Offensive statements

July 20, 2007

Dear Sir,

Today, in reading the article on MP Jamahl Simmons rejoining the PLP, I was interested in his comments regarding his move.

Mr. Simmons was quoted as saying that he was undermined by bigots in the UBP who were attempting to take away his Pembroke West branch, and then made an inferential reference toward the UBP, stating: "The leopard doesn't change his spots".

Mr. Simmons also made mention to when in the days of slavery the slave owners would attack the strongest slaves to scare the rest. Mr. Simmons followed these criticisms of the UBP with a personal attack on the integrity of their chairman, Mr. Shawn Crockwell, because of his history with the law.

I cannot help but think that in this situation Mr. Simmons felt mistreated by the UBP and decided to take it personally. If Mr. Simmons had legitimate reasons as to why he was unfairly about to be replaced, why would he not have made those clear? If there was some bias or discrimination then clearly explain what happened. It is hard for one not to think that Mr. Simmons, with no real reason as to the why the change was unjust, simply accused the UBP of being racist in an effort make himself appear to be the victim and to bitterly strike back at those whom he felt betrayed him.

Mr. Simmons' personal attack on Mr. Crockwell was an offensive move to try and discredit him with those voters in the West Pembroke community as well as an attempt to tarnish Mr. Crockwell's reputation and integrity. Mr. Simmons, if one who is an MP cannot forgive someone for their mistakes and encourage them when they are trying to do right, then how do you expect to turn this community around? Mr. Crockwell has shown a strong effort to get his life back on track, yet you bring up his past and negatively condemn him for his mistakes. I guess then for all the Bermudians who you are trying to serve, if anyone makes a serious mistake there is no chance for them to be as "good" as someone who has never been in trouble. How does that positively influence our community or give hope for the future to those who need it most?

Earlier this week Mr. Jamahl Simmons claimed that the next election would be "the nastiest ever". With all the above negative comments, accusations and personal attacks, who then, Mr. Simmons, is making this election nasty?

When the government talks of moving the country forward and dealing with the race issue positively, why do some members always bring people into a mindset of the past, drawing lines and campaigning fear to the public? It is one thing to reflect upon the past, remember and learn from history to make future life better. It is another to keep our community in the mindset of a terrible time in history, dwell upon and maintain the past as a present reality.

ALEX T. DOYLE

Smith's

Costly protection

July 21, 2007

Dear Sir,

The subject of bodyguards for our senior politicians seems to have disappeared from the headlines so I am unaware of its present status.

However, I will offer this. It matters not who the Premier is when it comes to the cost factor.

I honestly believe that the Bermuda Police will have to identify a minimum of 12 officers male/female.

These officers will have to receive training here and overseas. They will have to receive training in more than protection. They will need training in dress sense, etiquette & hostage negotiation at least. This will cost a lot of Bermuda dollars.

Additionally, these officers will have to be experienced.

We don't have that many experienced officers at this point.

The Police would have to create a new office to organise them. Things like appearances in court cases, sick leave, compassionate leave, sports, annual leave and maternity leave will have to be considered.

Cost of travel and overtime will be very high.

I haven't even thought about overtime! When VIP's are here some are required for these duties ¿ witness the officers surrounding Mrs. Blair on her last visit.

I am not an economist but can seem several millions of dollars looming. I can also see " support " vehicles and other types of expensive kit close behind when this unit is established. More money!! On another " tack " I am sure I heard that some VSB news casts are a presentation of "The Cabinet Office". If this is a new business that I know nothing of ... then OK. If it is the Bermuda Cabinet Office does that mean that we, the public, are paying the tab? That surely can't be the case?

One more small point. Why on earth did our Premier stand at a Press conference at the National Stadium, and read out Lionel Ritchie's biography? Mr. Ritchie is a world class/well known star. Surely, our Premier has better things to do than that?

His bio is not earth-shattering news or anywhere nearly as important as a new set of traffic lights on South Shore, Devonshire? Now, that is serious stuff warranting the Premier's presence.

JW

Smith's