Well done, British AirwaysDecember 23, 2010Dear Sir,I would like to show my appreciation to the Captain and crew of last Tuesday's (December 21st) British Airways flight 2233 from London. In spite of the totally foul weather in the UK they managed to get the plane off the ground and then land it safely… in near hurricane force winds!So, hearty congratulations all round.JILL DE QUINCEY-GILARDONISouthamptonPeace begins with usDecember 14, 2010Dear Sir,Happy holidays to all in our Island home. Special greetings to our bereaved families and those experiencing difficulties at this time. May the festive season be spiritually enriching and enlightening.Reflecting on the birth of Jesus, the focal point of this celebration at this time, we are compelled to consider so much. Imagine, he was born in a manger...in a stable! What humble beginnings for a child who would grow to become the “centre piece of Christian faith and doctrine worldwide for over two thousand years.I am equally reminded of what “Jesus brought to the table of life through God inspired thought and service”. In referencing his invitation to “love one another”, we are offered the opportunity to embrace the idea and practice of reconciliation. Reconciliation affords us the gateway to examine ourselves as individuals and as a community. In the interest of collective growth, it serves in creating healthy dialogue and models that speak to aligning our commonalities and assets.Jesus urges us in redressing the status quo. As examples, Jesus asks that we re-examine the “them and us practice, replace competition with cooperation and ultimately war with peace”Reconciliation directs us toward peaceful exchange and change, in providing building blocks for the beautiful Bermuda we all must share.Have a wonderful holiday and new year!“Let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with US”LYNN MILLETTHamilton ParishCancel the tiger showDecember 23, 2010Dear Editor,As a leading UK charity campaigning to see an end to the use of animals in entertainment, we would like to add our voices to those of the growing number of people and organisations who have raised concerns on the Rotary Club of Sandys decision to hire Rick Thomas' “Ultimate Tiger Encounter” for a series of events.To force a wild animal to submit to their human trainer and perform the “tricks” required of them during performances will often result in the use of training techniques ranging from unnatural and inhumane to downright brutal. The life of a performing animal is well-documented to be a sad and isolated one far from their native habitat and their normal social groupings.Interestingly, it would seem that the general public do not want to see this type of exploitation on its doorstep either. In fact, when we wrote to the Minister of the Environment of Bermuda in 2006, following concerns about a visiting animal circus, the response received stated that “I am sure that most Bermudians share those concerns” and went on to say that there “seems to be an increasing level of concern about events such as this”.Taking these points into account, we would like to publicly request that the Rotary Club cancel the proposed act or, at the very least, to commit to refrain from using animals in this way in future events.With very best regards,LIZ TYSONDirectorThe Captive Animals' Protection SocietyManchester, England