A ray of Bermuda sunshine July 16, 2002Dear Sir, Recently, my daughter and I arrived in Bermuda to attend the funeral of a close relative who was flown from Toronto, Canada to be buried in the family plot in beautiful St. Mark’s Cemetery, Smith’s Parish.

We would like to take this opportunity to commend the Rev. William R. Hayward for the kindness and genuine concern he showed during this sad time. He is truly a giving person, an uplifting soul who in true Bermudian style, went out of his way to ease the pain of our loss.

Bermuda is certainly very fortunate to have such a worldly, refreshing minister representing his parishioners and visitors alike.

God bless you, Rev. William R. Hayward. You are a ray of Bermuda sunshine.

SYLVIA AND INGRID ZELTINS

Toronto, Canada <$>The good and the bad July 12, 2002Dear Sir, My 17-year-old daughter was really upset when, on Saturday, someone stole her old, battered, second-hand but much-loved cycle, from the road leading to Elbow Beach.

On Wednesday evening she borrowed her brother’s cycle and visited a friend near Flatts. This cycle broke down on the way home as darkness was falling.

Two strangers stopped to help her. One went and got her some oil; helped her get the cycle started again — and watched her head home. He refused to accept any payment telling my daughter to help someone else in the future.

To the stranger who stole my daughter’s bike: miserable trick mate. Can my daughter have her dark blue Palio Bunny, AC597, back please?

And to the strangers who helped my daughter: thank you so much. Kindness like that is part of the reason my family and I have come to love Bermuda.

TIM GURNEY

Deputy Governor

BermudaEnd of the world is nigh July 4, 2002Dear Sir,I wish to inform the public that the truth behind the gang violence is that these are the last days and the devil is trying to get a lot of people to follow him before his day is due.

Being that the violence is increasing, crime is increasing, nationalism is on the rise and other things that don’t follow biblical principles increase, that day is nearly here.

It’s nice that the Police wish to end this violence but can they truly accomplish this great task?

Take a look at the schools, at one particular time we had a vast majority of schools, then CedarBridge came along and soon it was students getting arrested as soon as the school opened and yet, this is just the beginning.

Some of the students that attend this school are ‘country’ guys while others are ‘town’. Put them together and you have ‘Rumble in Bermuda’ (not some Jackie Chan movie).

So basically, how many people have turned to Jehovah for guidance? Very few yet, only he is the answer.

SPIRITUAL

PembrokeFood for thought July 4, 2002Dear Sir,Thank you very much for highlighting the possible dangers of taking herbal supplements. Herbal supplements do not undergo the same rigorous tests as do medications (prescription or nonprescription). This is in terms of ingredient consistency, efficacy and safety.

However, consumers with questions about their supplements and/or medications don’t have to worry about where to get information. Pharmacists are their best and most accessible medication experts.

A conversation between the patient and pharmacists about any prescription and nonprescription medicines being taken will ensure that maximum health benefits are received and harmful side effects are avoided.

Pharmacists can provide consumers with answers to questions that might arise from the myriad of online health information. The pharmacist knows about interactions with food, medicines or dietary supplements. Some interactions can be dangerous.

It is important that the patient keeps the pharmacist up-to-day on all prescription and nonprescription medications being taken in order that the pharmacist can monitor treatment and help guarantee a healthy result. Pharmacists can educate patients about their medications, both prescription and nonprescription. Every person should be able to answer the following questions before taken any new medication or supplement.

1. What is the name of the medication and what is it supposed to do?

2. When and how do I take it?

3. How long should I take it?

4. Does this medication contain anything that can cause an allergic reaction?

5. Should I avoid alcohol, any other medicines, foods and/or activities?

6. Should I expect any side effects?

7. What if I forget to take my medication?

8. Is is safe to become pregnant or to breast-feed while taking this medication?

9. Is there a generic version of the medications that my doctor has prescribed?

10. How should I store my medicine?

NETTA WILLIAMS

President, Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association<$>The waiting game July 17, 2002Dear Sir, Allow me to attempt to add a little perspective to the complaints by the visitors to our shores regarding the time passengers arriving at the Bermuda Airport stand in line for processing through Immigration.

I shall share my not-so-speedy processing experience. On Sunday, June 23, 2002 I returned to Bermuda via the United States. After exiting the airplane I had to clear US immigration as my point of origin did not have a preclearance arrangement for entering the US, such as is the case here in Bermuda. I entered the line at 2.55 p.m. along with the other 190 passengers on my flight and an additional flight that had arrived ahead of us. Thankfully I had plenty of reading material as I did not reach an immigration agent’s station until 4.45 p.m! For those who cannot compute, that would be one hour and 50 minutes later and I had yet to clear Customs!

There will be defenders who will argue that the US is much larger than Bermuda and therefore this is to be expected. Not so. Be it two airplanes full of people in the US or three airplanes full of people in Bermuda there does not seem to be much difference in the processing time. Fair is fair and after Sunday’s experience I am not convinced the complainers are totally unbiased in their assessment of things at the Bermuda Airport.

C. CROCKWELL

Hamilton Parish