September 25, 2003

Dear Sir

I write not only for myself, but for other individuals in the community who would like to publicly commend the eight-year old boy involved in the five-day sexual assault trial that concluded last week, for the brave and courageous stand that he took throughout the entire legal process.

He should be praised and congratulated, despite the outcome of his court case, for his determination in seeking justice.

As a former Probation Officer, I know first-hand that any experience with the criminal justice system can be daunting even for an adult, but for a young child who has been traumatised, it can be almost debilitating. Although he and his family may have lost faith in the criminal justice system, I want them to know that they have gained the respect of the community. My heartfelt admiration goes out to that brave little boy, you are a hero!

September 24, 2003

Dear Sir,

Needless to say, the silence with respect to Trevor Moniz (at right) is deafening, bearing in mind the spectacular investigative bungling recently revealed by way of some of the more recent prosecutions that have ended in farcical ignominy.

The recent case involving a young boy and an alleged sexual predator was especially poignant and tragic. Yet the voice of Mr. Moniz is nowhere to be found. Could it be that the blame that he so easily and apportioned to the former African Bermudian DPP was misplaced - as many have speculated - or has our fearless champion simply lost his zeal for excoriation and reform?

If however, Mr. Moniz should decide to break his silence perhaps it would be appropriate to start with a simple, yet for some, difficult phrase to master: I apologise!

September 25, 2003

Dear Sir,

I would like to voice my strong objection to the granting of a liquor licence to the 24-hour gas station. Selling a case of beer rather than a six pack or a single cold one from that establishment, does not make the issue any more acceptable.

Too often we allow the love of the almighty dollar to overshadow the social ills that are being created.

I pray that Senator stands up as a leader and exercise his civic duty in helping to rid us of this legal scourge. Is the Senator going to give in to every popular request by his clients? If the licence is not granted, saying "We are not allowed" is a big cop out. Keep pumping gas, Sen. Tannock. Let the whistles of your thirsty clients be whet elsewhere.

September 27, 2003

Dear Sir,

After reading the article on the front page of on September 27, 2003 concerning the "criticism" for closing the Causeway this past Friday due to Hurricane Juan, I realised that some people in Bermuda will never be satisfied.

When Hurricane Fabian hit us on September 5, we lost four lives on that Causeway. There were complaints from the public lashing out to government with remarks such as: "why wasn't the bridge closed to all traffic when hurricane warnings were issued"?

Then when Mr. Lister was notified of a developing storm off of Bermuda late on Thursday and made the decision to close an already extremely damaged Causeway to protect the safety of others, people still complain. When will the people of Bermuda ever be satisfied?

Until people can look into a crystal ball and tell the exact future concerning the weather they have no right criticising Mr. Lister's decision, that includes the thoughtless gentleman whose parents were stuck in New York. Get over it!

Yes, there was some confusion whether the Causeway was opened or closed throughout the day on Friday and at end of the day the hurricane ended up not being a threat to us, but if it did hit us and Mr. Lister did not close the causeway and we lost more lives, what then? More complaints from the public!

As a resident of St. David's I would much rather the Causeway be closed all weekend if it meant saving my life. I agree with Mr. Lister - "safety first". He did the right thing.

September 26, 2003

Dear Sir,

As all of these letters start... "As a long time Bermuda visitor..."

I watched with horror, fear and sympathy the onslaught of "Fabian" and saw via the internet and other sources the devastation this natural event visited on my favourite place in the world. My feelings went out to my many friends on the Island.

However I am and continue to be appalled at the action of the BIU int he aftermath of the hurricane.

To use this very serious event that unfortunately claimed lives as a situation for union action defies all rational understanding. Does the leadership (again) have no sense of timing or do they just wish to kill Bermuda.

We who live on far look at this and think 'here they go again... They have a perfect place like Eden and all they want to do is eat the apple.'

I watched as unions and misguided independence dreams destroyed other vacation spots, are we to repeat this yet again. We the actions of the unions and the government in situations like this I can only say that it seems that you are determined to mess up a very good place.

I for one will, with extreme regret, leave you to it. I hope you can find away out of the mess you seem to have created. I really do not see it happening and have no further desire after so many years to have my time on the Island compromised by such self centred and troubled labour and government situations.

I wish all Bermudians well and to my many friends for the last 30 years - the cab drivers, bus drivers, hotel and restaurant staff, dock workers and all the others - I say goodbye as for what ever reason you seem to believe that you can operate outside any know reality and can and do take job actions that any non-Bermudan viewpoint have to be far away from any part of the real world.

To quote Bob and Ray: "Write if you find work." Although that concept seems unlikely.

I do not see me, my family or my friends returning to such a place.