Thank you for your help

May 5, 2002

Dear Sir,

My educational journey has not been an easy one, especially at the Masters level. And as such, I'd like to publicly acknowledge particular individuals and organisations that have indeed blessed me in my educational pursuits; without whom, I possibly wouldn't be in the position that I am today.

As a boy in West Pembroke Primary School, I was the hyper active sort. Many teachers viewed that characteristic as rude, rather then energetic. Collectively, I was also considered to be distracted. Again, one or two of those teachers thought me to be inattentive, rather then a young thinker. Still, I thank Mrs. Cox for the spanks that I received at her hand and even the detentions (those were different times back then). Without the 'rod of correction', my energy could have very easily turned into rudeness. I also thank Ms Heart. Her kindness was indeed motherly and gentle.

Upon transfer from WPPS to a 'private institution' that my parents trusted, a particular trend began. Yes, my parents and I remember some of their words. Some said that I wouldn't amount too much. One actually said that I would be struck by lightning! Truly. This was a teacher in the Bermuda school system. But, who's focused on the negatives? Since I have nothing positive to say, I'll say nothing at all except, "Look at me now. Where is the lightning that you prophesied? Where is the bread that I was supposed to be begging for? ". But who's focused on the negative?

Moving on to Warwick Secondary School and the beloved graduate class of 1991. Truly these were the best days of my young life. But that doesn't mean my struggles were non-existent. I thank the constant and booming voice of deputy principal Earl 'Gabby' Heart. And I can still hear him shouting in the open and closed corridors, "Hey boy! Get to your class! ". I remember it well. We ALL do. And whenever we heard the footsteps of Gabby coming, we scattered like sheep without a shepherd. You kept us all in line and we have nothing but love for you because of it. Truly Mr. Heart, yours is a dying breed in this now 'modernized' and tolerant world.

Ms Borrows, you know I could never forget you. You were a teacher who was down to earth. As young as we were, you still were willing to sit and chat and laugh with us, even listen to us talk about other teachers who we felt were unkind and "stinky". You had a relationship with us and that is more important. Because in this, you brought out our best. Likewise, I must honour Ms. Gibbons (now the wife of Mr. Tankard - last I recall). There was a time in WSS that I was pressed and needed guidance counselling. Ms. Gibbons was there in my corner the entire time encouraging me, pushing me, helping me to be my best. Though I may not stop you and express these things on the street. I KNOW who you are . and I have not forgotten your kindness. Thank you.

Alabama A&M University. Ms White, if I start giving honour to you I wont be able to stop! Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, however you are, thank you for your love and encouragement. "Look! I did it! ". J. Fubbler and T. Rabain. I thank the both of you as well. Those were trying times but your friendship was important to the boy turning into a man.

I'd like to also thank particular organisations such as the Bermuda Government for it's selfless scholarships over the years and also the Bermuda international business (ACE) for it's generous financial contribution. Equally, I'd like to thank BTC (specifically the HR Dept. and the Transmission Group and the late Otero Allers) for giving me the opportunities that it has. Thanks guys.

Enclosing. This would all be void if I did not thank my aunt Cherile Young and my aunt Nita Curtis. I'll never forget the two of you and your contributions. They were equally as effective as words of encouragement because the journey has been a financially pressing one. Thank you.

Above all I thank O'Brian and Ismay Cartwright (mom and dad). While organisations tend to get all the publicity for the morsels that they give out of their pots of gold, parents never seem to be honoured for their total commitment and perseverance. I could sum up all of the above mentioned and they still could not meet your deeds at the half point. I could have them all, but without you I cannot believe this would be happening. Above them all you are. You are above them all. And in such, you have my lifelong gratitude. Consider your brother Ce. Consider your son. Consider your nephew. Behold the boy turned man. Observe the fruits of your labour. Now smile. You've done well guys. You've done well.

CORNELIUS T. CARTWRIGHT B.A., MTM

Stone Mountain, Georgia. USA

You have lost control

May 03, 2002

Dear Sir

Accountability and the 'Poor Me Syndrome'.

Whilst it is probably fair to concur that a degree of vindictiveness may regrettably enter the tragic break-up of a family and home, and that some mothers may find it necessary to use, for whatever reason, their custodial child(ren) as emotional pawns, I must admit I was sickened by the letter printed today entitled 'A Case for Fathers'. When will fathers who believe they are victims realise that the 'Poor Me Syndrome' will get them nowhere, because these horrible tugs of war are still about power and control.

Until men are able to give birth; understand what nurturing and raising children from birth through adulthood is about; juggle full-time jobs and care for sick children whilst still maintaining a household and usually a social and community life as well; fight legal battles to ensure that proper provisions have been made, and will be maintained for the emotional, physical, and educational welfare of the children of the marriage; in other words, be Superman - then you will be awarded the custody of your child(ren) and maybe then you will understand the sacrifices mothers willingly make.

The cunning implication or deduction that it is because some mothers are malicious and liars, then mothers must be to blame for the overcrowding in our prisons and the reason so many of our youth are irresponsible - really, are we going to be burning at the stake next? Will the blaming ever stop, will men ever make themselves accountable for any part of the problem?

Wake up, my friend; you have lost control of the precious lives you should have worked harder to keep, and you don't like it. You no longer have the power and authority that you once had in your family home, and the only way for payback is to fight back, and to continue to place the blame on the mother. So, who exactly is the malicious party here? Better that you read the letter following yours 'Let Her Go' (which deserves applause); you will learn a lot about reality and Christianity and lose some of that bitterness that hurts only you.

A Mother

Pembroke

Let FOCUS continue

May 6, 2002

Dear Sir,

This would be the first time I have ever had the courage to write to the newspaper as I have not thought of myself as a good enough writer but on this particular topic I feel compelled to do so.

I have kept abreast with the FOCUS dilemma for the past several weeks. I consider myself smart enough to read between the lines and clearly see that the NDC/CPCT are trying to take over and discredit an organisation that is grass rooted.

The late Jerry Griffiths and Sandy Butterfield founded FOCUS. Sandy is both creative and passionate about what she does and it angers me that these two organisations would have the audacity to deem themselves as judge and jury.

Even an idiot could see that the same way NDC are going to oversee and run Camp Spirit and staff it, is exactly what FOCUS have and can do with available funds. They have had excellent results thus far. Why do "THEY" have to fix something that is not broken, are they trying to impress funders? Surely there is someone out there who can help this agency so that they do not have to sell their souls for the dollar. Let this agency continue with the good work it has done thus far in all of the programmes that they run.

Why is that the powers-that-be are hell bent on turning this grass root/home-grown charitable agency, whose staff have been known to go out on the street to talk to people, who have been known to go into the pits of hell to help someone, into some "high falutin" which will be programme more concerned with reports, statistics, evaluations, than saving lives. Focus, they will probably want you to come to work in a suit and tie!

FOCUS your silence is an indication that you have to be careful what you say as the mighty dollar is at stake. Hang in there Mrs. Butterfield, you and Mr. Farmer are doing an excellent job and you have the support of the community. Hats off also to your volunteers and board members. Oh, interesting set of figures in the paper $112,500 for Fairhaven, $75,000 for PRIDE, $37,500 for CADA and $30,000 for FOCUS...guess that adds insult to injury. CADA looks like you're next.

This is in support of Focus. I have been involved with Focus for the past four years and believe me; the staff there showed me the way and gave me the tools to change my life.

FOCUS is informal, non-judgmental and patient. Many times I would go there 'after the night before' and was not put out but encouraged to keep coming back. It took a while but by going there on a regular basis and seeing guys who also were users and were now free from drugs gave me the desire to have what they had. If it was not for the open door of FOCUS I would still be out there using drugs and breaking into your house. I love the new me and my life of sobriety. Sandy, you and your volunteers have more patience than Job.

RAYMOND

Warwick

P.S. I don't know anyone else in Bermuda I can turn to for help with one's drug addiction besides Sandy Butterfield and her staff and volunteers on a 24 hr. basis.