In defence of the Premier

October 7, 2005

Dear Sir,

We have been following the news emanating from Bermuda online for some time now. It appears to us that the tone of attacks on Premier Scott have become increasingly strident and bitter. It is sad that Bermuda has deteriorated to the point that it has taken on the style and consistency of the lack of civil discourse that is America. has sustained a constant drumbeat of negative attacks on Premier Scott ? and as is typical of US media ? has nothing positive to say about anything. I understand that all media have an agenda regardless of their self-righteous claims to the contrary. The PLP can do no right and the UBP can do no wrong. That isn?t even statistically possible. We are not naive. I work in politics and government in the US and am aware of the use of and effectiveness of negative campaigns and character assassination.

This whole uproar concerning an e-mail message inadvertently sent to Mr. (Tony) Brannon is a ?tempest in a teakettle?. We do not know Mr. Brannon other than through occasional vociferous and often demeaning rants against the Tourism Department that we have seen and read in various accounts. It appears to us that he has certain opinions and that he regards anyone who disagrees with him as certainly unfit to govern. If it is not going to be his way, then, like a child he throws tantrums. We have come to know and maintain close friendships with many Bermudians from both parties and political ideologies. We do know Premier Scott extremely well and we are happy to attest to the strong religious belief, character, intelligence and gentleness of the man and the deep concern he has for Bermuda and it?s people. To accuse him of racism is absurd and regrettably, character assassination of the first order. Frustrated by the relentless unfounded attacks? Perhaps. I would be also. A racist? Absurd.

Let?s talk about Bermuda?s problems. My wife and I have visited Bermuda over 40 times in the past few years. In fact, my wife visited regularly as a child and our friends, acquaintances and even perfect strangers are probably tired of us extolling the virtues and pleasures of your wonderful country. We are your biggest fans and cheerleaders.

However, we believe you drastically miss the mark in playing the ?blame game? for the ills that seem to plague your country. We always talked about the politeness and respect exhibited by Bermudians ? something that is sorely lacking in our country. We extolled the beauty and relaxed nature of the island.

The fact that you could dine or shop without the ubiquitous fast food franchises and chain stores and relax without constant battering by noise, garish signs and pollution was so satisfying. The lack of rancour and the civility that marked your nation and the maturity and fairness that seemed to permeate the island were enchanting. The local culture and the smiles on everyday people as they went about their business was a m agent. Bermuda had a unique look and feel to it.

That is why Americans so enjoyed visiting your island. The loss of your paradise has been years in the making. Premier Scott did not cause these problems ? if anything he inherited them and is doing his best to overcome these intractable issues. I know that everyone these days expects instant gratification, but solving these problems is going to require tremendous patience on your part. Unending traffic, constant construction and development, International and non-Bermudian culture, blaring entertainment, shiploads of tourists invading the calm and the overwhelming hustle and bustle and over development that seems to be the clarion call of some segments of the population are quickly eroding that uniqueness. America has a tremendous drug problem, gangs and pervasive crime and the Bermudian youth seemed to have learned their lessons well from cable and movies. Crime and lack of respect for each other and the law seems to be the wave of the future.

We do not need to come to Bermuda for that. We have abundant and much cheaper venues in the States for those types of vacations and experiences. Regardless of how far and fast you descend to the lowest common denominator you will never be able to compete. Nor should you want to.

We believe that the international business sector of Bermuda can have a very positive role to play in your nation. But it should not be the tail that wags the dog. Left unchecked , it will constantly devour your culture. It needs to be constantly fed and will demand larger and larger control and power until it takes command either overtly or behind the scenes.

Stockholders demand and executives have the responsibility to improve their lot regardless of the consequences that befall you. That is their legitimate and historical modus operandi. That is, until, they find and move on to the next ?great place? that more meets their needs.

No ? we do not think that the PLP or the UBP for that matter have wished these plagues upon you.

We think that you must work together ? politicians, civic, business, labour and the average citizen working together to find solutions to your escalating problems before it is too late. Acting like spoiled children, pointing fingers and blaming everyone else but yourself is not the answer. Acting like a legitimate nation on the world state, looking in the mirror, facing your problems each day and working together is! We know that these may seem to be harsh criticisms, but we have loved Bermuda too much to not express what we feel. Unfortunately, that love affair seems to be coming to an end. What will there be for a future? Perhaps only memories and old photographs. God had given you a paradise on earth ? why would you throw it away?

Support PATI

October 22, 2005

Dear Sir,

I must take exception to the criticism of the Government policy unit developing The Public Access to Information Act by two of my colleagues Mr. John Barritt and Mr. Trevor Moniz as mentioned in today?s . They really did not criticise the content of the proposed bill because as stated they agree with the principle of a Freedom of Information Act, except to say they would like it produced much faster than the timetable given in the paper.

They did however use most of their comments to criticise the absence of a Whistleblower?s Protection Act. In my view, if they wanted to criticise the absence of a Whistleblower?s Protection Act they should have done that separately not piggyback negative comment onto the policy unit?s production of The Freedom of Information Act.

The Public Access to Information Legislation or freedom of information legislation is extremely complex and important to Bermuda in that it establishes in the law a right for every individual in Bermuda, and in some cases beyond, and it must be done properly. For my part I feel the policy unit in The Cabinet Office lead by Mr. Warren Jones is doing a very good job and I called them and told them so. After tumultuous research and a number of consultations and public meetings they have caused the Premier to table a discussion paper in Parliament.

The document is quite comprehensive and represents a good start to a public policy discussion. They propose as a next step, after a period of feedback from the public, to produce a white paper or the bill. My preference is they should do both, and after public absorption of the white paper that will highlight all that is to go into the bill, the bill should be produced and allowed to lie on the table of the house while further discussion with the community takes place before it is passed by the legislature.

It takes time to have the dialogue with the public and solicit feedback on such a complicated and powerful piece of legislation. The importance of assuring the public that personal and third party information will be protected cannot be understated, particularly in Bermuda?s case with a thriving international business community. The international business community will wish to be assured that their private business will not be subject to access any more than it is now. This is not the case in some other jurisdictions.

Mr. Moniz is correct when he says PATI will require change not just among politicians but also civil servants. I think that is a given. Mr. Moniz also expressed a desire to be consulted. As I understand it there is an open invitation to everyone to provide input and be consulted. It is a phone call away. I believe Mr. Editor, when something is right and good for the country we should support it and help it. We do not always have to criticise for criticisms sake. I would suggest to my two colleagues the development of freedom of information legislation by the policy unit is a case that needs their support, because doing it right is so very important for the country.

Warwick

Declawing cats is wrong

October 24, 2005

Dear Sir,

I was interested to read your article in Monday October 17 edition of T concerning the presentation in the Horticultural Hall on cruelty to animals. During this event various pictures were shown to illustrate some of the appalling standards of animal care on the Island. However, it concerns me that some present at that meeting who should be setting the highest standards of animal protection do not.

In particular, I refer to the Shelter Chairman of the SPCA, a practising veterinarian who offers the procedure of de-clawing cats at his Ettrick Veterinary Hospital. He and his veterinary assistants perform this extremely painful surgery which is psychologically traumatic to cats and further, is considered as mutilation by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (www.rcvs.org.uk).

I can only presume this to be elective cruelty performed by those who are entrusted with preventing suffering in animals. As the responsible and caring owner of four beautiful ?tree climbing? cats, I am left confused why this person is not actively discouraging/educating clients against this procedure. Perhaps I should contact the RCVS for clarification and perhaps this hospital should put an end to this awful practice by initiating a motion for an outright ban in Bermuda?