BA fees unfair

March 3, 2004

Dear Sir,

On a recent trip to London on British Airways I changed my return date, as I have done on occasion over many years, at no extra cost but this time there was a big difference. When I got to the Gatwick check-ins, after waiting in line, having my baggage labelled and being given my boarding card I was told that I owed British Airways more money and that I had to take myself and my baggage to another British Airways desk.

There, the clerk and later her supervisor informed me that by British Airways rules I had to pay an extra $200 for the privilege of changing my return date. I advised them that in this electronic age when you can change your own seat in the twinkling of an eye online, that this fee was extortionate as the cost to British Airways was minuscule especially as they already had over $1,200 of my money, when others were paying a lot less.

They advised me that rules are rules and furthermore that at least five other fare prices for similar seats, ranging from approximately $600 to $1,400 all enjoyed the same doubtful privilege!

I then called the Customer Relations Departments and the clerk gave me the same "rules" speech and told me that I should have known there was rebooking charge. I advised her that I had never been charged one before and that if they would not fly me home unless they kept my $200 then I promised her I would write a letter to to inform the Bermuda public of their "rule".

Upon returning to the Island (poorer but wiser) I made some enquiries regarding British Airways rules. Apparently, this new rule was introduced in November, 2003 and applies to both when you change a ticket before you leave the Island and if you change it before you come back. Therefore, if you are not careful you could lose not just $200 but $400 a trip! Further, I have been advised that if an English person in England buys a ticket to fly to Bermuda and changes it he would be charged only ?50 (approximately $90) instead of the $200 Bermuda "special".

If this is true then it is discrimination against Bermuda residents and British Airways needs to clean up their act!

At the very least I hope this letter will prevent any of your readers from getting stranded abroad because they didn't have a spare $200 handy and at best that it might persuade British Airways to change their "rules" in the interests of customer satisfaction.

The wrong war

April 14, 2004

Dear Sir,

I refer to a letter by Patricia Reams Perry of April 9 where she was critical of Ms Lisa Kitson's opposition to the war on Iraq, which your readers know I am also.

Anyone with even modest intellectual capacity by now knows, or should know, that the reasons given for going to war were incorrect and in fact Iraq was not a threat to anyone but its own people. It was almost defenceless and its army easily overcome, as was witnessed.

There is no connection whatever to Al Qaeda and of course no WMD. In fact Iran was probably more dangerous.

To associate 9/11, the , or the Embassy bombings is comparing apples with oranges, there was no link to Iraq.

The only country possibly in danger was Israel, who have the fourth largest army in the world so can defend itself.

I was born long before you Mrs. Reams and recall that the Second World War was well into its third year with Britain standing alone winning the battle or Britain before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour and the US declared war, so while we appreciate the help, the US made a profit during the war and Britain was essentially ruined.

I have many American relatives including my sister-in-law and have always felt close to the US, but I think they have gone about this the wrong way.

Unless you have the gift of clairvoyance, I cannot see how you can comment on whether or not Ms Kitson does or does not at present do any of the laudable deeds you advocate.

I have the greatest sympathy for any member of the armed forces serving in Iraq and understand your concern as I lost a young man who would have been my brother-in-law, Jim Turnbull, you will find his name on the wall memorial in Washington DC killed in Vietnam at age 25 decorated posthumously for bravery in action.

It is my sincere desire that a solution will be found to resolve the Mideast crisis.

In the meantime may you and your family remain safe throughout this obviously stressful time.

Expressing my thanks

April 16, 2004

Dear Sir,

I would like to express my thanks to the emergency staff at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital the day of my accident.

The fracture clinic, the nurses at the Cooper Ward, the people who helped me on the road, the lady who helped me sit in her car before the ambulance came.

May God touch all of you.

In God's blessing.

Many thanks again.

Where's the respect?

Dear Sir,

When Aretha Franklin first belted those powerful lyrics to the world, she heralded the coming of a positive attitude for a new generation. She challenged many to claim "just a little bit of respect" from others, and many have responded to this day. Nowhere in her words, however, does she imply any disrespect for anyone. Indeed, as love begets love, so respect begets respect. How can we expect respect, unless we give it to others?

As most know, Prime Minister Tony Blair is now on the Island. Whatever our politics are, it is clear that the Prime Minister has earned the right to our respect, even for those of us who are not colonists or who share different ideologies. When a personage of such stature favours our Island with his/her presence, as ladies and gentlemen of good Bermuda grace and culture, we will, of course, respectfully welcome such persons with open arms, especially influential world leaders from large countries, and, above all, representatives of Bermudian's sovereign, the Queen (whose birthday we celebrate).

It was, therefore, a sad moment to hear on radio (April 12) one of Bermuda's leaders publicly state that he might or might not "make time to see the Prime Minister" during is first (and last?) visit to Bermuda. While some Bermuda leaders apparently did meet with the Prime Minister, the public posturing (implying that a meeting might not take place) cast a bad light on Bermudians ? much as do our spokespersons' insulting comments to the US Consul General. When Bermudians publicly announce that they may not show such courtesies and respect to visiting dignitaries, we send a loud message to the world: "Bermudians are not deserving of the respect of others!"

Is this lack of respect of others, as espoused by some of our spokespersons, somehow linked to "Independence"? Does "Independence" require rudeness? Does "Independence" require flippancy? Does "Independence" require impertinence? Does "Independence" require disrespect? Isn't it Bermuda's historical civility, dignity and common sense that has led to Bermuda's prosperity and stability and attracted the wealthy for years ? thus underpinning Bermuda's dollar and economy.?

This non-Brit is a great admirer of the reputation for gentility, which Bermuda has earned over many generations ? but, tragically, which can be destroyed by reckless rudeness almost overnight. Civilisation mandates civility, above all from our leaders, whose examples many will follow. It is this writer's prayer that Bermuda's leaders will, once again, aspire to Bermuda's historical good manners, gentlemanliness and respect towards others, especially in their public pronouncements. then, perhaps, Bermudians can justifiably expect the r-e-s-p-e-c-t of others, which was the salubrious subject of Aretha Franklin's clarion call so long ago.

"Neighbourly respect ... is an example to every country and a pattern for the future of the world." (Winston Churchill at the Canada Club, 1939).

RESPECT

Security at BAA

April 9, 2004

Dear Sir,

It was nice to know no gang wars happened down BAA the other night and I partially agree with the metal detectors.

This meaning, the detectors should have been on any group of guys wearing ganzis to the game instead of a family (husband, wife, kids etc.). Other than that, I would say football prevailed. Better luck next time Eagles. Maybe you'll soar to your victory and won't get stung like you did on that night.

SOCCER FAN

Pembroke

System is flawed

April 10, 2004

Dear Sir,

First let me say your letter has only confirmed that the recruitment system in the Government is flawed and that justice has not been served in Mr. Dolding's case! I think the system needs to be changed so that no matter what Government is in power. It can't wrongly manipulate it to suit its ends. If Mr. Dolding had won this case it would have resulted in a tighter system which could have protected all Bermudians.

What do you mean when you say born Bermudians? Mr. Dolding is a Bermudian by law, so what point are you making? There are not categories of Bermudians ... we are all supposedly the same and thus have all the same rights by our laws, as Premier Alex Scott confirmed recently!

I see Mr. Dolding as a hero. He represents the voice of all those who have been mistreated and abused by a corrupt system over the years. If this Government has gone against the rules it must be accountable for its actions.

I applaud Mr. Dolding for his bravery to take a stand, not for the rights of the white population as you seem to see it but for the rights of all Bermudians.

It seems to me by your letter that you have been mistreated yourself and hold a grudge. Instead of mocking those who have invested time and money into fighting for what is right try focusing your energy in a positive manner.

I must say as a Bermudian I question the future of this Island based not on the Government that is in place but based on those in the community who seem to be so blinded, biased and negative that they see the difference between those who are born Bermudian and those who aren't. It is sad that you feel the need to mock another man's loss to make a statement. It is regrettable that you seem to feel that his unjust treatment levels the playing fields of history. I feel sad for your soul and integrity based on your comments.

So in response to your "get over it" comment, I say the same to you and throw your words back into your face ... move on from the past ... and get over it yourself. By the way I am a born Bermudian ... whatever that means!