May 18, 2005

Dear Sir,

This is just another letter expressing grief and dismay at the closing of Trimingham's/Smith's. There seems to be only two things that visitors know about Bermuda, one is the Bermuda Triangle, and the other is Trimingham's, so this mounts to a national disaster.

Hamilton will never be the same without that wonderful old store, always the first stop for tourists coming off the cruise ships. The fear now is that it may be replaced by a bank, and it would be another disaster if that was allowed to happen, in such a valuable position. That Front Street location should and must be kept for retail, and I don't mean retail banking.

Admittedly the Bank of Bermuda is an architectural disaster, and has been a blot on the Hamilton horizon since the day it was built. Better to replace that unfortunate building than change the face of Front Street by altering Trimingham's, with its beautiful cedar staircase, and friendly appearance. But perhaps it is not in the planning to change things, and let us hope that this is the case.

I would like to extend my deep sorrow and sympathy to Trimingham's/Smith's, and their friendly staff, and say "thank you" for the years of pleasure they have given to us all, here in Bermuda.

E. RABEN

Paget

Sad day for Bermuda

May 20, 2005

Dear Sir,

I am an avid reader of "Letters to the Editor" but have only ever written to you once before, several years ago.

My friends will attest that I am a calm, tranquil person, not given to passionate outbursts and will avoid confrontation of any type at all costs; I would much rather read the letters than actually write one although I have written many letters to you that have never been mailed; it's my way of venting on issues that I find troublesome.

The lead story on tonight's news has left me absolutely seething and I feel obliged this time to actually write and mail a letter. Like many Bermudians I have watched, with an increasingly sick feeling in my stomach, the decline of the quality of life on our beautiful Island over the past few years and have become more and more alarmed at the conduct of those entrusted by the voters to govern. That we have a flawed Government is patently obvious to anyone with half a brain.

The events that occurred this afternoon in Parliament have shocked me to the core. One question cries out for an answer - for what reason did the Speaker of the House deny Mr. Barritt his right to present a motion that was properly tabled well in advance? If there is no reasonable answer than a Parliamentary rule was broken by the Speaker. May the Speaker break the rules in such a high handed fashion? Alas it seems so. If the PLP does not want to debate a particular topic then it shall not be debated. Premier Scott's mealy mouthed statement about respecting the Speaker did not cut any mustard with me. It is the Speaker who is disrespecting the rules of Parliament.

It is a sad day for our Island. Democracy appears to be out the window - we are well on our way to becoming a banana republic ruled by a tin pot-dictator and his cronies. God help us all.

A. SUMMERS

Warwick