February 11, 2002

Dear Sir,

What do we really want?

On Friday evening 8th February 2002 like many others, I watched the evening news with new Bermuda interest as the workers of this country (on the steps of the House of Assembly) addressed Premier the Hon. Jennifer Smith on their plight. Far be it for me or anyone else to criticise them for doing so, since working people in this country have rights to air their grievances (publicly).

I have always said that slavery is probably the most abominable crime ever committed against mankind, albeit now legally abolished! The success of the slavemaster was measured on pitting one slave against the other, thereby enjoying control. History will tell us that there were both black and white slaves. Needless to say, the black slave trade is more known to us here in Bermuda. The question of freedom after abolition in the 1800s can be debated until the cows come home. Back to Friday's confrontation.

The young spokeswoman who addressed Premier Smith didn't mince her words and certainly got her point over. The manner in which she achieved this seems to have offended a fair number of Bermudians citing her verbiage and manner as absolute disrespectfulness. Needless to say those regular callers to talk radio have had a field day on this issue, some agreeing, others disagreeing, depending on their political position. I think it safe to say that anyone with a smattering of common sense would agree that anger was vented but disrespect towards Premier Smith was shown in great abundance, not only by this young woman, but others more closely and politically associated.

What do we really want? On the 9th November 1998 the actions of more than 50 percent of the voting public told the country that they wanted a change in the way the country had been governed by the then ruling United Bermuda Party over the preceding thirty plus years. Enter the new ruling Progressive Labour Party, assuming controlling power for the first time in their long history as the official loyal opposition. The celebration began and that famous phrase was uttered, “This is a new Bermuda and Bermuda is now enjoying for the first time, democracy”. Democracy in this instance was based on the fact that we were no longer seen as a one party ruling society. Change (that was finally made) by way of the democratic vote had taken us to the next political step of changing governments. An air of freedom could be felt after this historic day. People were speaking out and nearly signing their names to letters to the editor and didn't mind their names being associated with remarks on local talk radio. Fear appeared to have vanished. The old guard (UBP) were openly lambasted. But equally moving quietly and quickly was a sense of demand/immediate demand of the new government. And if demands were not quickly delivered, uncomplimentary names were given to our new rulers. It was like a new Gombey troupe had been started, but this time not from the position of admiration. If not called Gombeys, they were referred to as those jokers. The old respect and admiration of 9/11/98 quickly evaporated with the taunts: “We put you there and we will remove you.” Did we hear such threats during those thirty plus years? Yes we did, but only if you happened to be behind the closed doors when it was whispered, but freedom arrived on 9th November 1998.

Let me digress for a moment. I remember the day when The Hon. Nelson Mandella was released from prison. What a joyous day it was for the majority of South Africa and the world at large. Shortly thereafter, he assumed a position of authority with the new South African Government, the rest is history. The majority of South Africans who suffered for years whilst he was incarcerated showed great respect and gave unswerving support to him. Do they have everything they rightfully deserve? As of today, No.

Talk radio has been and continues to be a reliable barometer. Our demands after November 1998 were great. We heard such words as, “don't tell me about some recession in the US and that tourism is down, I've waited 35 years for this and I don't want to wait any longer.” Yes, Premier Smith and her Government had taken on a huge task, even greater; I'm sure than they ever thought. Yes, for 35 years, demands were made, but with much more respect. Like many of you, I was around through all of this; I don't recall the utter disrespect shown to the others that is now shown to the current leadership by their very own so-called supporters. I quote again: “Slavery is probably the most abominable crime ever committed against mankind.”

Let me digress once again. A very good friend of mine who arrived here from Barbados in the 60's as a young Police Officer would very often discuss politics with me when we worked together. Like him, I always had more than a passing interest in this subject. We both have now moved on to other interests. His words, “Bermuda is an interesting place, similar to the Caribbean in many ways, but equally different in many ways. Black Bermudians have really allowed a number to have been worked on them.” My comment, “We've always thought of ourselves as being better than our West Indian families.” Back to the issue at hand.

We were taught to respect the other man, and we did. Whether we care to admit it or not, that lesson was driven home by fear. November 9th 1998 removed that fear and suddenly we were free. Free to say and do whatever we want, and we see that every day, not just in the political arena. Premier Smith, you in particular and your Government have a difficult job. You don't enjoy what your predecessors had, you're' seen as just ordinary people, irrespective of your personal and public achievements. Sadly, very sadly, we as a people haven't learned yet how to believe in each other and respect each other. I firmly believe this: “Yes, I've been there.”

I wonder though, what would happen if, at the next general election, change was made again and the country went back to the old guard (A constitutional right the electorate has). Would freedom still reign freely as it has since November, 1998? Or would it turn to fear, again? Did our newfound democracy really escape from the genie's lantern? Only time will tell.

What is it we really want?

LENNIE EDWARDS

Somerset

February 6, 2002

Dear Sir,

How many dogs are allowed to roam free, unsupervised and off the leash? How many times have we and others been subjected to someone else's “pet” harassing us in our own home? Too many! What is Dog Control and Dog Licensing when you cannot trace the culprits, even after a clear and precise description of these animals is given, you need to supply the licence number. There will be circumstances when a dog's owner needs to be found and the license number may not be accessible as in our case. Who is going to grab a ferocious dog's collar to check the details?

We feel compelled to voice our fears after a vicious attack by two dogs on our cat, outside our bedroom on the patio. We rushed outside and scared the dogs off at considerable risk to ourselves. Very, very reluctantly, the animals released the cat and ran. What were these dogs doing in our private domain? Where were the owners?

We were amazed at how many dogs there were in our neighbourhood, and most disturbing of all, how many were vicious, some of which had ended up in our garden in the past.

What if these dogs escape again and end up in a garden where a toddler is playing with a cuddly toy? Why do people need such ferocious dogs? Could it have something to do with the crime rate? Or is it just a passion with some people? How does a sweet little puppy end up a nasty and dangerous dog? Is it the way it has been treated? When two or more dogs get together, unsupervised, they act as pack animals, a known fact.

We are deeply disturbed at just how much someone else's pet is allowed to encroach on our lives, with noise and harassment and nothing can be done!

After several phone calls to the Dog Control department, we still have not found out who owns the dogs! Apparently Dog Control cannot do anything! There are so many dogs in Bermuda. Where is the money going from the licensing fees? Not on Dog Control it seems.CHRISSIE

Warwick

February 6, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am writing in response to an ad which appeared in the ‘General' section of Wednesday, February 6,2002.

I've never felt strongly enough about a topic to actually put pen to paper to voice my opinion. Unfortunately, a section of the disturbing ad paid for by the members of the BIU directly impacts upon my place of work. As a member of one of the so-called places of work with unresolved issues which affect many employees, I can unequivocably state the following:

1) The employees do not stand to lose all the benefits which had been negotiated in our previous, and now void, collective agreement. Management have already made it clear that this will not be the case.

2) The employers have not discarded the collective bargaining agreement. The agreement in question was discarded when the majority of personnel voted to be non-union! The affected department has a non-unionised majority, therefore the old agreement does not apply.

It appears as though the minority are still trying to impose their views on the majority, and this must not be allowed to happen again.The Bermuda Industrial Union does not represent the rights of the majority of this department. Our place of employ is one of the best organisations most of us have worked for, with an open-door policy.

Yes, we do have some ongoing concerns, but no organisation is without problems! Yes, in our democratic society, we have freedom of speech, but let it reflect the truth and not someone's idea of what the truth should be in their “expert” opinion!

NOT THE BIU

Smith's Parish