Dear Sir,

Bermuda cedar trees were dormant for more than 50 years and started to return in the 1990s. At that time, Bermudians were encouraged to “Plant a Tree in ’93”. On behalf of the Sleepy Hollow residents, myself and Mr Goater planted cedar trees. I paid for the trees as my contribution to my neighbourhood, but it was me and Mr Goater who planted them.

Our neighbours were pleased and admired them. I will never forget that Mr Goater told me that he looked forward to getting old and being able to sit under the trees. We envisioned benches under the trees, but that did not become a reality. Nevertheless, the neighbours enjoyed the trees; whether it was because they could park their cars in the trees’ shade or they were happy to see the Bermuda cedar return.

Mature Bermuda cedars are valuable and they increase the value of our property!

Some people do not like trees. Everyone has their likes and dislikes. Many of us appreciate the beauty and environmental benefits of trees. It was unfortunate that in 2020 persons took it upon themselves to cut down cedar trees along Sleepy Hollow Drive without bothering to ask what others thought. And it is even more unfortunate that some would like to destroy the last two remaining cedar trees that were planted in response to the Bermuda Government’s call to restore the Bermuda cedar in our communities.

I have received a letter from a party at 63 Sleepy Hollow Drive stating that the two trees left on the third playground area are an infringement on the ability of the children in Sleepy Hollow to play. I have not noticed such an infringement.

Perhaps we should take the time to introduce the children to a book such as The Story of the Bermuda Cedar Tree or share stories with them that highlight the importance of cedars to Bermuda while we sit in the shade of the trees.

I am only one person who loves my neighbourhood and who has, over the years, paid for improvements without asking for help from anyone. I am at a loss to believe that anyone would want to destroy Bermuda’s national treasure.

No one can honestly say that these trees have been neglected in any way over the years because I have spent my money to care for them without asking anyone for assistance.

I love this neighbourhood. I love this community. If I did not, then I would not relentlessly dedicate my time and money to try to make improvements for the benefit of my neighbourhood

Sleepy Hollow Drive has only two beautiful mature cedar trees left in its field. Let us appreciate the “call of ’93”. Let us keep and celebrate our cedars for their majesty and the beauty they contribute to our country.

WANDA BLUEFORT

Hamilton Parish

Editor’s note: It has come to the attention of The Royal Gazette that the trees at Sleepy Hollow Drive are not in fact Bermuda cedar. A consulted university-qualified agronomist has confirmed that the trees are of the Virginia cedar variety (Juniperus virginiana) and were imported to repopulate Bermuda’s cedar tree population, the majority of which was destroyed by the “scale insect”.