What a disappointment to read of the removal of Kim Swan, as resident pro at St. George's Golf Club! I have only praise for Kim, based on my knowledge of him over the years that he was in this job.

As principal of St. George's Prep School, I started an activity programme where students were encouraged to take part in very varied activities that perhaps they had never tried before. I approached Mr. Swan with my idea for a golf group and he responded enthusiastically with time, equipment and splendid encouragement. Along with Mr. K. Benevides (Castle Harbour), this programme ran for quite a few years and I know of two St. George's students, who are currently on golf scholarships in the USA. We all know where that achievement got its start.

As a playing member of St. George's Club, I must also state that Kim has always been a genial presence around the club, greeting everybody with true Bermudian politeness and hospitality. I have no doubt that visiting members of the St. George's Club Resort will be truly shocked by this decision, as he was always conscientious in looking after these guests.

I am not at all thrilled with this decision and I will refrain from statements about the reasons, but he will be sorely missed for his amiability and interest in all of his guests.

M. MOORHEAD St. George's Democrats, not dictators April 30, 2001 Dear Sir, In his letter dated April 28, 2001, Mr. Phil Cracknell insists that if the constitutional amendments are enacted: "Government will change from democracy to dictatorship overnight.'' Sine the constitutional amendments will make all votes of the same value, it is obvious that it will be a major step towards true democracy. However, Mr.

Cracknell prefers the present system by which the value of a vote in Pembroke has a much lower value than a vote in Paget. How does this improve democracy.

The constitutional amendments also will introduce single seat constituencies.

By this act alone the people of Bermuda will be able to hold MPs accountable.

At the moment, a non-performing MP can say, "I thought my partner did it'' as an excuse for non-performance. With single seat constituencies, this is no longer possible.

Hence the amendments will make certain that the vote in every constituency has roughly the same value and that every MP will become accountable to his constituents. Surely Mr. Cracknell, you must agree that equality and accountability are cornerstones of democracy. What than is the basis for your fear that if the constitutional amendments are enacted: "Government will change from democracy to dictatorship overnight?'' SEN. CALVIN J.M. SMITH Pembroke End voter segregation April 25, 2001 Dear Sir, I read William Cox's letter with great interest today. Mr. Cox agrees that electoral constituencies need to be balanced, that single seat constituencies should be put in place and that Parliament should be reduced to 36 members -- imagine that! Unfortunately, Mr. Cox later argues that proportional representation would "better safeguard the rights of the white minority''.

Clearly, the only possible way that Mr. Cox's argument could be validated is if it were true that blacks are incapable of making decisions that benefit all Bermudians.

Well, Bermuda's history shows us that it is blacks who join white organisations, so I am not surprised by his fear and frustration. Heaven forbid that Mr. Cox should have to actually work with an elected PLP MP! The sky should fall before he has to come out of his own comfort zone and genuinely integrate himself with people of colour! Is it not long past time that the likes of Mr. Cox closed that chapter on this way of thinking? No matter how you look at it, the best electoral system should be based on what it takes to address the needs of Bermuda, and not on how many UBP candidates can get in the door.

Choosing to continue to segregate yourself is Bermuda's loss, and voters should realise that this behaviour has never had any moral merit. Rather, voters should look past the rhetoric, and focus on the party's actions for the truth. You only have to look at the UBP's apathetic attitude towards racism, despite having a so-called "integrated Cabinet'', for all the proof you'll ever need of this.

SEPARATE, BUT NOT EQUAL? Sandys Parish Raise Police morale April 27, 2001 Dear Sir, Please allow me some space to comment on a few concerns I have with the current status of Police Service.

It is to my dismay to constantly read about the lack of sufficient Police officers on the Bermuda Police Service. In the latter part of last year, did we not recruit quite a number of officers from abroad? Did they not pick up some of the slack? Where are they now? We all know that insufficient staff can lead to frustration amongst the current staff and this in turn can lead to inefficiencies. I have read many negative letters concerning the Police Force and I have to wonder if these situations are created due to the current lack of staff. It is unfortunate that many people seem to have a bad opinion of the Bermuda Police Service and I would just like to say that no organisation is without faults and errors.

It is disturbing to know that the force we call on for protection is understaffed.

As a Bermudian citizen, I am concerned about the current state of affairs and I can only hope that the newly appointed commissioner can make some positive changes.

CONCERNED Paget Airport overcrowding April 22, 2001 Dear Sir, I have only three points to share with the Department of Tourism, Government and Bermuda residents.

We recently returned from a trip to Toronto which took two hours and 15 minutes flying time and it took us one and half hours to get out of the airport.

There were two flights in and people lined up to the back of the Immigration Hall. Surely when this happens there has to be more than four officers checking passports. When I remarked on this happening because we arrived a little early, the officer said: "Oh, this happens all the time!'' The second point is a remark from a tourist who said: "By the time I get out of here my vacation will be over.'' My third point: Is this the first impression we wish to make about Bermuda? There is always a long line-up to pay duty or goods; surely there must be a quicker more efficient way, if only someone will find it.

FLORENCE DECOUTO Paget Bring back BA 777s April 25, 2001 Dear Sir, It is high time that Government addressed the problems we all face with the monopolistic stronghold that British Airways hold on our travel from this Island.

It has been stated many times before about the cost of flying to London being for more expensive from here then from New York, Boston or Halifax and yet the geographical distance is considerably less.

I understand that we all must now travel on a smaller plane, until cramped seating and narrow aisles. Last week, a flight for London to Bermuda was delayed by five hours and passengers had to sit on the phone for that time at the gate. Perhaps British should heed the mass action lawsuit filed today against Northwest for similar in consideration to paying passengers. There has been much alarming news of late on the dangers of blood clots on long flights and you'll be lucky to wander out of your seat for a few minutes on the present transatlantic cramped jets.

British Airways needs to reduce the cost of travel to the UK and instead of small planes six nights a week, return to fewer nights, but longer planes. I can see more and more travellers going to New York and cashing in on a decent fare and larger plane.

BRING ON BRANSON St. George's Loving an alcoholic April 30, 2001 "Once you have accepted the idea that alcoholism is a sickness from which compulsive drinkers and those who care about them can find release, you will have no reason to be ashamed of alcoholism -- no reason to fear it.'' Dear Sir, Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope, in order to solve their common problem. The above quotation is from a book entitled: "So You Love an Alcoholic.'' The Bermuda National Library circulating department carries many of the books.

For anyone struggling with the disease or disgrace issue, taking time out to read this informed literature, can lead the confused, angry, baffled family member into a new world of understanding. Alcoholism is a family disease.

Every alcoholic negatively impacts at least four other people and it is often said that after ten or 15 years of living with an alcoholic, the family member is as "sick as the alcoholic''. This, often because the focus is on trying to get the alcoholic sober.

When we move from that "mission impossible'', understand that this is a progressive, fatal family disease, and find our way to an Al-Anon Family Group meetings, we take a positive step into a world of recovery, where fellowship, freedom to share our woes in complete confidentiality, forgiveness and much fun and laughter, so change our attitudes and understanding that many of our friends wonder where we found such courage to change.

I hope that as this month of alcohol awareness draws to an end, many will visit meetings, available six days a week and always listed in the Bermuda Calender in this paper.

ANGELA R.

Devonshire issue in Bermuda, I think that your paper was irresponsible in publishing the article. Had your source identified himself/herself, and if that person had some credibility, then I would support you 100 percent in bringing it to the attention of the Bermuda public.

JOE LINDO Wilmington, Delaware