January 19, 2004

Dear Sir,

I hate the idea of having to respond to your columnist Christian Dunleavy once again, but I must. The rest of Bermuda can let his remarks regarding members of this Government go unchallenged, but I in all conscience cannot. I find it interesting, but not surprising, that you allowed him to read my opinion before it was published and at the same time allowed him to respond. I have never seen that happen in the past. You certainly did not afford Mr. Derrick Burgess the opportunity to respond to Mr. Dunleavy in the same issue that he made his attack.

Mr. Dunleavy describes my criticism of his remarks personal and racial which is understandable. Anytime somebody that looks like me criticises somebody that looks like him, we're being racial. Whether he wants to admit it or not (I would suggest he re-read his comments) he made a personal attack on the President of the Bermuda Industrial Union and my remarks were in defence of a man who has given more to Bermuda than Mr. Dunleavy can ever imagine.

In today's opinion column, Mr. Dunleavy charges the PLP with corruption and two Cabinet ministers with using the BHC as their own personal real estate agency. Is that not a personal attack, especially in light of the fact that the Bermuda Police Service, Scotland Yard, the Auditor General or no one else could find any criminal behaviour on the part of any members of the PLP Government? I would be willing to bet my last dollar that should an investigation of the same magnitude be carried out on operations of the BHC prior to November 9, 1998, the people of Bermuda would indeed find evidence of corruption and the use of the BHC by members of the United Bermuda Party as their own personal real estate agency.

Mr. Dunleavy goes on his latest column to slander members of the PLP Government, however it is apparent that someone advised him not to use names so that he can say that his attacks were not personal. Each time he writes a column he makes personal attacks, but in his mind that's okay. More than likely he thinks that people that look like me are figments of our own imagination. Certainly many of us can attest to incidents where we were in the same breathing space of someone who looks like Mr. Dunleavy and that person really didn't see us.

In closing, Mr. Dunleavy does not have to refer me to anything that that Dr. Brown said. For his information, I have personal conversations on a regular basis with both Dr. Brown and Mr. Burgess and I know that there is one thing that they both agree on - it's the slave master mentality on behalf of some UBP members and supporters that hates the idea of the PLP being the Government.

LAVERNE FURBERT

Hamilton Parish

Looking back, forward

January 17, 2005

Dear Sir,

I am writing to comment on the ambitious plans for tourism outlined in the January 17 issue of The Royal Gazette.

I recently took advantage of an opportunity for internship placement offered by the Department of Tourism. I was required to complete an essay on the challenges facing tourism in Bermuda. Although I did not have the pleasure of attending the tourism/media luncheon last Monday, I share most of Dr. Brown's views - with the exception of a few.

First are the taglines, which were so announced to differentiate Bermuda from other destinations. With weak pick-up lines like these I would rather “put distance” and “love the feeling” of “popping by” “far away from here”. I'm sure a considerable amount of money is being used to compensate the consultants and advertising agencies that are now being used in the plans for Bermuda, so I hope that it is money used effectively. These “taglines” should compliment Bermuda so much so that no other destination could possibly piggyback. You can “feel the love” anywhere, “Pop by” to any destination, and we really aren't that “far away from there”.

Another area that I believe needs more consideration is what Dr. Brown said about golf and spa eliminating the off-season. Golf courses and spas have always been here, amazingly enough even during the off-season. These activities cannot be re-introduced effectively by themselves to sustain a healthy winter tourist season. If change is necessary for the improvement of this industry, why depend on something that has proven not to be effective. More locals use the golf courses than tourists; I know this because I worked at Ocean View Golf Club for three years.

Dr. Brown also stated that the present Ministry cannot be compared to ministries of the past and that we absolutely must not look back. False, we absolutely must look back. A plant cannot grow without the roots that give it strength and fuel. The tourist industry will be crippled if its roots are neglected and not watered with criticism positive or negative. History is a fundamental necessity that governments, countries, businesses, and even people should not turn their backs on.

This letter is in no way aimed at criticising Dr. Brown. I believe that he is moving in the right direction and will complete the goals he has set for Bermuda. All that I have said are my own opinions and I will gladly stand corrected for any misconceptions.

SHELTON WILLIAMS

Devonshire

Thank you, Bermuda!

January 11, 2005

Dear Sir,

Another Christmas season has passed and another successful Share the Christmas Spirit hamper project campaign for the Lions Clubs, along with our sponsors The Marketplace.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the general public for their generous donations of cans and non perishable items placed in the bins at the Marketplace stores. Also to the students and their parents for generously donating within their schools and pre-schools.

The students from CedarBridge once again did a magnificent job of wrapping the boxes for the hampers. Our sincere appreciation to all local businesses who contributed in many ways with either food donations, advertising, gift wrap etc.

On Saturday, November 27 we held our annual in-store tag day, the total takings surpassing all previous tag days. We collected an amazing $3,306.37. Once again, special thanks to Warwick Academy Leo Club who tagged for a whole day at one store.

We were able to make up and deliver 415 hampers this past season which certainly helped our appreciative recipients.

Thank you Bermuda for making our Share the Christmas Spirit campaign such a success.

EASTERN LIONESS/LION CYNTHIA BELL

Worrisome trend

January 13, 2005

Dear Sir,

I would like for the Bermuda Government to explain the policy of homeownership. Every hard working Bermudian has a right to know why non Bermudians are able to compete with Bermudians for purchasing homes in the range of $780,000 to $800,000 and more. According to advertisements in the newspapers and the Internet, local agencies say that homes in this range are available to Bermudians and non Bermudians. Home are reportedly selling upwards of $1,500,000, therefore non Bermudians should not be allowed to buy any homes, condos or apartments for less than $1,500,000.

Government needs to urgently revisit this practice of policy and to ensure that every effort is made to protect and secure our land for the people of Bermuda not sold to non Bermudians who can afford to buy the more expensive homes on this Island. A trend of ‘greed over need' looms over our Island. No house in Bermuda, without a view or sizeable property should be selling in the millions of dollars. How much money will the agent or the lending institution make from the deal is the bottom line. How many of those who eagerly brought properties recently will be able to pay the monthly mortgage when the interest rates go up. Will they lose their home?

Will this Government allow this trend to continue? What are we going to leave for our children? We should not be forced to leave our country in order to make a living.

A BERMUDIAN

Hamilton Parish

Step in right direction

January 10, 2005

Dear Sir,

I have always had a passion for improving the plight of the underprivileged people in Bermuda in the area of adequate and affordable housing. During this past week I have crossed paths with two young ladies, each struggling to survive under very difficult circumstances. These experiences have revived and increased my passion to try to do something meaningful to help to meet this challenge.

My heart was troubled as I conversed with these women who have taken many bad turns and who are striving to drastically alter the direction in which their lives are heading. In the past they have sought and received advice and guidance that have helped them in many ways. The one area where their need is crucial and where they have come to a dead-end is in housing.

How many women are living in unhealthy situations because of their inability to survive on their own? How many women remain in relationships where they are being physically, mentally, and sexually abused? How many woman are being exposed and introduced into the drug culture because they can see no way of escape?

There is no doubt that the same question could be posed about other groups in Bermuda. However this letter is inspired by the frustrations and profound sadness I feel from my recent encounters.

Several years ago I, like so many others, lamented the state of affairs when it comes to housing in Bermuda. Although I expressed possible solutions, I am not naive to believe that the ideas were mine alone. I feel that the time is come to repeat those suggestions and hopefully find that the present Government will take concrete steps to address this cancer in our society that is surely tearing us down.

Very recently I read where the idea of boarding houses is resurfacing. The question is, “When is talk going to be turned into action?” In my view, neither the former UBP nor the present PLP governments have seriously addressed the housing problem which is now in a state of crisis. It is a shame and an embarrassment that we are not providing for those who are at the lowest end of the economic scale.

Boarding houses will not serve the purpose and fulfil the needs of many who are desperately looking for accommodation. But, for those singles and couples with the lowest incomes, I am very confident that boarding houses are the answer. I feel so strongly about this issue that I openly offer my services to the Premier and the Minister of Works, Engineering and Housing as a part of a committee charged with the responsibility of coming up with a workable plan and time frame to alleviate this very sad state of affairs.

CHARLES H. JEFFERS

Devonshire