An added bonus

June 20, 2002

Dear Sir,

Many of my readers have often asked what happened to my pen. Yes, I have been quiet but for my own reasons - not that there were no topics to discuss.

But on Sunday, June 9, I was invited by my grandson to the Bermuda Institute. He was participating in a quiz programme called Math Attack. The age group of the children was from nine to 11 years I guess, because my grandson is ten going on eleven.

It was an enlightening experience to see these young children with the peak of alertness in these young minds. The time frame they had to give their answers was from 30 seconds to a minute.

Now picture these questions in cross multiplication, algebra equations and rapid math. To some minds, this is a very strange language an I fit that category (smile). But these children were simply amazing and fully alert as they answered as rapidly as they were asked.

Now if that doesn't blow your mind, check this out: during the question period, they were asked in French, Spanish and German and, of course in English.

Readers, you would have to be there to really appreciate these smart children. It would have been great if this contest were carried on television. I sat in awe as these young participants executed their mental skills with the articulate skills of past masters in this field.

Quite often, in talking with my grandson, he would say to me: "This is a hi-tech world". Well, after Sunday, I know exactly what he means and I thank God for him and his sister and also thank Him for the day I was born (smile). These children are truly my life for the future. Just to be a part of their lives is a blessing. I can never thank God enough!

The overall winner with first place was Ceola Wade (Mr. and Mrs. L.F. Wade parents), a young lady Wilson in second and my grandson placed third.

Overall, it was great to share the afternoon with children, parents and teachers. To the teachers, parents and children of Bermuda Institute, continue on the path where the dream is kept alive by the vision. May God continue to bless you all and may you continue to strive for the best for our children at BI

I would suggest that the Minister for Education try to get the tape and view it. It would be a real eye opener!

WENDELL (SCOPSIE) HASSELL

Sandys Parish

Spoiled by noise

June 25, 2002

Dear Sir,

As a frequent visitor to the Island,on my way in from the Airport last Wednesday,I was visibly reminded once again of the spectacular beauty of the place. Later that day I sampled the peace and tranquility (the traffic notwithstanding) and relaxed accordingly.

Early Thursday morning that peace was shattered by the noise of a helicopter circling and hovering very low overhead (I was residing in Pembroke Parish close to Fort Hamilton). The situation continued most of that day and into Friday also, generally spoiling what should have been a couple of wonderful days.

Surely this will not be an ongoing affair? If it is needed for official purposes then so be it and hopefully it will not be repeated too soon. Personal privacy is too valuable to be squandered in such a cavalier fashion and the encroachment of an ever-noisier world should not be tolerated.

ALEXANDER MASON

Ajax by the Lake, Ontario

A laughing stock

June 17, 2002

Dear Sir,

I departed Bermuda on Saturday and after seeing the Premier's television interview, the preceding evening. I had to purchase a copy of your newspaper to verify what I had heard was true. Unfortunately, for Bermuda, it was true. Unfortunately, for Bermuda, it was.

Talk about giving away "the farm" to the US. And then to sugarcoat it as if it was a great deal for the people of Bermuda is nothing less than deceitful and ludicrous. It's all win and no lose for the Americans. They are spared the millions in expenses for pollution cleanup, which will for decades be borne by the people of Bermuda and uses what? If, heaven forbid, there is another war they'll be right back out on the east-end-again. I hope the Premier, and Governor, have their snicker proof hats on as they celebrate in Washington because they will be a collective laughing stock of the invited guests.

I suggest that the new Government should now change their title from the "Progressive" to "Regressive" Labour Party. Or, if they wish to keep the monogram on the champagne napkins the same at least change their name to something more reflect of the action taken by their leader. "Poorly Lead People" now seems far more apropos."

MAPLE LEAF

S. Carborough, Ontario

Get real

June 25, 2002

Dear Sir,

I listened with interest to a report in the media that the police are going to "crack down" on those exceeding the speed limit and on drunk drivers. I agree that it is the job of the Police to enforce the laws of the land. However, I do have some concerns.

How many drivers, including police personnel on or off duty, adhere strictly to the speed limit of 35 kph? From personal observation, I would say that it is a very small minority. In the past, I have maintained that the speed limit, in many areas of Bermuda, is not realistic. I am a proponent of enforcing a realistic speed limit.

I have long contended that speed is a contributory factor to accidents. Careless and reckless driving (including excessive speed), inattention, impaired driving and unfamiliarity with the vehicle being driven or ridden are the real culprits when considering the cause of accidents.

Injuries and deaths from accidents have to be causes for worry and concern, especially when the innocent are involved. Where are the police "crackdowns" on those who break the law by wearing questionable safety helmets with either unfastened or loosely fastened straps? Where are the police "crackdowns" on those who run red lights or jump the amber lights just before they change to green? Where are the warnings about vehicle seat belts and child safety seats?

Maybe after a few of our lawmakers are stopped for speeding at 36 or 37 KPH, consideration may be given to proposing more realistic speed limits.

CHARLES H. JEFFERS

City of Hamilton

Children put at risk

June 20, 2002

Dear Sir,

I have recently been reading in your columns about the oncoming drive by The Bermuda Police Force to have another goat controlling the mayhem on our roads. Great idea was my immediate reaction, we certainly need that.

The reason the articles causes me to comment in your columns, Mr. Editor, is the increasing practice of carrying very young children - in front, on scooters and motor cycles.

Last year I wrote to the Commissioner of Police to hear his views on this practice after first confirming with his Duty Officer at the Hamilton Police Station that it is, absolutely against the law. In fact, the officer I spoke with added, "and for good reason".

I received no reply from The Commissioner and a few weeks ago I noticed a police car driving on East Broadway, "right beside" a young woman with a very small child standing in front of her on the scooter without any action on their part.

It is not difficult to imagine what would happen to this young child in a collision while standing in front with her face inches from the instrument housing of the scooter. It is also not very pleasant to even contemplate. The rider would have the unfortunate choice of either braking with one hand while trying to inhibit the forward thrust of the child's face to smash against the speedometer housing, or break with both hands leaving the child to a possible worse fate. That being either permanent mutilation or even death. However, the young woman rode on unquestioned by the two officers in the patrol car.

There seem to be two issues here in my view. The first is why the police appear not to be stopping this practice when it is clearly against the law, and exceedingly dangerous. The second is, had there been an accident on East Broadway in which the little girl was killed, would the young woman be charged with manslaughter (or childslaughter if you prefer).

It must be patently clear in the mind of a parent who places their small child in front, or on the gas tank of a motorbike that what they are doing is highly dangerous. Knowing this and then continuing to do so must surely constitute placing the child's life at risk of either disfigurement, serious physical damage or possibly even death.

It would be interesting to find out what The Attorney General feels about the legal position here, should a fatal accident occur, ads it surely will if this practice is allowed to go unchecked.

I have no idea whether this government plans to enforce all the laws of our roads at the present time, or whether they have some sort of selective enforcement in progress. Clearly the Police appear not too concerned as we see it all the time, and at an ever-increasing rate. It would be nice to think however,r that Government has the welfare of Bermuda's young children foremost on its agenda particularly where it concerns their safety on our roads.

So Mr. Editor, I would ask the Government the same question I put to The Police Commissioner: "Why are people allowed to have small children standing or sitting in front of the rider - at all times of the day, and particularly during rush hour traffic"?

In closing, I'm sure there will be a response to this letter where people will plead that they have no other recourse than to transport their young children to and fro in such a manner, due to their circumstances or economic constraints. To those people I can only suggest they take a deep look into their child's beautiful young eyes as they lift them onto the bike, and ask the question: "Why am I doing this"?

JACK GAUNTLETT

Sandys