C-Travel ads are offensive

Dear Editor,

It is not at all a rare thing for two people to look at the same thing and come up with completely different opinions. To be fair, I'll admit that my opinion might be far off base. However, after taking the abuse every time I watch the evening news, I've reached something of a boiling point. Frankly, I feel that I need to express my opinion, no matter how off base it might be, because at the least this situation calls for some degree of further thought. My simple question to all is does anyone else find the C-Travel/Quickertix TV commercials offensive to Bermudians? I certainly do.

These television commercials typically have an employee of a travel agent speaking in an old-fashioned Bermudian accent, and the customer is speaking in what would traditionally be considered a North American or slightly British accent (otherwise known as "Proper English"). The employee speaking in the native tongue is shown to be incredibly ignorant and unprofessional.

Air China is pronounced as Ear Chenay, and the Parthenon is written off as a fancy cooking spice. In one of the advertisements you can even see a box of Kentucky Fried Chicken on the table! In contrast, the customer speaking in "Proper English" is portrayed as the intelligent world traveller who has to suffer through a moment spent with an ignorant Bermudian (as portrayed).

The attempt at humour is obvious, but ultimately falls flat on its face when given full consideration. There are incredibly ignorant people who speak in the native tongue and in proper English. There are incredibly intelligent people who speak in the native tongue and in proper English. The problem with these ads is that unfortunately they stereotype Bermudians in the negative, and reinforce the "silly islander" mentality that can so easily be adopted by expatriates and Bermudians alike.

As a professional Bermudian who travels the world, who loves his native tongue and who is far more interested in what is being said rather than how it is being said, I have no choice but to call it as I see it. It's hard enough as it is trying to prove yourself as a Bermudian. The last thing we need is someone reinforcing a very negative idea of who we are. We don't need to reinforce the idea that intelligence is directly correlated with the accent that one speaks with. Or more to the point, that speaking in proper English is a guarantee of intelligence, whereas speaking in the native tongue is a guarantee of ignorance.

I'm sure that the company meant no harm, but the ads need to cease ­ they just aren't funny. Until they do, I shall not use C-Travel/Quickertix for any of my travel plans, and I encourage other Bermudians and expatriates who feel the same way to register their opposition by using an alternative.

Funny Boned

Use prisoners to clean-up

September 5, 2007

Dear Sir,

On the news this evening there was a segment that drew attention to the conditions of the public beaches and I have to agree with Mr. Charles Spanswick; for the (vast majority & not only public) beaches are just deplorable…

Most days I'm privileged in being able to venture along the coastline and have witnessed the pollution along the shores. It's either washed up or intently being left behind by beach users… On my walks I've often retrieved trash and correctly disposed of it, either at home or in a receptacle that's been provided, though receptacles are few and far apart (if at all there's any provided) and this possibly is one reason so much litter has appeared along the beaches and shorelines.

I would like to (once again) suggest to the powers that be that they consider using either prison labour to combat this extremely serious problem Bda's. facing. Or use people that have been unable to meet the demands of the courts, i.e. payment of fines/civil matters. Give them an option: Either go directly to jail (without passing go and collecting $200) or offer the alternative, which is show up for work at designated areas.

The individuals will be able to leave from homes and "turn to". This can be a win-win situation. First, they'll remain with their family/dependents and will be spared the embarrassment of going to prison and not only that, the Department of Corrections will also save dollars, as they will now not having to house those individuals who have chosen beach chores over prison time.

RAY RAY

St. George's

A mis-characterisation

September 6, 2007

Dear Sir,

I would like to take this opportunity to correct your September 5th editorial in which you mischaracterised a statement I made in the wake of the murder of Shaki Crockwell.

In that statement, I supported the call by the Governor, the Premier and Col. Burch for the public to break the "code of silence" and step forward with information they might have about the murder and other serious crimes.

But I also said that such public urgings by our political leaders would hold little water when their own behaviour – intimidation and a chronic refusal to answer questions on public issues – ran counter to, and set an unhelpful example for, what it was asking the public to do, which was to be forthcoming with information.

We will never get this society on the right track without more positive and open leadership. When people feel that the powers that be are on their side, when they know that their Government is not about intimidation and spite, then we will see the kind of openness and trust that can help the people of Bermuda thrive while making it more difficult for negative forces to prevail.

MICHAEL DUNKLEY JP, MP

Leader, United Bermuda Party.

What's a political broadcast

September 6, 2007

Dear Sir,

I am a frequent reader of this particular column, of which I consider somewhat as "a pulse of the community". Additionally, on occasion I would listen to electronic media to acquire further awareness of "what's going on" within the Island.

In particular with one electronic medium, lately I have noticed an ever-increasing amount of UBP interviews. We are all well aware that a General Election is looming – if not then what world do we live in! What we all might not be aware of, is that the majority of the Directors, if not all, of this same company, are affiliated or supporters of the UBP.

This, Mr. Editor, poses a simple, if not obvious question: "What differentiates a political broadcast and the initiation of interviews with members of a particular political party of which the broadcasting company's directors are connected – could it be 'The Possibility of a Conflict'?

NOT NAIVE

Sandys

Do not ban horses

September 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

I live on Woodbourne Avenue. I love to hear the horses going by, just hearing the hoofs is nice to hear at night after hearing traffic during the day time. Please do not ban the horses. Do not blame the horses, traffic is bad in Bermuda. Crack down on the crazies on our roads.

PEMBROKE RESIDENT

What about US victims

September 7, 2007

Dear Sir,

It is reported that the 9/11 memorial commissioned by the US Consul General bears an image of the US Pentagon ("September 11 Memorial to be Unveiled Next Week"). I trust that those attending the unveiling ceremony will pray not only for the victims at the Pentagon but for the hundreds of thousands of Afghan and Iraqi victims of the Pentagon.

BORN ON 9/11

Hamilton Parish

Taxi troubles

September 9, 2007

Dear Sir,

I would like to respond to the recent letters and articles written by taxi drivers bemoaning the ability to make a living under current legislation. On two occasions, both within the last week, I have called for a taxi and been severely let down both times. Firstly, from outside a major retailer in Hamilton we requested a taxi to our home on Middle Road. After waiting 45 minutes, we phoned the despatcher to check its whereabouts, to be informed one had not been dispatched yet! After 40 minutes? We waited one and a quarter hours for the taxi to arrive.

Secondly, we requested a taxi to make a family trip out. The despatcher confirmed the taxi would be available shortly. Yet again 40 minutes later we called to check and were told and, yet again, it had not been dispatched. An hour and a half later we gave up.

What is going on? This is not reliable, it is meant to be a public service? What if I had needed to catch a flight or get to a relative in hospital? I have given up on taxis now, and even refuse to get them from Hamilton ranks when I can use the bus instead. Why should I use a service that only serves itself, and not me? I know I am not the only one who has come to this conclusion, and therefore any drop in business is the industry's own fault.

MARK BRITTON

Paget

A thank-you note

September 9, 2007

Dear Sir,

I should like to thank the person who dropped my cheque book, and three charge cards at the Bailey's Bay Post Office, and the Postmistress, Ms Scott, for informing me of such. Unfortunately, these objects were not lost property, but part of the contents of my handbag that was stolen on July 29.

I should be grateful if the finder of these items could call me to inform me where they were found. With any luck I may be able to find more of my missing property. I am pleased to see that the thief is not using my Senior Person's Card for free transportation!

MARY DRAYCOTT

(Phone number in the book)

Smith's

Turn the killer in

September 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

Much has been written about the most recent tragic murder, which bears so much resemblance to the other killings which have happened recently, but no one as far as I know has touched on the sanity of the murderer (or murderers – but I shall use the singular from now on).

I think, to use an old fashioned word, that he (I don't think women are involved) is mad, and dangerously so. I suspect it is a form of madness which can lead him to turn on friends without good reason – so friends, apart from some sort of Mafia devotion to the tribe, are scared to give the Police the evidence they need to put the person out of the way of harming anyone else.

It would be wise for his friends to withdraw discreetly from his company, for the man is patently dangerous and his friends might become his enemies at a moment's notice. Drink somewhere else – go to other sports – enjoy other kinds of recreation – save your lives.

W. S. ZUILL Sr.

Smith's Parish

It all adds up

September 5, 2007

Dear Sir,

A letter from Anthony Siese in today's Gazette enquiring whether Ewart Brown might sent some money toward the Spirit Of Bermuda is solely a mathematical exercise. Add up all the members of this charity (Spirit) including committee members etc. and then determine how many of them are of Afro descent. The number will decide if Dr. Brown supports Spirit Of Bermuda or not ... see! It's all very simple.

ADDING UP THE NUMBERS

Southampton