July 6, 2002 Dear Sir, Perhaps due to the ethical malaise that currently bedevils this society, I am not surprised that there has been no public discussion over MP Ottiwell Simmons decision to abstain from voting on a recent piece of Government legislation. That legislation being the recently passed amendments to the Motor Car Act tabled by the Minister of Transport.

Mr. Simmons, the Government Whip — I might add — was not the only backbench MP to abstain. For example, so did his close friend and colleague MP Reginald Burrows. But what makes Mr. Simmon’s action so problematic is the fact that unlike Mr. Burrows, Mr. Simmons’ chief job on behalf of the Government is to insure that the necessary members, needed to pass Government legislation, are present and committed to supporting the Government on any particular issue (legislation).

While Mr. Burrows action may have been regrettable, Mr. Simmons action as Government whip raised serious questions that revolve around the issues of responsibility on the one hand and accountability on the other; not to mention integrity.

One could put forth the view that the more honourable course of action for him to have taken would have been to resign his Whip position before the vote or failing that, to have resigned shortly after the vote was taken. Of course this would have been astonishing in a Bermuda where everyone expects to have their cake and eat it to.

In closing, I pose the following question: If there is no responsibility or accountability expected of those at the highest levels of our society, then can it be expected anywhere else?

ROLFE PATTON COMMISSIONG

City of Hamilton