Clarification on two items

November 5, 2003

Dear Sir,

I am writing to offer clarification on two items which appeared in on Monday, November 3, 2003.

On page 5, there is reference in the article on the Education initiatives in the 2003 Throne speech, to the fact that no mention was made on teacher licensing, which according to your reporter, has been "in the offing" for many years. I wish to advise that the Bermuda Educators Council Act was passed in 2002. The primary function of the Bermuda Educators Council is to oversee teacher licensing in Bermuda and, as part of this function, to establish a code of ethics governing the profession.

In accordance with the mandate of the Act, a Council that represents the interests of educators and employers of educators in both the public and private sectors, as well as from the community at large, began meeting officially in May, 2003 and continues to meet on a monthly basis. Although receiving an initial start-up grant from the Ministry of Education and Development, the Council is independent of the Ministry and is expected to operate with full objectivity as it fulfils its mission.

The school for the performing arts which is mentioned in the same report is a matter which is under active consideration by a committee composed of both educators and members of the community who are examining the feasibility of establishing such a facility in Bermuda. However, no final decisions have been made about any aspects of its operation. It is anticipated that recommendations will be forwarded to the Minister of Education and Development by the end of this school year and that action, if needed, will be taken accordingly.

In closing, on page 7 of Monday's edition of , there is an article entitled "Coalition files complaint against headmistress". within that article is reference to the fact that an alleged offence could be a matter for the Department of Education. I wish to clarify that the school in question is not within the Bermuda Public School System; as such, decisions pertaining to the school would normally fall within the purview of the school's Board, if such a Board exists.

More importantly, I wish to point out that administrators in the Bermuda Public School System are acutely aware of the obligation imposed upon them by the Children's Act 1998. As such they know that they must report any suspicion of abuse involving a child to the Department of Child and Family Services. Our administrators have received training in this area from the Ministry of Health and Family Services and liaise with relevant persons in that Ministry on an as-needed basis.

I trust that this information will clarify the matters raised in your articles. We need to ensure that we share a common understanding when it comes to discussing public education in Bermuda. We continue to make it our business to be the BEST ? that is, to be the number one choice for education in Bermuda!

Fourways' kind gesture

November 5, 2003

Dear Sir,

I would like to share with you and your readers a kind gesture afforded to my husband and I on Wednesday, October 29, 2003.

My husband won second prize in his age group in a road race held earlier this year. The prize was a $100 voucher from Fourways. At the time we didn't realise that the voucher expired in six months so when we decided to treat ourselves I discovered the voucher had expired two and a half weeks previously. We decided that we would treat ourselves anyway so when I phoned to make the reservation I explained that we had a voucher that had expired and the receptionist kindly said she would inquire from the manager whether we could still use it. We were absolutely thrilled to be told that the manager was only too happy to honour the voucher.

We have dined in many countries throughout the world including the great cities of London, Paris and New York to mention just a few. Dining at Fourways was an experience I never expected. The service, food, music and ambience was superb.

I hope all tourists that visit Bermuda know about Fourways as I'm sure it will be an experience they will never forget.

Well done, Fourways. This has been our best dining experience ever and I would like to particularly thank the manager and his staff.

'Give time to love'

November 1, 2003

Dear Sir,

Recently I received an e-mail from a close friend and relative of mine. I wish to share some extracts from same that was written by George Carlin, a comedian who lost his wife recently.

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.

"We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.

"We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

"We drink too much, smoke too much, spent too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

"We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

"These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. "These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and a pill that does everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

"It is a time when there is much showroom window and nothing in stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you choose either to share this insight, or just hit delete.

"Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. "Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

"Give time to love, give time to speak and give time to share the precious thoughts of your mind. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Thanking the community

November 5, 2003

Dear Sir,

The chairperson and board of directors, staff and clients of the Physical Abuse Centre would like to thank members of the community who donated so generously to our Tag Days on October 24 and 25, 2003.

Our goal is to continue to be a beacon of hope for those who are plagued with domestic violence and are seeking refuge and help at our 'Safe House' and to offer assistance with our 'Abuse Free' programme for batterers.

We would not be able to raise the funds without the taggers, the many volunteers from service clubs, students from CedarBridge Academy, Berkeley Institute, Whitney Institute, individuals and special friends who assisted us in counting your donations.

Your contributions amounted to $18,735.91.

Thank you for your charitable gifts to our organisation.

JUNE AUGUSTUS, J.P.

Chairperson/Fundraiser

The Physical Abuse Centre

Term limits make sense

November 5, 2003

Dear Sir,

I am in total agreement with the PLP plan for term limits for expatriates.

Once the expatriate's contract expires, it is their turn to leave Bermuda and hopefully a Bermudian can take over their position or they hire a different expatriate. The only exception I would make would be the CEO. Simply because the CEO is the "face" of the company and can maintain stability in the eyes of investors, analysts and rating agencies. All other positions are dispensable.

The international companies are saying it is too costly and disruptive to have to change senior staff so often. Are they truly interested in training Bermudians for these senior positions? Yes, they offer scholarships, training and valuable work experience, but why have there been so few Bermudians in senior positions over the last 20 plus years. Are they only training us to rise to mid-management, while senior positions are left for expats? They would also say that overseas work is necessary to advance to these senior positions.

Is Bermuda not one the main centres for insurance and hedge funds? So why should we leave a top jurisdiction to get experience overseas? With globalisation and technology, whatever can be done overseas can be done from Bermuda. No, this is one of their main excuses for saying a Bermudian is not qualified for a senior position. Whenever senior appointments are announced in the press I hope to see one of the many intelligent, qualified Bermudians I have worked with. Instead, all I see is another expatriate coming to work in paradise. Why? I believe there are two reasons for this.

1) International businesses are run by white males, worldwide. Many of these international clients are not "comfortable" discussing business matters with a Bermudian, especially a black Bermudian. Therefore, these Bermuda companies must ensure that all key senior positions are filled by white expatriates to maintain and develop their business. They would never admit this because that would expose the racist practices of them and their clients.

2) There is an inherent belief that most Bermudians are incapable and lazy.

So, put the policy in place and let us really see if the international companies are truly sincere when they say they are training Bermudians for senior positions in the industry. Promote Bermudians to senior positions and you will not have a big issue about term limits. If some clients leave, fine. Then maybe the cost of living would decrease and the average Bermudian can buy a house in Bermuda.

YOUNG WELL EDUCATED BERMUDIAN

Hamilton Parish