Writer missed the point

January 31, 2007

Dear Sir,

Glad to read that CedarBridge's PSTA head Mr. Swan is so sure there is a future Editor in their midst. Just curious, would one actually need basic spelling, grammar or punctuation skills to do your job? Doesn't seem like they are getting those at high school! (And this is the future work-pool for Brown & Jumeirah Inc.?)

SCRIBE

Quality of life

February 12, 2007

Dear Sir,

Although I am not against the development of Bermuda economically and/or physically, I am a proponent of sustainable development and the processes that must accompany this approach. I am concerned with the decreasing amount of open space in Bermuda. Open space that is green is not only important aesthetically but also ecologically. It provides a place of tranquillity and respite from our already hectic society. Ecologically, countless animal and plant species depend on ever shrinking green areas for their habitats.

Our coastlines are areas of extreme sensitivity. They harbour delicate ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and rocky cliffs. Countless fish and bird species depend on these areas. Serious consideration must be given before they engage in any activity that may be detrimental to the environmental health of our remaining open and green land.

If we develop, and we must in some way, we should develop with our minds focused on not only the economic future but also the quality of life for our future generations to follow.

DAVID CHAPMAN

Hamilton Parish

Big money rules

February 8, 2007

Dear Sir,

The Southlands pending Special Development Order is only the tip of the iceberg.

In the past three years SDO's have been give to the following:

? The former Sonesta Beach

? Fairmont Southampton Princess

? The Cliffs Resort Warwick

? Belmont Hills Golf Course

? Ritz Carlton

? Newstead

Did you know that when a Minister signs an SDO it negates the participation of the planning board and can give the developers free range to do things outside the planning rules? It's unfair that Bermudians must a adhere to a rigorous Planning Board process to add even an apartment or a garage and yet big money has figured out a way to side step the very rules that have been put in place to protect our Island.

NO DOUBLE RULES

Devonshire

What's on the horizon

February 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

I am one of the 100-plus objectors to the "Southlands" development application and am sorely feeling that the democratic rights extended to me by the Bermuda planning process is about to be taken away because someone else has determined that they know what is best for me and my country. It's looking like "big brother" to me.

Not only is it seeming that my elected Government is party to this but also fellow citizens who I believe would fervently defend their own democratic rights.

My vote is one way I speak for myself in this democracy. My right to be heard in the development process is another. I'm wondering what is next on the horizon. I'm also wondering what other Bermudians are thinking on this.

DON'T DENY DEMOCRACY

Hamilton Parish

Take note, Warwick

February 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

In reference to the Southlands development, our community should be aware that the eight- to ten-storey housing project is not located on the Southlands property but in Hunt's Quarry off Khyber Pass. I urge all those living in the area to view the plans and consider the effects that 252 new living units will have on traffic, schools, recreation and religious establishments. Residents of Constituency 26 North and 26 South, and others, take note of what your representative thinks of this project.

WORRIED ABOUT OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

Warwick

Don't insult our intelligence

February 8, 2007

Dear Sir,

A short while ago Dr. Brown was quoted in your paper as saying that those people who object to the Southlands development are not Bermudian. I resent that implication as I can trace my family back multiple generations and I'm as Bermudian as it gets and I will continue to object to projects like this one and The Fairmont Southampton's golf villas and any other development that destroys what precious little open space this Island has left.

The artist's impression of the Southlands project is about as un-Bermudian as is it could be. Guests in that resort could be any where in the world and will hardly even know they've come to our Island. They sure won't be coming to Bermuda for the shopping as apart from a select number of exclusive small shops there is no shopping in Bermuda. When I was a little girl the roads were packed with tourists on their mopeds (instead of manic bike riders and oversized cars) who came here not only for a wonderful holiday but for the items they could buy at believe it or not, better prices than they could get elsewhere - crystal, cashmere and jewellery. I'll put money on it that guests at this new hotel will hardly even feel the need to visit any other part of Bermuda.

The Fairmont Southampton's proposed destruction of their beautiful golf course (and lets face it, at the end of the day golf course or not, it is still one of the most stunning pieces of open space this Island has) and the Southlands Development will not enhance the lives of many Bermudians. The golf villas, by their own admission, will be a one off cash inflow for the Fairmont Southampton; cash that will flow into the pockets of the hotel's owners as that land will be sold freehold never to be reclaimed by this Island.

The Southlands project, which appears to have been a done deal before it even hit the papers, will be another overload on our infrastructure. At present we don't have the number of qualified Bermudians to staff such a hotel and I think it will take more than a six-week course in Dubai to get them ready. If you're coming to a five star hotel you're going to want five star service because here in Bermuda you're sure as heck going to pay for it whether you get it or not!

So in my humble opinion I would like to suggest to Dr. Brown that he not insult the intelligence and commitment of people who are just trying (almost in vain it seems) to protect our Island and to remind him that this Island belongs to the people of Bermuda and is not his personal playground. How very encouraging to know that our young people are indeed aware of their surroundings and with hope and encouragement will fight for the good of Bermuda and her environment.

SUSAN VALLIS ROBLIN

Southampton

Get involved

February 12, 2007

Dear Sir,

Where are the true Bermudians? Why are so many of us standing by and allowing this seven star Dubai hotel development? It is time to stand up and be counted - the sample hotel room photo that appeared in the paper was hideous. It could have been a hotel room anywhere in the world. Is this what we want? Who will prosper from this development? The foreign owners and the foreign workers and the so-called "lucky" Bermudian owners and Government that is who! Wake up Bermudians. I fear our Government does not have our best interests at heart. Get involved, get informed and get to action.

DON'T STAND FOR THIS

Devonshire

Encourage fathers

Dear Sir,

The painful effects of divorce or separation on children can last a lifetime. No matter how much love and care parents devote to a child, that can't erase the many questions in the mind of a child. Especially, if the divorce/separation is ugly, wherein the father or mother is not given equal opportunity to raise the child. Being a separated wife and a mother of two children for over 14 years, I managed to carry my responsibility in raising my children with the kind assistance of Childwatch President, Mr. Eddie Fisher. I continuously encourage the "father" of my children to take part in their needs and support.

I support the vision and future plans of the Childwatch Group to enable fathers here in Bermuda to have equal access to their children. Fathers and mothers should make their best effort to equally perform their responsibilities in order for the child to have his own "moral identity".

A world of difference can be made by divorced parents through a child's mind and heart by setting aside personal interest, grudges and bitterness felt over separation/divorce. Showing forgiveness and respect with each other can help handle conflicts over child's needs in a gentle and positive way.

I strongly believe that there are many good fathers in this world, as well as mothers, who wants only the best for their child. So let's encourage all fathers to become a parent in every aspect of their child life. A father that can give his child love, understanding, an open mind of true wisdom and strength. This way, both parents can proudly say that they have not lived in vain and that they have secured a better world for their children.

SURVIVING MOM

Sandys

The BIU is here to stay

February 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

The purely racist statements that Tony Brannon has made has surely upset a lot of Bermudians. Blacks more so than whites. Some white Bermudians are claiming he is only using his freedom of speech. If the shoe was on the other foot their opinions would be quite different.

You know there is some truth in his statement. Before you shoot me, let me finish my point. The black Bermudians that kept voting for the UBP governments time after time. Irrespective of the downturn in tourism numbers. The closing of our major hotels one after the other. The deterioration of our tourist product. Namely the Dockyard, the national parks, the Railway Trail, our roadways etc. The rise in crime. So yes Mr. Brannon, those blacks that continuously voted for the successive UBP governments blind to their irresponsible management policies. Yes, those blacks are very responsible for Bermuda's decline in tourism. Because without those black votes they would not have stayed in power to bring us where we are today.

Anybody that really knows Tony Brannon or has worked for him would know that is how he really fells. That is no apology in today's paper. He says he apologises for the black Bermudian remarks but he won't apologise for his remarks about the BIU. Anybody who has lived in Bermuda long enough would know that the majority of the BIU members are black so his racist statement still stands and no apology accepted.

I used to work for Tony in the early 80s at the 40 Thieves and the Disco 40. I'm sure your older readers can remember the 40 Thieves which was Bermuda's premier nightclub outside of the hotels. Tony in all his wisdom closed 40 Thieves and opened two discos in the same building. The two discos lasted about two years. He than decided to open a nightclub downstairs in a smaller venue as a predominant rock club. That did not work. He than tried a jazz theme and that didn't work either. So it was he who brought on the demise of one our premier nightclub for foreign and local acts that helped to bring down tourism, not the BIU.

I'm sure your older readers would also remember the strikes and work stoppages at the above mentioned clubs. On a regular basis I might add. And no they were not brought about because of union tactics but because of Tony's racist remarks and bad behaviour.

I have a message for Tony Brannon or any white Bermudian that thinks the BIU is no longer needed. The Bermuda Industrial Union is in its 61st year and it is here to stay.

I have been a proud member of the BIU for over 25 years. Here are some of the reasons why I am a proud union member. Vacation and sick pay that the unions fought for but everyone benefits from. In unity their is strength. The only thing that is stopping the bosses from taking back those benefits are the unions. Not their benevolence.

I have a message for all workers or otherwise. Do not let your boss tell you that unions are outdated. The next time they tell you that or utter it in public. Ask them why is it that they belong to several. The Chamber of Commerce, The Bermuda Employers Council, The Bermuda Hotel Employers etc. Just to name a few. The Oxford Dictionary defines a union as no more than the joining of things. So if the majority of Bermudas employers belong to more than one of the above mentioned unions. Than don't you think you should at least belong one of your choice. Wake up and unite workers.

LESLIE JAMES SMITH

Sandys

Parental involvement

February 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

I am so happy about the review. But ... any review tat that does not find a way to spur the on the involvement of the parents is doomed to fail. What is the average attendance recorded for PTA meeting in the public system? How does that translate into percentage points of optimal parental involvement?

I am very aware that we are too ready to blame teachers for every ill experienced. What frightens me more is the lack of parental involvement in the at home follow-up... and not just, "How was school today?" Maybe:

What did you learn today?

Can you explain the process or idea to me?... and/or "Why not?"

Does this have any daily/real application?

One might even say, "Teach it to me so that I might learn/relearn something useful?

And the big one, " Let's work together so that you can learn something from this."

Strange thing is that if our young ones got one meaningful and supportive question from us daily, I believe there would not be this near panic reaction. Make no mistake, if the companies could get quality Bermudagraduates there would be an ever stronger tie to the island's people.

Looking for answers

January 28, 2007

Dear Sir,

Another year has passed and we (the public) still have not an answer to so many concerns.

Why haven't we had a Commission of Inquiry into:

The disappearance of $50 million of our dollars at the Berkeley Project?

The disappearance of $1 million plus of our dollars at the Office of the Accountant General ?Yes someone has been convicted but we need to know how it could have happened ? and who else was involved.

The disappearance of a huge amount of our dollars from the Immigration Office.

The help-yourself programme involving Bus Tickets.

The Housing Corporation scandal ? Yes, one lower level employee was convicted ? But again obviously many others had to have been involved ? How could it have happened? IF the authorities doubt the scandal they need only to ask on the street ? what was going on was commonly known by so many people.

The answer to the earlier question is so simple ? the truth would have been a huge embarrassment to the Government

Still waiting for some answers from our transparent Government,