Gambling motif distasteful

December 20, 2004

Dear Sir,

Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion regarding the Crown and Anchor displayed at Kindley Field Roundabout.

In just a few days it will be Christmas.

Christmas is a holiday to celebrate the birth of our lord Jesus.

Could they not find something better to display than cards?

It is a terrible shame to see such a display, especially with everything that is going on around us.

That display should read, 'Give thanks unto the Lord for he is good and his mercy endureth forever.

Crown and anchor ire

December 28, 2004

Dear Sir,

I write to express my indignation at the erection of the two white cubes on the roundabout near Number One Gate, St. David's.

These cubes obviously represent the gambling game of "Crown and Anchor" played at Cup Match and, I understand, other sports events.

While I have no wish to disprove of those who wish to gamble, it is most inappropriate for the Government to promote gambling in this manner.

I could accept the display if it had been erected during the Cup Match holidays as recognition of a Bermudian custom.

I have enjoyed playing a game or two myself. "Dark 'n Stormy" is also a Bermudian custom (and vice) ? why not erect a huge bottle of Black Rum!

Perhaps it was more offensive because it was erected at Christmas time and felt like a slap in the face for Christians celebrating the birth of Christ. Let us not forget WHY we celebrate Christmas in spite of all the commercial hullabaloo at this time.

Government ? TAKE IT DOWN! I'll do if for you, if you don't have the guts to acknowledge it was a mistake.

Is PTB covering up?

December 24, 2004

Dear Sir,

I have just read the account in today's of the conviction of a PTB driver on two counts of "DUI" in May and July of this year.

The Director of PTB is quoted as saying the department had no knowledge of the accident/arrest in May, therefore allowed the driver to continue his employment, and as a result he re-offended in July. If the account in today's paper is correct, he was arrested and tested for alcohol/drugs after the accident on North Shore, Devonshire in May, 2004.

I would therefore assume, given the PTB statement of "no knowledge" of that event that the bus took itself back to the garage.

The driver could not have taken it! He was in custody and at KEMH at the material time! Somebody at PTB must have known of the accident and subsequent arrest of the driver.

I strongly suspect there was a glaring and inexcusable lack of communication within the PTB or somebody is covering up the true facts.

It is bad enough when anybody drives under the influence of drink or drugs, at any time; but is even more serious when busloads of passengers subsequently are put into danger by such blatant disregard by those in authority of the criminal activities of 'trusted' government employees.