November 6, 2002

Dear Sir,

I just wanted to let the writer of that letter know that, it is an error to think that "Homeowners" on Southside are being treated any different. BLDC and BHC with their dogmatic, condescending discourteous and disrespectful attitude represent two kinds of HELL

Tenants and Homeowners alike are being harassed and tormented. Just like you, homeowners are told that works will be done to make a list. Nothing gets done in a timely manner. Then when they do show up to do the work it is never finished professionally and you find that the person having done this shoddy work has been paid twice. Don't have the balls to complain and try and get your money's worth, because than they deliberately attack you and your character and try their best to disenfranchise you from your home.

Most of the reason why operations like BHC and BLDC are allowed to operate in this manner is because we as a people do not come together in numbers and support our NEIGHBOURS/RELATIVES/FRIENDS/FELLOW BERMUDIANS who are being mistreated and dominated by these kinds of ruthless entities. All of us know of at least two or more horror stories with regard to housing. I know for sure that the 167 families that Senator Burch claims is the number of people on his emergency list, does not in any way, come close to the real number of people, seeking adequate and affordable housing. Yet, when you ask people to stand up and be counted, they stick their heads in the sand and hope somebody will tunnel them fresh air. If you are not part of the solution than you must be part of the problem.

One another note, it was gratifying to see our teachers stick to their guns. But I wonder where was the Trade Union Congress? Surely, with the hospital workers, nurses, teachers, doctors, hotel workers, taxi drivers and various other segments of our society describing unfair practices and working under so much stress, you would have thought that a deliberate and all encompassing message to our current government would have been the order of the day. But alas, maybe "the bed" that they all sleep in is too comfortable.

Jamahl Simmons you had the courage to say what so many Bermudians/PLP supporters/Foreign workers say behind closed doors, in the bars, in the night clubs, in the spas, in the brunch line, to the hairdresser, to the visitor etc., I have heard it so many times myself. The truth needs no apology and it should always be preferred standard of conduct.

COREEN TUCKER

Southside, St. David's