August 10, 2006

Dear Sir,

Since 1981, my husband and I have visited Bermuda over two dozen times. In those years, we have seen the best and worst Bermuda has to offer.

On September 9, 1989, our picture appeared on the front page of the Gazette after we were pulled from our cycle by a mugger on Harbour Road. At that time, not only did we see the worst of Bermuda, we saw the best. The people of Bermuda, the Police, the staff at KEMH and one person in particular were so kind and caring to us. The Police worked non-stop and apprehended the mugger. Since then, we have returned year after year, sometimes twice a year.

I am writing this letter to the "powers that be". I read The Royal Gazette daily from my home in Pennsylvania and am becoming increasingly concerned about what is happening on the island. Not only is it becoming more and more dangerous to travel around on your bike as a visitor, but it seems that a number of thugs are taking over and getting away with just about anything and everything. Do something now! The people of Bermuda deserve better and their piece of heaven needs to be saved before it's too late. It's becoming harder and harder to say, "yes, go to Bermuda, it's both beautiful and safe". Don't let it become what so many other islands have become a haven for drugs, gangs, and violence. Those of us who continue to visit year after year are watching.

KAREN TUMAN

Erdenheim, Pennsylvania