Foreigners taking over

October 31, 2003

Dear Sir,

Thank for allowing me once again these few words in your column.

It is really time for a Government of Bermudians ? meaning people that were born on this Island to take a stand.

There is going to come a time, and we are headed there soon, that our Island home will be over thrown by foreigners.

I have nothing against foreigners or, as they are called, expats.

Some are friends of mine but it has taken a new level and is getting out of control.

We have taken on the attitude that anything goes.

Enough is enough. At one time you heard Bermudians are not qualified to do some of the jobs today, (it) is nonsense.

I personally know people who have applied for jobs and foreigners have been brought in with the same qualifications or more but they have not gotten the jobs.

Some have their own homes or family homes. Most times foreigners come in to work the company or etcetera has to find houses for them.

And you all wonder why we have a housing crisis in Bermuda. Why our roads are over crowded.

One time when expats arrive for years they have bikes some of them are here for a month and own a brand-new car.

Look around and see some of the cultures that are taking over Bermuda you saw this especially during the summer they are having gatherings with just their kind.

Now look at the new happenings with the Bank of Bermuda and the plot thickens.

One day soon, Bermudians you will be a nobody in the land you where born and raised in mark my words.

Paget

Visitors love Island as it is

October 31, 2003

Dear Sir,

In regards to Tony Brannon's article stating that Bermuda needs to have a common-sense revolution for tourism, I just wanted to say it is just the opposite why tourists like myself who are repeat visitors love Bermuda so much.

I have been on many different travel-talk sites, and there is no talk of feeling that Bermuda needs to change.

The reason we all keep coming back is the simple fact that Bermuda is unique in its beauty and all that it has to offer.

It will sound odd to you, but we enjoy listening to the tree frogs at night after having a busy day.

This may sound strange to a Bermudian, but that is one of the first things that we miss when we arrive back home.

It's back to our usual hectic pace and all we can think is I can't wait to go back. I think that if any changes were to be made, you are on the right track with Lantana.

I have heard it is going to be geared towards a fitness/spa type resort. Also, Daniel's Head Village ? what a shame that was after it closed.

We stayed there on one visit and have never enjoyed a vacation more. We know that most Bermudians thought it was crazy, but we would go back in a heartbeat.

Bermudians may be looking for a Vegas-type vacation, but non-Bermudians are looking for a Bermudian vacation. Please keep it that way.

Regards,

SANDY PETRECCA

St. Catherine's, Ontario

Asim's opinion enlightens

October 24, 2003

Dear Sir,

I enjoyed your article that featured today. I am an African-American (married to a Bermudian) living on the Island of Bermuda.

Sixty percent of the population is black, about 40 percent is white.

I am so glad that includes your articles in their paper.

The Island needs to read and be cognisant of the views you present. The ideas you present encourage me to think more on how my family (and eventually my people) can be more successful.

Thanks and keep up the good work.

College staff troubles

October 29, 2003

Dear Sir,

Why was Sean O'Connell dismissed for speaking the truth? There are persons at the College who would like to see a totally black staff.

In education it is well known that you get promotion if you are black, Christian, preferably Seventh Day Adventist and/or related to someone on the staff.

Hey! What goes around comes around, it was once the white man's domain.

In those days members of the same family could not work in the same educational establishment. For a long time now, we have been like Nazi Germany afraid of who might be listening.

If I was still working at the College I would be afraid to write this letter.

Several years ago I saw another lecturer badly treated at the College and I did nothing for fear of being victimised.

Why does the College not consider the students?

The previous lecturer was known to be the best in her field and the students needed her to pass their exams at Christmas. To heck with the students, her sexual preference was more important and so she had to go.

Sean is an experienced lecturer. He probably knows more about the College than anyone else on the Island. Unfortunately the College administration has said experience counts for nothing.

People who are troublemakers are rehired even when they cannot even photocopy documents properly. Someone like Sean who is very well-educated, conscientious, and caring has to be disposed of because he spoke the truth.

It is well known that the morale at the College is very low and has been for many years.

Is it any wonder when the religious, God-fearing, folk who work there behave in such evil, back stabbing, sly ways?

Didn't we all learn in primary school not to run and tell tales or type anonymous letters to the newspaper?

I have not spoken to anybody about writing this letter.

White staff at the college are afraid to talk. They have been warned, they may be next. My friends would tell me not to get involved.

I have lived with regrets over the other episode. I felt I let the lecturer down, thereby letting her students down.

If we don't take a stand and accept the truth, these injustices will just go on like Nazi Germany with the tyrannical few running the show.

Please let's work together for the youth and future of the Island and especially Bermuda College where the majority of the staff are hard working and dedicated to the welfare of the students.

What a dishonourable example this is for Bermuda College students. If Bermuda cannot make it racially no country will.

Butler is doing a good job

November 3, 2003

Dear Sir,

Please allow me a little space in your newspaper to commend the Minister of Youth, Sport and Community Affairs the Honourable Dale Butler for his leadership with respect to the wonderful Service of Thanksgiving held at the National Sports Centre last Sunday. The programme went off without a hitch and all of the participants performed well.

Those in attendance showed their appreciation by several interruptions of warm applause throughout the service. The keynote speaker the Rev. Dr. Vernon Lamb I believe hit the nail on the head by emphasising that we should have "an attitude of gratitude" for God's protective care during the hurricane.

As he spoke a senior citizen who sat next to me pointed out the rainbow that appeared in the heavens behind him, which I thought was significant.

Unlike some others, I believe Minister Butler is doing an excellent job.

If his other initiatives are as successful as this one then we as community are in for great things.

Many see this man as future Premier, in fact I know one young lawyer who has already dubbed him Dale (Gandhi-G) Butler after the great Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, possibly because he believes that Dale like Gandhi has been ordained to lead his country to Independence.

Despite all the 'hoopla' over the Cuba issue which, to be frank, is getting rather tiresome Mr. Butler continues to make a positive contribution to this community and I for one look forward to the other exciting initiatives he has in store.