Bishop: In our own time

This letter was sent to Michelle Scott, chairwoman of the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality, and was copied to The Royal Gazette.

February 29, 2008

Dear Ms Scott,

Thank you for your letter of February 26, 2008. I must state that the decision of the Synod of the Anglican Church of Bermuda to debate and pass unanimously a resolution relating to the abolition of slavery was ours alone.

It was not done in response to the "challenge" of the Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown, but rather sprang out of (our) own consideration of the matter over a period of time. We have been conscious of the history of the Island and the Church's part in that history.

Given the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, it was felt appropriate to make the statement at that time. In it, we made a pledge to be "an instrument of healing and reconciliation in these islands of Bermuda".

I am aware of the statement that Mr. Dale Butler made at the service in the Cathedral last year. He has since made similar comments, quite recently I understand.

However, it is our intention to fulfill the commitment we made last year in our own time and in our own way, regardless of suggestions from various outside our Church.

Our ongoing life as a Church is a testament to our commitment to healing and reconciliation, for we are probably the most integrated of all the churches in Bermuda.

This is reflected in the makeup of both clergy and the congregations they serve. A fact that is often either not noticed or if noticed, ignored. We feel that the role that we play is highly significant in achieving a greater degree of harmony among all who lives in these islands.

THE RT. REV. EWEN RATTERAY

Bishop of Bermuda

A break from Laverne

February 28, 2008

Dear Sir,

Every two or three days we get a letter from Ms Laverne Furbert. It has become so painful that I am begging you to stop printing her "work" for a few months. It has become so easy to see who has written the letter just by the first few lines. I know she feels she is a great woman and I believe that she is, but enough already.

JUST PLAIN TIRED

City of Hamilton

Thanks to Foundation

February 28, 2008

Dear Sir,

I am grateful for this opportunity through your columns to publicly thank the Bank of Bermuda Foundation for sponsoring the Dinner for the Bermuda Red Cross Blood Donor Centre Volunteers. The dinner which was held at the RHADC on February 26 was in recognition of the valuable service donated to the KEMH and to the community by this group of volunteer professionals.

On behalf of the Bermuda Red Cross, I extend special thanks to the Bank of Bermuda Foundation and to their Chairman Mr. David Lang who initially brought our volunteer contributions to their attention.

It is very rewarding to be recognised by such a prestigious organisation.

BARBARA D. COOPER, R.N.

Chairperson & Volunteer Coordinator — Bermuda Red Cross Blood Donor Centre

The unfairness of life

February 29, 2008

Dear Sir,

After reading about the U-19 cricketer that is being sent all the way back to Bermuda from Malaysia, I was thoroughly disheartened.

I wish, hope and of course pray that the money that is being wasted could be sent to me, and others like me, who would love to fund the purchase of equipment or training opportunities that their child needs to fulfill their passionate dream of representing Bermuda in a prestigious sporting event.

In my case, I could certainly use the funds right about now to purchase a talented show jumping horse so that my child can compete in a sport she loves. She certainly would not squander that opportunity. Still wondering about how unfair life is.

ANONYMOUS

Devonshire

Burch to sort the mail

March 1, 2008

Dear Sir,

I wonder if I could be the first to ask the Hon. Premier if Col. Burch could possibly be assigned to the Post Office once he has sorted out the Immigration backlog?

Despite letters to various Postmaster Generals over the years mail delivery to Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke area (and I suspect many other areas in Bermuda) still takes an inordinate amount of time to be delivered. This week a letter postmarked February 19 was delivered on February 29 – and this is not that unusual.

DELIVER DE LETTER

DE SOONER DE BETTER

Pembroke