Opposed to boat tax

February 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

The last time I checked, we had a traffic problem not a boating problem! Given that, can someone please explain to me boaters received the biggest slap in the face from the Budget?

Those who wish to have expensive cars must pay a simple $1,500 increase on the purchase of their vehicle, yet if you own a boat you must now pay 21.5 percent more tax: "The biggest tax hike was reserved for boat buyers with duty raised from 33.5 per cent to 55 per cent."

This tax increase is a slap in the face of Bermudian business owners who are mechanics or those who sell boats/boating equipment. Sure the boatowner has to pay the 21.5 percent more but as a consequence the business owners must raise their prices 21.5 percent if they still wish to make their projected profit!

This tax increase is likely to see less buyers and therefore less money for Bermudian workers. As some people, and often wealthier people, usually choose to purchase their boats direct from overseas, the wiser thing would have been to charge the increase to these persons and leave the current 33.5 percent rate to Bermudian businesses. Would this not be a better way of ensuring money stays in the country and with Bermudians?

If people wanted to save money they would have to buy through the Bermudian owned business or pay 55 percent tax! Or, if the Government wishes to raise prices for "expensive cars" why not follow suit and raise the tax on only "expensive boats"?

Not all boat owners are rich! I think all related businesses need to band together and fight this increase!

Disappointed in Govt. AGAIN

Smith's

'Smith's' got it right

February 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

In your newspaper of February 18, there was printed a letter signed only as 'Smith's' and written about Dr. Eva Hodgson and her perspective on all things racial. It was one of the best letters I've read recently and it was the kind of letter we should see more often in these columns simply because it was well written, to the point and not terribly emotional.

I appreciate that the likes of Dr. Hodgson, Julian Hall and some others have a view on race relations and what should be done but they so often lose the attention of the reader (particularly the white reader), not because the reader is white and is a racist pig, but because the reader gets the distinct impression that the writer is so blinkered that, whatever the reader's opinion, it will never have any bearing at all. I do make a distinction between Dr. Hodgson, Julian Hall and, say, LaVerne Furbert as even though they are blinkered, they do write with intelligence. LaVerne just spews her one-sided venom and, quite frankly, I don't see why you don't give her a column in some remote publication.

If Dr Hodgson, for one, and Julian and others, were really interested in a "discussion" or any perspective other than their own, they ought to read 'Smith's' letter a few times. Although the writer was sharing his perspective of the subject, the importance of his message is that we would all get far more bang for our letter writing and Big Conversation buck if we were willing to appreciate the other persons point of view.

After all, intolerance of other views is what got is in this mess today. Might be interesting to try a different tack.

SAM CLEMENS

Southampton

I'm not coming back

February 14, 2008

Dear Sir,

I have been reading The Royal Gazette online for quite a few years now, using it as a way to keep up with happenings on the island I have loved.

Over the years, I have found that the dialogue concerning race relations has become less and less about what we can do to find our common ground and more and more about who owes whom what.

This bitterness pervades both the editorial column and the rest of the newspaper, leaving an impression that Bermuda is divided against itself and on the verge of out and out war. In view of this, I will remark that the plans my family was making to come back to Bermuda for the 400th anniversary festivities have now been cancelled. No matter how beautiful Bermuda is, if the people are as ugly-souled and mean-hearted as they make themselves appear, the overwhelming experience will be ugly and mean.

My early teaching that we are all brothers and sisters, that what is in a person's heart matters and not their skin colour, and that God sees each of us as who we are, not what we are, was received in Bermuda.

I choose not to return to Bermuda because I don't want to see what it has become and feel the deep-seated disappointment that comes from realising that the reality of Bermuda bears no resemblance to the memories I have carried for so many years. I have removed both Bermuda and The Royal Gazette from my "Favourites", and will express my opinion in the clearest possible way: My money will not be spent in Bermuda.

SANDRA MORRISON-O'DONOHUE

Texas City, Texas

Parental responsibility

February 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

Somewhere in the near past I remember reading in your Gazette about two young boys (ages 14 and 15 years) being taken before the courts for some sort of infringement of the law; I think it was carrying a bladed weapon or such. This is neither here nor there.

When I was a child exploring my way to adulthood the one thing I was assured of is that if I did anything that would end me up before the courts before I reached the age of consent, (21 years at the time) my parents/guardians were obligated to appear before the court along with me; they would be held responsible for, and asked to explain, my behaviour to the magistrate.

These two children came before a court of justice unrepresented and without a parent/guardian in sight. Where were they and why did not the Magistrate demand that they be brought there?

Parents, by law, are responsible for their offspring up to the time that they become adults (18 years at this time) and they must be held responsible inside and outside of the courts. If outside assistance is needed and necessary this would be discovered much sooner.

AL EASTMOND

Devonshire

Financial indulgence

February 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

Since when did free anything, or should I say, free everything, inspire incentive? Millions to football and cricket and now free education. Financial indulgence misplaced does nothing but stifle the very elusive desire to achieve on your own, the very lesson we should strive to instil in our youth today. All we see is apathy, dependence and a very subtle arrogance of entitlement.

We never seem to learn! History has shown us that hardship creates brilliance. If we look back we see magnificence in art, music technology and creativity, invariably achieved under great sacrifice and hardship.

We do a great disservice to our youth when we deny them the struggle, and by giving them everything on a platter we rob them of that wonderful feeling of self worth that can only be achieved through personal effort.

What we desperately need today are inspiring teachers, coaches and instructors who are dedicated to impart nothing but the highest standards. Teachers, coaches and instructors who are considered the best in their field and who will expect nothing but the best and will get it. An investment in this kind of expertise is the key to our future youth, (and who else do we have but the youth?), so that they can go on to achieve excellence in their chosen field.

I seem to remember when Dr. Brown closed the medical clinic at the Hospital, and gave a lecture to "the indigent", (apologies) on making themselves independent and not expecting a hand-out!

The very seniors who had contributed all their lives, been solid citizens and helped make Bermuda what it is today, denied the services of that wonderful facility. Another story and another time as to where they are today! Yet the youth, who because of their age have not had time to contribute anything to their Country, get hand-outs from cradle to college.

Has this ship lost its rudder, is anyone listening, does anyone care any more, or are we in Alice's Wonderland where the Mad Hatter is in control?

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke