Prepare for Independence

December 7, 2003

Dear Sir,

I observed with interest the uncustomary method being used by the Governor with respect to the choosing of a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. I concur with the response and expressions of concern made by the Premier. I too am troubled by the actions of the Governor but I am not really surprised.

It is my understanding that the Governor does not have to follow the custom and precedents in Bermuda in this regard. As Her Majesty's representative in this British Overseas Territory, he can have the decision made on our behalf in the UK. Unfortunately, this action may only be the beginning of changes for the future.

This is a fraction of the price we pay for being a British territory instead of being independent. My position is, and has been for many years, that we should be actively preparing ourselves for Independence. I am not advocating that we should rush into setting a timetable for the move. I am simply suggesting that we should study the various options and costs for Independence and, as it were, place the Independence package on "the shelf" for use at a time of our choosing.

I would not be surprised if, in the not too distant future, we may feel that we are being pushed into making a decision in favour of independence. If we are prepared, we can do it in our own time in our own way. If we are not prepared it could be a very troubling and unsettling time. I urge our present government to lead the Country in dialogue and discussion in this regard.

It is my strong contention that a referendum is the fairest way to determine the will of the people with respect to independence. The problem with independence being a plank in an election platform is that some of the Party's supporters may not favour independence but agree with the Party's general position. On the other hand, there may be those who do not support the Party but who may be in agreement with the Party's position on independence. In my view, the issue of independence is much too important to be decided along Party lines during a General Election.

I trust that our Premier and Cabinet will include Independence in their New Year's resolutions for 2004.

CHARLES H. JEFFERS

City of Hamilton

Fabian's silver lining

December 10, 2003

Dear Sir,

Many people feel that God causes bad things to happen and that he allows these things to happen to punish us for things we have done or failed to do. I strongly believe that things happen for a reason, that is to make us stronger and wiser.

As I travelled around the Island to observe the aftermath of Hurricane Fabian, I was moved to look beyond the sheer devastation. This is not to minimise the destruction but Fabian brought out some of the most valued human qualities of the residences of Bermuda.

I saw neighbours unite to clean up their neighbourhoods. I saw your young men, some of whom we write off as useless, in army uniforms proudly working in order to restore our Island. Groups such as Belco, Telco, Police, Fire Services, Works and Engineering, countless other groups and individual residents played a major role in getting the Island back in order.

Fabian had other positive effects. It served to clear the overgrowth of vegetation. The remaining vegetation and trees seem to be growing healthier and greener since Fabian. In addition, Fabian allowed many businesses to get rid of stock which generally move slowly in normal times and start afresh with brand new stock.

What I saw made me proud to be a Bermudian. I saw people who were cheerful and confident in the face of tragedy. I saw a people who exhibited neighbourly love and concern. I saw a people who were resourceful, innovative and hard-working. I saw unique Bermudians architecture that was able to stand up to a category three hurricane which was a tribute to Bermudians' creativity and craftsmanship. But Bermuda, did you see it?

I pray that we continue to sow the seeds of love, peace, compassion and a cooperative spirit. We should make these values the hallmarks of Bermuda culture and firmly reject selfishness, contempt and jealousy.

Simply, good lessons and valuable experience can be learned out of tragedy. We must see Fabian as a test and a reminder.

BLACK SWAN

Hamilton Parish

Save section 34 land

December 5, 2003

Dear Sir,

I was about to write a letter to the editor expressing my deep concern about the loophole in the law, that allows a single individual to overturn the considered opinion of the Development Applications Boards, in regards to the development of land set aside as woodland reserve.

The letter signed 'Bermudian Environmentalist' in today's edition of The Royal Gazette says it all, except for one extremely worrying detail. This sort of power in the hands of one man opens up the very real possibility of corruption. There is nothing to stop unscrupulous land developers from offering bribes for favours, and since there is only one person involved, this may never be detected. It is not fair to expose a Minister in a responsible position to this kind of temptation.

The fact that a carefully explored decision by a group of trained environmentalists can be overturned at the whim of one person is quite appalling, and immediate action should be taken by government to block the loophole in the law. Section 34 must be adhered to, or people will soon stop donating their land for conservation, knowing that they cannot trust a government that can overturn their wishes at the drop of a hat.

I am sure that Lady Oona Chaplin would be turning in her grave if she knew that the land she so carefully bequeathed to Bermuda for safekeeping is being considered as a building site. Please let us stop this dangerous trend before it is too late.

E. RABEN

Paget