Be proactive, call TCD

September 15, 2007

Dear Sir,

In response to "A Solution to Problem of Dumped Cycles" published on August 31, 2007:

We recently had a situation where a bike had been abandoned in our neighbourhood. Making contact with the responsible authorities to request removal of the bike was the initial challenge. With a bit of determination we managed to track them down. They are indeed out there! To make a long story short, here is the proven process of reporting and disposing of abandoned bikes.

Step 1) Phone Police Headquarters, report an abandoned bike, provide the licence plate number, estimated time the bike has been in the location. Prior to the bike being deemed 'abandoned', the Police must do an internal check to ensure it has not already been reported stolen. If not, then we can proceed to Step 2.

Step 2) Phone TCD, ask for Mrs. Sealy. Provide her with the licence details, location of bike and verbal report from the police.

Step 3) TCD then contacts W&E (Mr. Outerbridge's crew at Bailey's Bay) and provides them with the proper authorization to proceed with disposal. They will visit the site and place a sticker on the bike advising the public that it is officially abandoned, then collect for disposal.

A few weeks on, I noticed that the bike (what remained) had not been collected. Not to despair. I phoned TCD with a gentle reminder, and within an hour it was collected and presumably taken to Bailey's Bay, where it was disposed of in a manner compliant with Bermuda's environmental standards (a topic for another day!).

As citizens (or in our case, residents), it can be discouraging when we want to be proactive, be part of the solution, take appropriate actions, ultimately make a difference in our community. Yet we struggle to find the correct contacts or sources responsible to facilitate this outcome. In this particular case, a few phone calls, a bit of patience and to their credit, a few exceptionally helpful people at TCD, W&E & the Police Department, and I feel like we've made a difference in our neighbourhood.

Positive Vibes from Paget

See the NDFB for yourself

September 21, 2007

Dear Sir,

The National Dance Foundation of Bermuda (NDFB) generates intense excitement and emotions through the work it is doing on behalf of our youth community, and this is evidenced dramatically in the end of summer workshop performances performed by all of the participants in the DanceBermuda and Young Dancers Programmes.

Since it was established three years ago, NDFB has devoted its efforts to promoting dance excellence in Bermuda. It accomplishes this lofty objective by each summer exposing our talented dancers, teachers and choreographers to world-class training provided by the faculties and professional associates of the most respected instruction in dance: American Ballet Theatre, the Ailey School, Juilliard, Paul Taylor School and the Broadway stage.

This year the renowned Ms Debbie Allen offered five tuition scholarships for students from each of our main dance schools to attend a summer intensive at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in California, and NDFB has secured financial assistance through the support of the Bermuda Arts Council to enable those students who required additional funding to attend. What an incredible opportunity and wonderful experience in the lives of these young people!

Of course our young people through the formal training they receive, and there are over 300 enrolled in the programmes, learn how to dance to the best of their ability using the correct techniques. But they also learn Respect for self and others; Teamwork and how to work with and get along with each other; Discipline as a tool leading to mastering what they are learning and to realisation of their highest aspirations. So they challenge themselves to be the best they can be, and they push themselves to the next level. These are all life-skills that serve young people well as they mature in our highly competitive world.

To attend the end of summer DanceBermuda workshop, to see what our youth are capable of producing, is to bring tears to your eyes. Montpelier Re Foundation is proud to support the work of the National Dance Foundation through its support of a scholarship by funding the Madame Ana Roje Commemorative Award, and we extend our sincere best wishes for your excellent work in our community to continue.

W. WAYNE JACKSON, J.P.

Chairman

Montpelier Re Foundation

It's about time

September 23, 2007

Dear Sir,

I read a good article last week in reference to Drug Testing in the workplace. I feel it is about time this was done but it would be better if all this started from the top. I think with the advent of an election coming on the Government and the opposition should all lead by example. All members of parliament who wish to be put forward for election should have an independent drug test to prove they are clear of all drugs and a fit person to run our country. All the results should be put in all newspapers for every one to read to prove our Government whoever they are PLP or UBP are clear to run the country.

A CONCERNED VOTER

Hamilton Parish

Don't change Bermuda Day

September 19, 2007

Dear Sir,

I am a college student studying abroad, and was alarmed to check the Royal Gazette online today, and find out that our country's national holiday, has now been turned into a national heroes day.

I realise that Bermuda would not be the prosperous country it is today without the achievements of the Dame (Lois Browne Evans), but the whole point of her struggle was for our country, so why take away what she believed in? She wanted unity for the people of Bermuda, and instead we take away our national holiday; it just seems contradictory to me. I know that many readers are most likely saying to themselves "Well its only the name that has changed, we can still think of it as Bermuda Day", but that's not the point. The point is that we have had our National Holiday taken from us. I truly believe that the Dame does deserve a day to be remembered, and its important that we recognise her because she did so much for Bermuda, but to take away our Country's' National holiday is just crossing the line.

I understand that people deserve to be recognised for their achievements, but doesn't our country deserve at least one day? Now, in the article posted today, September 19, about the PLP's decision to rename the holiday, it states that Dame Lois will be named the Island's first national hero. I am not an ignorant person, but I do not know the full extent of what she has done for my country. And I'm positive that I'm not the only one. I have spoken to at least eight other students studying abroad who are appalled at the idea of taking away our country's holiday.

Which brings me to wonder whether our education system needs to be examined? Perhaps high schools should offer at least one semester of Bermudian political history. I suggest this because I wonder how the young people are supposed to vote when all they know of the parties is the word on the street. And according to the PLP, what exactly constitutes a hero? Could we eventually begin to include people like Patrick Singleton, Heather Nova, Flora Duffy, Ashley Aiken, and Collie Buddz? They are doing amazing things for our country also, and they have yet to be completely recognised.

However, the college students all across the world are taking action. On the website Facebook, there is a petition group on this issue, and in the few hours it has been online there are already 177 active members, (bearing in mind that there were 101 submissions to create this holiday), numerous wall posts and discussions. The group is called May 24th Will Always Be Bermuda Day, and that is just what we aim to have happen.

In conclusion, I do feel that there needs to be a day in which to remember those who fought for our country, who made sacrifices, and worked long and hard. I am sure that I am speaking for numerous people when I say that it shouldn't be Bermuda Day. To change our national holiday is really a ridiculous idea, and quite contradictory in my view. I suggest a vote of some sort as to when the holiday should be, so that the people of the country the Dame fought for can have the ultimate decision on what happens in our country.

Confused College Student

Toronto

For freedom of speech

September 24, 2007

Dear Sir,

This Friday, September 28, is "International Right to Know Day" organised by the group Freedom of Information Advocates in more than 30 countries. It is fitting that the date should correspond so closely with the Privy Council hearings into the Bermuda Government's attempts to cover up allegations of serious corruption through abusive Police actions and censorship of the press. Not much is heard about "public access to information" in Bermuda's official circles these days. They forget that Government should answer to the people, not the inverse.

FOIA

Warwick