Dear Sir,

Your correspondent Elspeth Weisberg hit the nail on the head. Unfortunately, it does not stop with Government House, Montpelier and the former residence of the Director of the Department of Agriculture in the Botanical Gardens.

A book could be written on Bermuda’s abandoned properties, but may I just add a few more to Ms Weisberg’s list.

Ignoring the schools: one could write a separate book on that issue, but when one looks at all the private schools that are maintained and open on time, it does make one wonder.

HMS Malabar was allowed to deteriorate and what did it cost the taxpayer to renovate (about $2.5 million) only to be rented to someone with a recording studio with another $600,000 of taxpayer money, which has gone down the drain? Also in the western parishes, The Parsonage on Ireland Island has gone into disrepair. I believe Edward Harris PhD had put a lot of his own money into The Parsonage, but was not allowed to renew his lease. Why? I don't know. Maybe I am being naive, but why would you throw someone out who is keeping the property in an excellent condition?

The Government continues to build “low-cost housing”, which no one can afford, instead of doing renovations on property already owned. Common sense is no longer around these days!

ANTONY SIESE

Paget