January 18, 2005

Dear Sir,

When we see the violence, murder and mayhem that we have on this Island, we are definitely living in a time of trouble and not just on this Island but all over the world. The majority of our young males that are committing these crimes most likely did not have their fathers play a role in their lives and most likely they still do not play a role in their lives. This is why the Father tells us in His word: And you fathers do not provoke your children to wrath (anger) Ephesians 6:4.

I am a single mother of three sons and I know the impact of not having a father in the life of a male child, another reason why we are having trouble with our males is because they have been led to believe that they are inferior, and in order to display power it comes by means of intimidation and fear on another human being. But there is hope. Here is some spiritual food for your mind and souls.

No particular race has a monopoly on brains. God had something special in mind when he allowed you to be brought into this world. He gave you the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual equipment to accomplish His special purpose for your life. Think of what wonderful army of men and women who are engineers, scientists, artists, educators, authors, judges, politicians, filmmakers, bankers, attorneys, physicians, dentists, technicians, musicians, and the list goes on and on.

Life is a constant struggle and you must not let circumstances deter you from reaching your goals. You must never lose the opportunity to stand on the firm foundation of your ancestors. When you probe into the history and culture of your own people, you need to know that where there is no black history, there is no black culture, where there is no black culture, there is no black dignity, where there is no black dignity, there is no black pride, where there is no black pride, there is no black freedom and where there is no black freedom, someone else is in charge of your destiny.

Don't let anyone crush your spirit, your ambitions, or your healthy sense of self. Look to Your Creator. Look into yourself. Look back, and recount the glorious and magnificent contributions of your African ancestors. Take pride in who you are, and as God's child, whose you are.

DAMITA LESHORE

Devonshire

A question or two

January 28, 2005

Dear Sir,

I have two totally unrelated questions that I am hoping one of your readers may be able to answer for me. Or, if not, perhaps direct me to someone who can provide the answers.

My son was born in Bermuda. Bot parents are Bermudian. He has a birth certificate issued in Bermuda, and since before that age of five years has held a Bermuda passport. I called the Department of Immigration recently to inquire about the procedures for having his UK passport stamped with proof that he is a citizen of Bermuda.

Before this stamp can be applied to his passport, I was told that he has to be registered with the Immigration Department. Because of the fact that he is not registered and was born after 1983 I have to produce a certified copy of his birth certificate (which can only be gotten through a lawyer's office), fill out a 'Status Application' and present these documents to Immigration along with their fee of $10.00.

Is there anybody who can please explain the necessity of this procedure and the expense involved to "register" with a Government Department that already has copies of documents required to apply for a Bermuda passport, as well as access to any birth records (which I believe are also maintained by Government)?

My second question is traffic related. For as long as I've known myself, there have been two entrances to Lovers' Lane off of Harbour Road. When I am travelling east on Harbour Road and want to turn onto Lover's Lane, I have always used the entrance on the right hand side of the roundabout.

One morning, as I made this turn, a van coming out of the entrance to the house which sits just past the Lovers' Lane entrance, proceeding onto Harbour Road and both vehicles had to screech to a halt to avoid a collision. The person in the van was screaming at me that I should have been entering on the left side of the roundabout.

Lovers' Lane is one way. Shouldn't the people exiting the driveway of that home have to travel south on that lane? If not, and special consideration has been given them, I would strongly suggest that signs be erected advising motorists. The speed that the van was doing when exiting that driveway, combined with the fact that I was not expecting to incur traffic travelling in the opposite direction at that point in the road could have been catastrophic.

Mr. Editor, I would be very grateful if somebody could clarify these two issues for me.

CAROL IRIS

Southampton

The key to solving crime

January 26, 2005

Dear Sir,

A recent survey finds that most people are more concerned about the issue of crime than anything else and least concerned about the issue of Independence. While I am prepared to defend the Premier for raising the issue of Independence in view of the history of the PLP's stance on the topic, I cannot defend, and am greatly puzzled by, his apparent lack of interest in, or at least any obvious action, towards, efforts to prevent our young people from developing into drug addicted criminals.

We have recent heard about the very positive impact which the army, under the leadership of Lt. Col Lamb, has on many young men. But comparatively speaking, only a very few young men are exposed to the benefits offered by the army. There are other positive efforts being made by other people and organisations such as Big Brothers, Youth Net, the planned Sloop organisation and others. But none of these organisations touch everyone, and usually it is likely to be those who are in greatest need of discipline and support who are likely to remain untouched or who "fall through the cracks". For that reason, in my view, the Government has a responsibility to establish and support an Institution, or Institutions that will reach out to every young person and particularly those who are at greatest risk before they get into difficulty.

Mr. Ted Gauntlett has repeatedly put forth a proposal for a mandatory "Bermuda Corp" which would include everyone. I have proposed Parish Committees of concern that will reach out to those young people who are clearly "at risk". I am sure that there are possibly other proposals. It concerns me deeply that while the Premier has been willing to address the issue of Independence which is of little concern to most people, I see no evidence that he has been prepared to address crime prevention which is of greatest concern to most people. It is far too late for both the general public and our tourists when we are concerned only about criminal acts after they are committed. Our British "dependency" and the ultimate authority of the Governor are non-issues if we choose to concentrate on efforts to prevent our young people from becoming drug addicted criminals.

Most of those who end up in Westgate as prisoners are black (I am aware that any programme should, like the army, include black, white, rich and poor) thus any "Social Agenda", or "black empowerment" should begin with a programme of crime prevention, a programme intended to prevent our young people from developing into drug addicted criminals while they are still young and can be influenced. Is it because we are all Bermudians who are concerned, and he will respond if he can find a "foreign" expat to lead the way?

EVA N. HODGSON

Crawl

Treated like slaves

January 12, 2005

Dear Sir,

Again we get a treat from this supposed leader of Government telling us his party has nothing to answer for regarding the BHC scandal.

My problem is hearing him say no one is responsible for their actions because no laws were broken, hundreds of thousands of the workers dollars placed in the bank accounts of the elite few because it was not done illegally, only immorally.

It was several hundred years ago when men did the same thing on the backs of the workers, it wasn't illegal no laws were broken but it was an extremely immoral act, this act was slavery.

Yes I will say it. The people responsible for the legal fleecing of the workers money are dealing in slavery. Taking hard earned money from the pockets of the Bermudian workers. Who have not say in where their hard earned money goes, and getting no accountability from their governing masters. These so called leaders who have so little regard for the hopeful masses that they cannot bring themselves to a point where they admit their wrongdoing and try to make amends for their moral ambiguity.

There is so little respect for this government both nationally and internationally its a wonder how any in government can call themselves leaders.

Stop treating the people of this Island like slaves.

MORALITY FIRST

Devonshire

Beyond the call of duty

January 24, 2005

Dear Sir,

I am writing on behalf of the Bermuda Society for the Blind to bring public recognition to certain organisations and individuals who are responsible for the recent refurbishment of Beacon House, our headquarters on Cedar Avenue.

First of all our thanks to Mayor Lawson Mapp and the Corporation of Hamilton for clearing the land surrounding us and opening up the whole area as well as building a new boundary wall for us. The work was carried out under the direction of Mr. Stephen DeSilva and we are very grateful to him and his workforce for doing such a wonderful job.

The Leopards Club of Bermuda volunteered to paint and repair the exterior walls and roof of Beacon House and we thank their committee for sanctioning the project. Special thanks must go to Mr. Denny Richardson (President of the Leopards Club), Mr. Llewelyn Bean (Chairman of the beverage department) and Mr. Randy Simons of Ireland Island. These gentlemen did the actual painting and went way beyond the call of duty especially when faced with the condition of that roof.

Last but not least, our sincere thanks to Mr. John Swift of Pembroke Paint Company, who donated the paint and materials. Again, this contribution came about through a chance meeting on the street.

We are blessed with good friends and neighbours.

NIGEL STEWART