September 16, 2002

Dear Sir,

This letter is a reply to one dated August 28, 2002 and signed by "He who cares".

The writer condemned the leadership of the PLP for applying to join CARICOM in light of the fact that several policemen have been murdered in Jamaica, in the Bahamas and in Guyana.

Has the writer checked into the murder rates of policemen or of anyone else in other countries and major cities of the world?

Have you overlooked the unsolved murders right here in Bermuda? Have you forgotten how Policeman Beckles was shot in his own house on Mount Hill? Have you forgotten how the Governor, his ADC and even the Governor's dogs were shot in 1972? Which Caricom country has committed such a high level crime?

In no way am I trying to downplay the awfulness of crime, but I am appealing for a balanced, unprejudiced look at the issue of crime.

I heard this morning over the radio that Canada is considering liberalising its laws on cannabis. Bermudians will likely not comment on that, and neither have they commented on the fact that decriminalisation has already taken place in the UK

I count it a privilege for Bermuda to join in with groups of people known for their friendliness, drive and creativity - to name three positive characteristics.

Remember the Under 17 soccer teams that played in Bermuda recently representing Barbados, Canada, Bermuda and Jamaica? Did you know that it was a Caribbean team that won?

Remember that Spelling Bee contest from a few years ago when a Jamaican student won the top prize in the US?

Did you know that there is a Poet Laureate in the Caribbean?

Did you know that there are three Nobel Peace Prizewinners in the Caribbean?

Did you know that the World Record Holder for the number of wickets taken in the history of test cricket is none other than Courtney Walsh, also from the Caribbean? And then there was Brian Lara's record breaking test innings.

Is any corner of the world untouched by the richness of culture emanating from the Caribbean?

The impact of Caribbean artistes such as the Mighty Sparrow, Bob Marley and Byron Lee has been felt worldwide.

HELEN STEPHENSON

Smith's Parish