April 6, 2002

Dear Sir,

I read the article on your front page of Saturday April 6, by Matthew Taylor, that public toilets were being used to administer drugs, etc.

While in Norway last year, I noted while using the public toilet in Oslo that the lighting was unusual. It was what I describe as "blue light", not the proper name I am sure. The purpose of this light, I was informed, was so as to prevent drug users using the toilets to "shoot up". It seems that the light makes it impossible for the drug user to find the veins. This may be a simple and inexpensive way to keep the toilets free from that activity. Perhaps someone has understanding of this lighting and can explain it better.

An obvious racial bias

April 4, 2002

Dear Sir,

Yet again the Progressive Labour Party has illustrated its misunderstanding and bigoted attitude towards international business, this time through the mouth piece of the Minister for Labour, Immigration and Public Safety.

I wish that I could say I was shocked and horrified by the recent statement by the Minister that companies should actively recruit in the Caribbean to more accurately reflect the ethnicity of Bermuda. Unfortunately I am not.

Does it matter where our overseas workers (or expatriates as we call them) are recruited, provided they can do the job for which they are employed? Imagine for a moment the outrage if a Government Minister said that in order to boost the minority ethnic group in Bermuda recruitment should be focused strictly on White Anglo-Saxon Protestants. What will be next - a requirement that business must have a quota of foreign Afro-Caribbean workers?

Will black expatriates be looked upon more favourably than other expatriates of different ethnic backgrounds when the Work Permit Board considers renewal applications?

The question I have posed may seem far-fetched to some, but it is certainly not the last we will hear of this matter from this lacklustre and hypocritical government.

It would be wrong to believe that the Minister's comments are not the precursor to legislation on this very issue and false to assume that his comments were not sanctioned by the Premier. After all not long ago comments were made by another PLP MP regarding European women, comments that were tacitly accepted by the PLP hierarchy.

The endless squawking of the Government on racial issues is another pathetic attempt to hide the truth and empty promises from the people of Bermuda. Our 'new Bermuda' seems to be based on rhetoric rathe than results. It is time the Government was held to account for the obvious racial bias in its policy-making.

Illegal dumping must end

March 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

A number of environmental and conservation organisations and individuals are extremely concerned about the illegal dumping of excavated rubble that is taking place on wet pasture that is zoned agriculture at the end of Marsh Lane in Devonshire. The illegal rubble dumping first began encroaching into both nature reserve and agricultural land setbacks in November 2001.

The Department of Planning has said that a Stop Work Order was issued to Rodrigues Excavating and Trucking to discontinue any further dumping, encroachment or industrial work on the agricultural zoned area.

An immediate court injunction is now needed to prevent further encroachment and damage to the nature reserve area to the southwest (there should be no dumping within 15 feet of the boundary) and agricultural land to the northwest. Ultimately these protected areas should be rehabilitated to their original condition prior to the industrial works beginning in November.

Apart from being illegal, this is a highly significant issue of blatant environmental degradation and impact upon Bermuda's small wealth of nature reserves and agricultural land. The agricultural wetland pasture, neighbouring marsh ecosystem and freshwater lens will be negatively affected by this increasing coverage by an industrial site, as a result of the burial, compression and risk of industrial contamination. Until recently, the wetland agricultural pasture was grazed by cattle and alternatively used for growing feed.

This is the worst current example of zoning abuse in Bermuda with the potential loss of at least two acres of significant wetland agricultural grazing land. We recognise that Government - through the Ministry of the Environment - is concerned about Bermuda's natural environment, and has shown strong commitment to biodiversity, thus we urge the Minister to use his powers to act accordingly.

The enforcement process needs to move decisively and efficiently to initiate actions that support the zonings and stop this and other abuses of ecologically significant conservation areas. We encourage Government and the public to support the consideration of purchasing this important agricultural wetland to protect it from further degradation. Incorporating the land into the network of nature reserves that already exist in Devonshire Marsh would be for the long-term benefit of all Bermuda. This area currently acts as a natural filter for Bermuda's largest freshwater lens, provides a valuable feeding area for more than 100-recorded species of resident and migratory birds and provides value to the island as a natural wilderness and agricultural area.

We implore concerned members of the public to voice their concerns to the Minister.

Dads deserve better

April 3, 2002

Dear Sir,

As a mother who raised children without the benefit of a father, I am saddened to read in that Bermudian children were allowed by the courts to leave their home, schools and an excellent father.

It seems that a mother of four wishes to attend college. Good for her, but why should everybody else lose out?

Did the judge consider that courses are available at the Bermuda College, or on the Internet? to disrupt the children's schools and to remove a positive father seems to go against all good sense.

Everyday we hear of children out of control, and in need of involved parents, this decision will only turn more fathers away.

This father cared for his children, encouraging them to be 'A' students and taking them to Sunday school.

He helped them to all kinds of awards including art, sports and the Ag Show.

Yes judges, we really need to keep children away from this kind of dad. This decision will ensure that more dads quit and that more mothers will raise their child alone.

Orchid Club tea a success

April 2, 2002

Dear Sir,

We, the officers and members of The Orchid Charity Club take the opportunity to say thank you to all those who helped with our St. Patrick's Day tea. Especially to Mr. Joseph McCann who delighted all present with two beautiful renditions.

Thanks to the Rev. Duncan Jeffries and his lovely wife of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for gracing us with their presence and offering the blessing.

Special thanks goes to sisters Beverly and Mitzi Knights for their professional waiting on the tables.

Extra special thanks to our guest speaker Mrs. Judith Hall Bean, Director of Tourism, we were much impressed by her most informative and timely message which captured the attention of all present.

Once again thank you Judith and may God continue to guide your every endeavour.

Thanks to the dedicated and tireless workers of the club who did their best as usual.

Our thanks goes also to our brother members of the Leopards Club International.

Thanks goes also to our many guests who patronise us faithfully each year.

May God continue to bless you all.

Charity appreciates support

April 1, 2002

Dear Sir,

Please allow me to thank all members, friends and supporters of the Continental Society of Bermuda for their kindness and patronage to the annual Easter Bake Sale, held on Saturday, March 23.

The sale was a tremendous success, and could not have been without your help. The members of the Continental Society are dedicated to assisting and helping Children with special needs, the disadvantaged and underprivileged. We thank you all once again for helping us "Share our Lives".

May God richly bless you.

Obvious tourism fixes

March 31, 2002

Dear Sir,

This is just another voice crying in the wilderness to get tourism back on its feet.

There are four things that should be done now, and number one of course is affordable air fares. Every budget airline in existence must be approached and persuaded that the US Bermuda route could be, and would be, a financial success if lower air fares and charter flights were introduced. Some of the millions set aside for tourism should be spent subsidising individual air fares, if this becomes necessary. A round trip fare of $200 must be achieved somehow, and if we have to have our own airline, so be it. This is a must and the sooner the better.

Number two is to follow the example for British and loosen gambling regulations. As was quoted in the March 27 , "The modernisation of gambling laws is long overdue, and gambling should be safe and overseen by a special commission, which would license and regulate casinos".

This would generate enough income not only to put Government back on its feet financially, but also to promote first class entertainment, floor shows, vibrant night life and great new hotels. It would also keep some of the thousands of gambling dollars sent overseas by Bermudians, at home. There is so much gambling already in Bermuda, why not make it legal, and controlled?

Number three, extend the time limit on tourists from three weeks to three months. Although I believe that tourists can apply for an extension, travel agents do not know this, and I know from experience that this cannot be taken for granted. Families need to plan ahead, and also book their return flights home.

Next, there needs to be an alternate form of transportation for visitors unwilling to risk their lives on scooters. The average visitor to Bermuda is not a teenager, and some form of small two seater buggy must be found. Why was the excellent vehicle brought in by one of the cycle liveries not given the go ahead, at least on a trial basis? It could have been much safer than two people on scooters weaving about and endangering themselves and other traffic.

We need to improve the product at home before spending millions on fancy advertising and junkets to remote places (Argentina? Berlin?) I know that this letter is a waste of time, and the tourism will no doubt continue on its downward spiral, but some things are so obvious they have to be said.

E. RABEN

Paget

Going nowhere, quick?

April 3, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am curious.

Why have we, the taxpayers, just paid $2.5 million for a fast ferry that is only doing four trips a day? During the remainder of the day the old ferries are doing the "Rockaway run", so my question is a) what is the fast ferry doing during the day and b) couldn't the usual ferries have handled another four trips?

JUST ANOTHER TAX PAYER

P.s. I drive down Middle Road in Southampton twice a day and I am still looking for the bus stops with purple tops, where are they?

CedarBridge overlooked

March 25, 2002

Dear Sir,

I was very disturbed to see that there was no news in your paper this morning regarding the victorious win for CedarBridge Academy at the 17th Annual Quiz competition held this weekend.

The contest was held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for public attendance and televised for viewers unable to attend.

CedarBridge Academy, for the second year, took first place, which to me, falls under the category of "front page" news. Or, do you consider the ongoing scandal with the Bermuda Housing Corporation priority? It seems your papers' extreme self involvement with this scandal is causing other important news to be overlooked.

It was disappointing for the young people participating this weekend, especially from CedarBridge Academy, to see no news in the paper this morning.

Please recognise, not only CedarBridge Academy, but all schools involved for their great efforts in the competition this year. I hope this will not be too difficult. I understand this is not as "juicy" as Bermuda's Enron, but some readers, including myself, would like to see more positive events included.

The front page would be nice!

Thank you for your time to read and consider my opinion!