June 18, 2003

Dear Sir,

As frequent visitors to Bermuda over the last 30 years, my wife and I would like to say that we completely agree that more should be done to preserve the old Bermuda properties as they, are instead of tearing them down for new construction.

One should remember that tourists are not interested in seeing new construction that can be seen anywhere else in the world. Bermuda is a special place and it's ambience and uniqueness should be preserved. Please don't forget what got you to where you are. We were heartbroken to learn of the plans to destroy and replace the Newstead with a new hotel. I say spend the bucks and fix it up, as well as the Belmont.

While we understand that there are profit motives involved we also believe that if you want to keep heads in the beds there has to be a balance. We mourn the loss of the Bermudiana, the long disuse of the Holiday Inn, the destruction of Castle Harbour, and all the other insidious moves to "modernise" the Rock.

I guess as we old geezers pass, the past will pass with us, but it is still a shame.

AARON AND RONNY GRENLEY

Carefree, Arizona

June 8, 2003

Dear Sir,

I recently returned from a business trip to Bermuda and cannot tell you how much fun it was to watch the new TV Station "Fresh TV" each morning.

As a frequent traveller I prefer to watch stations with as much local content as possible. My favourite is "City TV" of Toronto, which your early morning programme BD-AM reminds me of.

For five straight days I switched on Cable Channel 3 at 7 a.m. and just took in all the local commentary. During the time I was there I saw Salsa dancers, Johnny Barnes, the Riding Stables, a man getting to talk about the party he was going to throw for his 95-year-old father and a wonderful assortment of children singing and being interviewed.

I even skipped breakfast at the hotel one morning just to experience the service station breakfast mentioned each of the mornings. It as my very first fish pie and it certainly won't be my last.

The three co-hosts have wonderful chemistry and the whole "professional but informal" atmosphere makes for a great way to start a workday.

ROBERT T PELON

Charlotte, North Carolina