we immediately queried this policy with the front desk receptionist, who confirmed it.

I find this to be an extraordinary policy against the local community as, to my knowledge, Cambridge Beaches is a cottage colony not a private club, as are Pink Beach, Ariel Sands and others, who willingly accept and appreciate local business.

It leaves us to wonder whether the Bermuda dollar will be accepted and welcomed at Cambridge Beaches in the winter months when the tourists are no longer around. This will be an interesting scenario! We then left Cambridge Beaches and continued our journey to Dockyard and the Frog and Onion and, although having a half hour wait, we were taken to a table and given excellent service and an inexpensive meal. It leaves little to wonder why this location is so popular.

This incident has obviously left a very bad taste in my mouth and I will no longer be going to or recommending Cambridge Beaches to anybody. They are an insult to the local population.

CAROL A. BELL Pembroke Thanks, Marine Police August 2, 1999 Dear Sir, I never thought something like this would happen to me. On July 30, 1999 my nephews and myself were out in a boat and the worst happened. It capsized, and we were left out at sea with nothing but our life vests.

First of all I thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for saving my two nephews and myself. Also my thanks go out to the Harbour Radio and to Rescue II and Heron II , for risking their lives to save ours.

Some of us "boaters'' never have a nice word to say about Marine Police, myself included. Let's hope you never get in a predicament like the one we were in on July 30, 1999. You will come to appreciate the Marine Police, Heron II and Rescue II for risking their lives to save yours. Again, thank you all.

MOST GRATEFUL Hamilton Parish P.s. Thank you P.c. Christopher M. Taggett 520 and the two other constables.

Performance well done July 22, 1999 Dear Sir, I had the pleasure of attending a show at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium on Saturday July 10, which was a production of Sia Spence and Kion Simmons. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate these two young people on a performance well done.

My only disappointment with the show was the time between the scenes which I felt were too long. They were also apparently having some difficulty with the microphones which was clearly not their fault. As this was their first production, a few hiccups are to be expected. Considering these few minor problems which I am sure they will perfect next time around, it was well done.

I have had the pleasure of hearing Kion sing on several occasions and have always enjoyed him very much. I refer to him as Bermuda's Peabo Bryson. The first time I heard Sia Spence perform was at a Gina Spence Production, and I must say that I was so impressed that I promised myself the very next time I had the opportunity to hear her perform I would be there, and this was it. She has an incredible voice, she blew me away when she performed a song originally performed by the late Minnie Rippleton, entitled "Loving You''.

When I realised she was about to perform this song, I held my breath in anticipation of the high note that I knew she would have to hit. This song has always been a favourite of mine. I am by no means a singer, but I am sure that not just anyone can perform this song as sweetly as the original artist. When Sia hit that note, it gave me goose bumps, which I still get when I think back to her performing that song, as she perfected it with such professionalism. If you had closed your eyes and listened, you would have thought that it was Minnie Rippleton herself performing the song.

Mr. Editor, we are always in a hurry to bring our young people down for the negative things that they do, so thank you for allowing me the time and space in your column to praise these two young people for a production well done.

Sia and Kion, I sure am looking forward to your next production.

SHIRLEY HILL RAINES Warwick