Museum does us proud

June 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am writing to congratulate and thank all those responsible for creating the magnificent new Bermuda Military Heritage addition to the Bermuda maritime Museum.

Its success is a personal triumph for Charlotte Andrews, Curator of the Maritime Museum, and all those who assisted her, including Dr. Edward Harris, Executive Director of the Museum, and Dr. Clarence Maxwell, Director of Research. The combined dedication and love for this achievement is apparent throughout the many rooms it occupies.

Everywhere there are an exquisite sense of artistry. It must be especially gratifying to receive such widespread support from those either donating or loaning cherished memorabilia.

Indeed, they have created a shrine, a place we can visit from time to time, to remember those who gave their lives to save our freedom and civilisation.

Others of us who "were there" can quietly share memories about comrades no longer with us.

How rewarding it was that so many were present for the opening ceremony last Saturday afternoon at the beautifully restored Commissioner's House. Sincere warm speeches were given by the Hon Jennifer Smith, MP, Premier of Bermuda; and by Dr. Edward Harris. Bermuda Regiment buglers appropriately closed the ceremony with "The Last Post".

If I would have had one more wish, it would have been that the late Bill Andrews, Charlotte's grandfather, could have been present. A World War II Spitfire pilot of the Royal Air Force, Bill would have been the proudest one of all.

T. C. AITCHISON

Pembroke

Hester slips up

June 27, 2002

Dear Sir,

Hester, in her search for a significant other, might want to reconsider the chaps she scratched off her list of "perspective" hubbies for their vocabulary shortcomings. Having things in common is after all a primary criterion when deciding on a prospective partner.

CUPID

Paget

Gazette's a joke

June 27, 2002

Dear Sir,

Having spent quite some time in Japan, and having had quite a few Japanese friends and acquaintances, I had to stand aghast between gales of laughter once more at the blatant misinformation and lack of research that goes into each edition of The Royal Gazette.

What provided my daily dose of giggles was today's issue (June 27, 2002). Right there on the front page was how some of our children learned to say "good morning' in Japanese. I guess the language has changed since I was living in Japan eleven years ago, but I learned it as "Ohayo gozaymasu".

As a matter of fact I looked it up on the 'net just now, and according to the Jitsu Japanese Translator, it still is. As a matter of fact, the "L" sound doesn't even exist in the Japanese language - I knew that as a sixth grade student in primary school, but apparently your reporter couldn't be bothered to verify information one way or the other. These are only minor issues - how do any of us know if you get major stories right? What do any of us know about the accuracy of your reports on local politics, on issues that might affect all of us deeply and profoundly? I for one have absolutely no confidence in your ability, and unfortunately I am not alone. How can any of us form appropriate opinions on any important issue if we don't even have the facts laid out correctly before us? Food for thought, don't you think?

I have noticed through all the years I have been here in Bermuda that the quality of the local fish wrappers has declined dramatically, and if I were a schoolteacher in Bermuda I'd be embarrassed and ashamed to use the newspaper in my classroom, except perhaps to line the bottom of the hamster cage. I realise that catching every typo might be too much work, but there is such a thing as 'spell check' in most word processing programs. In that same front-page article, to my certain knowledge 'eagre' should have been 'eager'. Is this an example of Bermudian professionalism?

Poorly researched articles and abysmal spelling, along with questionable grammatical structure? You should all be ashamed of yourselves - do you ever wonder why Bermudians are passed over with such alarming frequency for jobs and promotions? It is, in part, your fault, and the fault of everyone else that coasts on the gravy train with the thought that simply showing up is enough, never mind the part about actually doing your job. What ever happened to pride in one's work? For the vast majority of Bermudians who are diligent and who do their work in a timely and precise manner, reading such laughably ridiculous articles is a slap in the face. Even our newspaper is a joke. Thanks much for contributing to our 'Banana Republic' image - I can only hope some visitors and international businessmen read your 'paper' every day - that'll make them really respect the intelligence, education and experience of the average Bermudian. I am just grateful that I have an education and I actually know better.

IN FACT, ASHAMED

Pembroke

Airlines low on service

June 27, 2002

Dear Sir,

Having just endured two horrid experiences with American and United Airlines in the past three weeks, I can't help but wonder how many other locals and tourists are receiving the same level of disgusting, despicable service.

I recently flew American's early morning flight to Kennedy and had a two and a half hour layover before flying United to Washington, DC (this whole trip was sold as an American Airlines ticket, including the United portion.) Even though my luggage only had to move from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8 and American had two and a half hours to accomplish this, they were unsuccessful. Upon arriving in DC, United explained to me that my bags would arrive in a few hours on the next flight and I optimistically checked into the airport hotel. However, countless calls to the United baggage claim 1-800 number proved to no avail in actually getting my bags. I was told several times "your luggage has arrived in DC and is in transit to you".

I thought, "great - I'm staying at the airport, - how long can that delivery take - so I might as well start running the bath now".

Imagine my surprise, when I still didn't have my bags 12 hours later. I eventually went back to the United baggage claim office to collect my bags myself and viola! - found my bags sitting by the counter. The United reps could not explain why I was lied to but they told me "a travel voucher will be mailed to you". Again, imagine my surprise, when a week later I received a $50 voucher that I paid $14 in duty for! ( I would have been happier with a letter of apology.) On the way back, United cancelled several of their flights to Kennedy, forcing me to overnight at the Kennedy Ramada - once again without bags. American finally got my last bag to me three days later (after hanging up on me when I called to find out when I would get my bags.)

This morning, when I went to the airport to catch the early morning American flight, I noticed a missing piece of required equipment as we went round the roundabout - the plane! I was flying to New York and driving with a friend to Virginia; however, the seven hour delay that I would have by flying on the afternoon flight would have caused me to miss my ride (the road trip was part of the reason for the trip.) I asked if I could be flown directly to Virginia and was told "No - it's not part of your ticket". Since I paid close to $1,200 for my ticket, I thought "well, heck - how much more could that be?" The attendant then walked away, leaving me to call US Air on my cell phone. The lack of empathy, remorse and even feeling made me think "perhaps they could simply automate this entire process". When frustration got the best of me and I slammed my cell phone on the counter, I was told that I would be arrested for my behaviour. I thought this was the perfect topping to the worst travelling experiences I have had in over a decade of frequent travel.

I started flying American when I heard that US Air was having financial trouble; I didn't want to get stranded. But since American thinks nothing of stranding you anyway, I'm going back to US Air. In 15 years of flying them, I have never received the kind of service I have received from the American staff (I've only received bad service from American - I do not have a good customer experience with them.) Even United was nice to me when they messed up. I mean, at least they tried to help me.

The worst part of this whole experience isn't the lost luggage, and cancelled flights; these things happen. It's the perception that you are "merely a sheep - a voiceless victim held at their mercy". Maybe they'll help you - Maybe they won't. They certainly don't give a hoot one way or the other if you actually get to where you were trying to get to, for what you were trying to get to - even though you spent $1200 trying to get there. Their entire customer service culture seems to be "whatever - you're just SOL".

THINKING OF TAKING THE CRUISE SHIP

Hamilton Parish