October 9, 2002

Dear Sir,

Your story regarding the NDC (October 7, 2002) has prompted me to share my experiences in Bermuda, in particular my involvement in the addiction treatment system. In February 2001 I was hired in a clinical position at Fairhavens Christian Care Association's Women's Treatment Centre.

After disposing of my possessions here in Canada and moving to Bermuda, I began employment in March. I looked forward to being part of the new direction Fairhaven's was taking in the treatment of women with substance abuse problems.

Within a few weeks of my tenure, as the newly appointed Chairperson of their board began her term, I began to observe and experience disturbing trends in the way the organisation was run.

I was forced to intervene when the new chairperson involved herself in clinical matters to the detriment of the clients in an attempt to entrap staff. I watched incredulously, as the Council Partners Charitable Trust (one of their funding bodies) involved themselves in the daily operations.

This conflict of interest became even more blatant when the CPCT influenced the Fairhaven's Board to scrap a treatment programme designed by Fairhaven's staff and the then NDC Treatment Co-ordinator, in favour of hiring, with donated Bermudian contributions, a male American friend of theirs to design a programme for Bermudian women. The programme design flew against best practices for the treatment of women with substance abuse problems and not surprisingly upon her arrival the new director immediately scrapped it. My 12 years of experience in addiction treatment, my nursing and social work ethics told me that I could not remain silent.

Naively believing that ethics and honesty would prevail I brought forward my concerns and was promptly fired. Of course a smoke screen was put around this so the dysfunction of the organisation and system in which it exists could remain clouded in the rarefied air of innocence.

True to their dysfunction and to punish my audacity they then reneged on their written agreement to pay some of the monies owed to me. Fairhaven, where is the honesty that you demand of your clients? This story has a happy ending for me, as the day I arrived back in Canada I was offered employment where honesty and integrity are seen as positive traits.

However, I often wonder how the addiction treatment system in Bermuda is fairing. I wonder if the interference of Board chairs still hampers the functioning of agencies (possibly the NDC as well)? Does the CPCT still dictate through back door methods how addictions should be dealt with?

Only time will tell or has it begun to unravel already? Sincerely,

Sylvie Giroux RN,

CTA, BSW, RSW, CFLS

Canada

October 11, 2002

Dear Sir,

I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You to the emergency doctors and nurses who by the grace of God choose a profession to save people's lives. The doctors at John's Hopkins assured me that we do have excellent doctors and nurses at KEMH . I was a heart attack victim September 7. Thanks also to the ICU and ward staff, also to a significant person who took no time at all in getting me to Hospital.

JANET SHAW

Pembroke

September 29, 2002

Dear Sir,

I write to tell you of my great sadness to be informed of the passing of Minister David Allen. I knew little of David Allen the politician. I knew David by proudly working with him on his European promotional tours to promote Bermuda tourism. I was able to observe a man driven, and totally committed to doing his very best for Tourism in Bermuda.

He was a kind and inspirational man that obviously cared deeply for his own people.

I well remember one day in Strasbourg when my rehearsals were not going well, and I could see that he also knew it. David came and sat by my side, and we talked and laughed only for 4-5 minutes. I then went back to work and was perfect, thanks to David.

I have shed my tears now, but David Allen will always stay among my lasting memories. Don't be surprised if one day we will be able to purchase ten day trips to the Kingdom of Heaven. I leave you to guess who the Lord's Tourism Minister will be.

May God Bless you and keep you David.

PINKY STEEDE

Portugal