Flag mystery

January 23, 2008

Dear Sir,

As I drove past earlier this week and the days since, I noticed a large Italian flag flying from the flagpole on the balcony at Flanagan's.

This could indicate three possibilities in my mind:

1. MEF Group have taken over Flanagan's;

2. They are now an Italian-Irish pub; or

3. They want their money's worth, as the red in the flag will eventually fade to orange.

VEXILLOLOGIST

Sandys

UBP's new leader

January 21, 2008

Dear Sir,

There is little doubt the 'golden age' of the UBP came under closer scrutiny at least a decade ago and has continually failed to regain a definitive transition up until this weekend. Some still think it is self-deceiving for the party to continue due to yesteryear thinking, however they have a new leader in Kim Swan who has a proven record of standing up for important issues, being unafraid to voice an opinion in public debate and is a tireless supporter of the Bermuda Constitution!

With the help of the electorate, all these attributes could bring both sides of the racial and social divide together.

More importantly, his political brand is not 'hide 'n seek' and neither is it carnival showmanship. His messages for good governance are well known and we believe a pillar of strength the United Bermuda Party could use, to move forward. It is imperative that Bermuda have a strong Opposition Party in parliament to ensure the continual stability of the country.

We wish Bermuda well.

TOPPY AND SAUNDRA COWEN

British Columbia

A 'drug' that works

January 19, 2008

Dear Sir,

I received the following in an e-mail from overseas, which I feel is appropriate to the present situation in parenting of our Bermuda youth.

"The other day a friend read that someone had found 'weed' and 'crack' in a derelict house used for illicit purposes in the next parish, and he asked me a rhetorical question: – "Why did we not have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?". I replied "I had a "drug problem" when I was young."

I was 'drug' to church on Sunday mornings and for weddings and funerals.

I was 'drug' to family reunions and community socials regardless of the weather.

I was 'drug' by my ears when disrespectful to adults.

I was also 'drug' to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I did'nt put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was 'drug' to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity.

I was 'drug' out to pull weeds in Mom's garden and flower beds.

I was 'drug' to the homes of family, friends and neighbours to help out some poor soul who had no-one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and if my mother had ever known that I took a single penny as a tip for this kindness, she would have 'drug' me back to the woodshed.

Those 'drugs' are still in my veins and they affect my behaviour today in everything I do, say, or think.

They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and if today's children had this kind of 'drug' problem, the world would be a better place."

God bless the parents who "drugged us"!

Have you thanked them lately – or are you like me and left it to late?

The opportunity still exists – get on your knees and pray – thank them and thank god for their vision and persistence.

DEREK FLETCHER

Warwick

Improve the roads

January 21, 2008

Dear Sir,

I am very upset about the conditions of our Bermuda roads. I pay a lot of money to license my car, which is constantly in the garage having wheels replaced and steering alignments. It seems to me that the more money you spend on that useless piece of paper that goes in your car window, the worse the roads get. Not only are the poor conditions of the roads causing a lot of wear and tear on the cars but also it is very dangerous for cyclist.

A lot of parents travel to work having to take their child on the bike, and while travelling are having to concentrate on the child on the bike, the traffic plus maneuver around the rain holes, and the newly renovated holes in the roads and because you have to do all this manoeuvring the Police will pull you over and give you a ticket for reckless riding, or endangering your child's life, which will either land you in court being taken off the road or a hefty fine.

Now I ask you, are the contractors going to pay your fine, take your child to school and you to work? "I think not." However, they are responsible for the condition of the roads, and the reason why we manoeuvre all over the roads.

I ask why is it that when Government (Works and Engineering) paves roads it is always a private contractor that comes behind and digs up the roads and does not pave them back the right way. Back in the day when roads where dug up they paved the whole road, there was no sinks or holes the next week and it was done with the proper tar not the cheap stuff that they are using now. For money that we pay to license our cars, Bermuda roads should be in tiptop condition.

Therefore, contractors remember this. The next time you are given the job to dig up our roads Think of your family members that will be travelling on that so called newly paved dangerous road that you helped pave.

In addition, no I do not have Meg wheels or a souped up car.

ROAD RAGING

Warwick

Policing the Police

January 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

Can you tell me who's policing the Police Service? They have tint, they speed and they talk on their cell phones while driving.

EQUAL RIGHTS

City of Hamilton

Sweet sound of silence

January 18, 2008

Dear Sir,

I was reading about the electric bikes recently. Then I thought why doesn't the government make them mandatory?

It was a great idea until I realised that would mean a lot of kids would certainly miss their noisy bikes. Fool that I am to forget you cannot change lifestyles, but the Government has to take a hard line sometimes. I remember when I was a kid I used to love my noisy gas-fuelled moped. Unfortunately I don't think you can enjoy electric bikes as much.

My British friend Lucy does not understand this Bermuda obsession with noisy bikes and would welcome the newer quieter models. We will not miss the noise when these bikes are replaced. Hopefully all you readers agree. People will also be able to save loads of money on gas. It will save time because you will not need to fill up. The gas stations are not going to be happy but Bermuda is really so small it's perfect for electric bikes.

We have a special opportunity to start the ball rolling on other initiatives to improve the environment.

GRUMPY ADAM

Pembroke

You shared the spirit

January 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

May I take this opportunity to thank the people of Bermuda most sincerely for their help and generosity in making our 19th annual Share the Christmas Spirit such a success.

Our grateful thanks are extended to all contributing local businesses in conjunction with the MarketPlace.

Special thanks to T.S. Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps for once again letting us use their facility to assemble the hampers. They also tagged at Heron Bay store on our Lions Clubs annual Share the Christmas Spirit tag day on Saturday December 1st. Warwick Academy Leo Club and Mount Saint Agnes also tagged at two more different locations. The tag day brought in a very welcome $3,675.00.

CedarBridge Academy Prefect Council was once again active in the mammoth task of Christmas wrapping the hamper boxes, along with Mount Saint Agnes Confirmation Class group. Thanks a million to you all.

To the many contributing schools and pre-schools, thank you.

To the Island-wide individuals who placed their non perishable food items in the bins provided at the MarketPlace stores, many thanks.

Without you all the delivery of 415 hampers to needy Bermudian families would not have been possible.

Thank you all for Sharing the Christmas Spirit.

CYNTHIA BELL

Eastern Lioness/Lion Club