Drawing conclusions

Dear Sir,

Many I once again respectfully point out to your readers that I do NOT write letters to the Editor (except this one). The others are written by Mr. Peter J. Willcocks. The names are not dissimilar, but still sufficiently different for anyone with half an eye to appreciate. we are two quite separate individuals. He writes letters. I do the drawings. I gather the other gentleman has to put up with people commenting on cartoons he never drew. For my part, the next time someone says to me: 'I saw your letter...' I shall probably do something drastic.

Thank you for this opportunity and with every good wish,

PETER WOOLCOCK

Pembroke

Step in right direction

October 20, 2003

Dear Sir,

I have recently returned from a holiday in Canada and as I read the back issues of the local newspapers I came across two items which I was delighted to read. The first said that Mr. Reginald Burrows, a former MP had been appointed a senator and the other was that the former Premier, the Hon. Jennifer Smith, JP, MP, was expected to be elected Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.

I have, for many years, said that experienced MPs on their retirement should be appointed to the Senate, where their great experience and knowledge of parliamentary practice and procedures would make a valuable contribution to the good government of Bermuda.

The election of the Hon. Jennifer Smith as Deputy Speaker of the House will ensure that the high office will be filled by a parliamentarian with considerable knowledge of the Rules and Procedures of our Parliament. I am sure that she would carry out the duties of Deputy Speaker, which includes presiding over the House when the Speaker is not in the Chair, with a firmness and fairness so necessary to that office.

The next session of the new Parliament should be a very interesting and important one and I am confident that it will be a productive and successful one.

The new Parliament has many able new MPs and they will, I am certain, acquit themselves well. Bermudians deserve the best and its new Parliament provides this.

JOHN GILBERT

Paget

A picture's worth...

October 23, 2003

Dear Sir,

I was as surprised as many of your readers to see my picture in The Royal Gazette and to learn of my position as executive vice president of Alea. I wish it were true; I'd probably be having more fun there than I am at AlphaStar Insurance Group (formerly Stirling Cooke Brown), and you'd see a broader smile on my face.

When you speak to Alea's chief executive officer, ask him to send me a paycheque. I could use the help. Yours half sincerely,

STEPHEN A. CRANE

Chairman and president

AlphaStar Insurance Group Ltd.