Nothing to apologise forFebruary 9, 2011Dear Sir,From its foundation the United Bermuda Party sought to integrate Bermuda. This was Sir Henry Tucker's main objective and desire. He was aware that in order for Bermuda to move forward the races had to be integrated. He obviously could not achieve this on his own. A group of black and white Bermudians (men and women) who were of like mind joined him in his endeavours. The first Chairman of the UBP, Dr John Stubbs was a leader in the charge to bring the races together. The United Bermuda Party has nothing to apologise for. The men and women who stood for Parliament under the UBP banner in 1968 were in the forefront in shaping modern Bermuda.The Bermuda Democratic Party needs to educate itself as to Bermuda's political history. Too many of our young people are unaware of the enormous contribution and sacrifices made by the early members and politicians of the UBP. To name a few: Stan Ratteray, Gloria McPhee, Cyril Rance, Jim Woolridge, Hackie Davis, Clarence James, Anita Smith and many others. Once again the United Bermuda Party is not now or never was a racial party. On the contrary the UBP was formed to modernise Bermuda and to bring the races together., It was never perfect but then no political parties ever are.ROBIN STUBBSHamilton ParishRacism still aliveJanuary 31, 2011Dear Sir,Re: Friday Opening at the Bermuda National Gallery (January 28, 2011)I enjoyed looking at the thought provoking art. I felt good. As it was crowded I decided to wait for my friends just outside the gallery. I sat on a bench just outside the entrance to the gallery, joining a white woman. We chatted a bit and she went back into the gallery to hurry her friends. Soon two of my friends joined me on the bench. One of them was a young Kenyan woman visiting from Canada. We were chatting and enjoying ourselves, waiting for another friend.A white couple passed in front of us. The man stopped and said, “Three little monkeys sitting on a bench up to no good.” The woman said looking at our Kenyan friend, “She is too young to be up to no good.” Stunned!Maybe ten minutes later another white couple passed in front of us. The man stopped and said: “See no evil, speak no evil, think no evil.” The woman said, “Do not mind him. He has had too much to drink.” Stunned Cubed! Is there a “Tea Party” brewing in Bermuda? Racism appears to be a constant in our lives.PAMELA MAXWELL CLARKEPagetNo country for buildersFebruary 18, 2011Dear Sir,I just received a phone call yesterday from a representative of the National Sports Centre. They called to let me know that I wasn't successful in my application for employment in the building of the new pool at the NSC. That's OK, I get that ... I got that the first time … more than a year ago. The job application was for whatever ... just a job.On going to the first interview a year and a half ago I had with me a few hundred pictures of works that I had done in several areas of the Island, a fairly comprehensive view of my “capabuildities”. I would be happy and proud to show to any architect or engineer anywhere in any country! So I said that although I am a builder I would accept any position including skilled labour. As long as I am employed steadily I would be quite content. So about a year ago, I received a call stating that I was unsuccessful. Six months or so later I'm called back for another interview, to which I received another phone call to say I was again unsuccessful.Another six months later I'm in the garden minding my own business doing my gardening, trying to do something productive (gardening is somewhat soothing to me) when my wife says: “You gotta phone call!” I say “who is it?”...” It's the National Sports Center!”I'm thinking, Oh great ...I've got a job!” Well I'm politely told that... I was again ... unsuccessful. In summation, I am officially the most unsuccessful person in Bermuda. I would just like to say thank you for letting me know ...once again just how unsuccessful I am in being gainfully employed at this government project ... just one question ... when are you going to start? May I come and watch?Lastly... If you have any problems building this pool just let me know. On the Go Bulding and Maintenance would be happy to assist. Just be ready to write me a cheque. I'm afraid my pro bono days are over.THAYER WILLIAM SMITHSpelling it outFebruary 18, 2011Dear Sir,I was always under the impression that an owner of a restaurant was a “Restaurateur” and not, as so boldly announced on page 10 of today's Royal Gazette, a “Restauranteur”. Spell-check not working?RODCity of Hamilton