November 27, 2003

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter in response to comments made in the House of Assembly by Minister Dale Butler on 21 November 2003. The Minister stated and I quote:

The Minister is right only in saying that we met. For the record, questions were asked. In fact, my initial questions were directed (verbally) to the Permanent Secretary who quite correctly reminded me that any questions would have to be direct to the Minister, who would authorise his response. The questions were "How many sporting bodies are supported by the Ministry? What are they and who are the executives?" I did receive most of the information in our second meeting, though there were also additional questions asked. However, I felt that as a new Member of Parliament with a Shadow Portfolio it was more important to discover and understand the Minister's vision for Youth and Sport and really listen to what the Minister had to say. I did not get a sense of a coherent vision. As a result, I feel that this heightens my role as Shadow Minister.

However, I absolutely disagree with Minister Butler's point of view that the meeting was useless. I think that any positive dialogue is a step in the right direction. Our collective responsibility is bigger than Minister Butler's personal agenda. My feeling is that two heads are better than one.

Further, what he chose to exclude from his comments was that he was the initiator of these meetings. The first meeting was shortly after the Election and the second was based on an urgent request from his Permanent Secretary to meet yet again. I agreed to attend both those meetings with the intention of coming to the table as an honest broker for Youth and Sport. I felt that it was in Bermuda's best interest to work together under the true spirit of bipartisanship. My hope was that we could work together for the betterment of Youth and Sport in Bermuda. I must say, I was very surprised and disappointed with Minister Butler's display of behaviour in the House especially him hurling insults and misleading the public.

One of the Progressive Labour Party's new thrusts is to promote open and honest governance. The success of our young people is dependent on all of us. How can Minister Butler and I expect our young people to trust us if we cannot demonstrate that we trust each other? My objective is to effectively represent the interest of Youth and Sport in Bermuda and I will continue to play my part and work with Minister Butler to ensure that that happens.

December 1, 2003

Dear Sir,

After reading today's paper, and the article "Failing parents..." I would like to add my opinion to the matter. In addition to the new terms for parents to adhere to, I have a few additional suggestions for the Government on how to raise a model child, and therefore eliminate any potential problems.

1. Make it an offence to have a child out of wedlock, and only in wedlock if the parents have been married for five years or more.

2. Make it illegal to have children until the parents are both at least 25 years of age.

3. Make it an offence to have a child until both parents are earning at least $100,000 a year each.

4. Make it an offence to have more than two children . Exceptions could be made if the first two are of the same sex, but only after application to and approval from Government.

5. Make it illegal to have children until the parents own their own home ? in a decent neighbourhood ? or have provided proof that they plan to buy their own home.

6. Make it an offence to have children until both parents have attended six months of parenting classes, and ensure government that you will hug and tell your child that you love them at least twice a day ? also that there will be no favouritism among the children.

7. Make it an offence to have children until you can prove that your child's future education, including college, is provided for.

8. Provide Government with a list of all extra-curricular activities your child will be enrolled in.

9. Assure Government that your child will be taken on at least one fun, but educational overseas vacation a year.

10. Ensure that parents will pre-select all their children's potential friends, ensuring that they will not end up in any bad company in the future. Also that parents will be able to account for their children's exact activities 24 hours a day, seven days a week ? whether they are with the parents or not.

There you have it ? a blueprint on how to raise a perfect child. All Government has to do now is implement the above, and all of Bermuda's future problems will be solved once and for all. Does some of this sound far-fetched and ridiculous? Maybe not, because with the line government seems to be taking, some of it could very well become a reality.

December 8, 2003

Dear Sir,

All can see the Government effort to deal with delinquent children (students) and parents with the recent amendments to the Educational Act is well intended. However it is also obvious the amendments which passed the lower house with the support of both parties are seriously flawed.

The Senate should reject these amendments and send them back for more work to protect poorer parents, protect their jobs, give more thought to whom should sit in a classroom with students, clarify the definition of "delinquent parent" etc.

And for goodness sake make the policy apply to all schools in Bermuda, public as well as private. Are we not tired of introducing rules and legislation that divides or separates us? Or causes one group to feel superior to the other? A closer relationship with the private schools might help us to deal more effectively with some of these problems. After all we are all Bermudian children and parents.

November 27, 2003

Dear Sir,

Please allow me space in your paper in reference to Paget West voter's letter in November 26, 2003.

You're right "Enough is Enough", I mean enough from you, Paget West voter. You need to open your eyes and see the light.

First and foremost you ought to remember that these same expatriates who live in Bermuda are here because there are no Bermudians who can or want to do what they do. If there were, why in heaven's name would the Government, who are so pro-Bermudian, allow them here in the first place?

Secondly, there are a number of expatriates here who have family over in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are out there, voluntarily, fighting for the world's freedom, (by the way, Bermuda is part of that same world). Don't you think you could find a little sympathy and not so much hostility?

Thirdly, do you honestly think these same expatriates want to live and work here? They would rather be home with their families and friends, in the warmth and security of their own homes. They leave behind their families and friends, have you ever lived anywhere except Bermuda, Paget West Voter? I doubt it. you would then know that it is not easy for them. Remember also, these same expatriates, who you love to bash, have family over yonder who visit them in Bermuda. Do you think that helps Bermuda? Of course it does. they may save on hotel bills, but I bet they sightsee, use our public transportation and spend their money all over the island, buying things they may not be able to get, over yonder.

Finally, before you shoot off your mouth, I'm certain that you have never been out late the night before and had to go to work the next day. Yeah, right ... stop criticising people. Their employers will see their tardiness and deal with it. Who are you? The timekeeper?

I say to all the expatriates here. We're happy you're here, you help us and we need you.