Something wrong here

March 29, 2004

Dear Sir,

Here we are, one of the smallest countries in the world, but internationally recognised as having one of the highest standards of living in the world, and our Premier is visiting Jamaica to get advice on the subject of Independence! Since that country became independent, the economy has collapsed, and the local currency devalued to one eighth of its original value. Jamaicans fight to come up to Bermuda to find jobs (and wives). You don't see Bermuda going down there. There is something wrong somewhere. These talks about Independence are extremely disturbing, especially when Government hints that it might be brought about by General Election and not by referendum. There are many successful black businessmen in the PLP, and from what one hears, they are certainly not all in favour of Independence. This Government came to power by the skin of its teeth, with a mere 52 percent of votes, and to assume that they have enough backing to force through the drastic step of Independence without a referendum is political and economical suicide. Once this step is taken there is no turning back, and the only way to determine the right thing to do, is to spell out all the pros and cons, and let the people decide. Perhaps when we all see the advantages (and disadvantages) we will decide that it is indeed a good idea, and so be it, but it must be the decision of the people.

We should also be given some advice as to how we are all going to pay our mortgages, when our currency is devalued.

If something of value is to be taken away, it should be replaced by something of greater value, otherwise why not keep what we had of value in the first place.

E. RABEN

Paget

Out of touch with reality

April 7, 2004

Dear Sir,

Having yet again read about violence in our community rather than having witnessed the shameful acts at Wellington Oval and having read about Premier Scott's goading tactics regarding Independence, this reader should be forgiven for thinking that the increasing violence among a small minority of our young people is directly correlated to the increasing pomposity of our Premier. Although this is obviously not true, what probably is accurate is that both the Premier and the sadistic disaffected youth that committed the recent acts of violence are, to varying degrees, out of touch with reality. The youth believe that they can solve their problems by the use of a machete and Premier Scott believes he can solve all the problems of Bermuda through Independence - both the Wellington Oval criminals and our Premier are wildly incorrect and totally misguided about the needs of the community. What is the answer?

Unfortunately there is no simple answer to solving the problems without disaffected youth. Some commentators suggest that longer prison sentences are the answer and others suggest that curfews and increased Police presence at public gatherings is the way to curb the violence. Although these “solutions” may work in the short term they fail to address the long-term social problems that such “solutions” in turn create, never mind the fact that they fail to get to the root of what caused the surge in violence in the first place. It is far too easy to demand that the police show up in force at a moment's notice at football games dressed in riot gear and easier still to ask our already overstretched prison service to act as a surrogate parent to our young people. This is called “passing the buck”. The answer to such violence is through better parenting and, without a doubt through education. A good education means constructive dialogue and constructive dialogue means understanding. This in turn should mean less violence. Although in the space permitted this proposal may seem too simplistic, it is certainly not an undemanding one. Increasing our education standards takes time, training and tenacity for all those involved from teachers to students and indeed parents. Unfortunately the results would not be instantaneous, which of course means less glory for our politicians who rely on immediate results to boost their popularity. Parents must take a leading role in the drive to educate our young people and push our politicians to concentrate on such issues. Hiding behind the cloak of blame solves nothing - it is up to the majority of law-abiding citizens, parents and teachers in the community to lead by example before we lose control. Our young people, who in fact represent Bermuda's future, are our most important asset. Poorly educated and poorly raised young people translate to a very bleak future for all Bermudians. This is something I hope Premier Scott takes on board.

MICHAEL M. FAHY

London, England