The latest news about our new PLP Government members has put the fear of God into me. What sort of people are they to "instruct'' or "terrorize'' staff in a local restaurant so that the people they simply did not want close to them are moved to another table and another room. What sort of country is this to allow such behaviour? Neither the President of the United States, nor the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom would behave in such a manner. What makes the PLP Government Ministers think they are higher than God Almighty.

There is no doubt in my mind that expatriates are terrified of "upsetting'' the powers that be and will do everything in order that their work permits are renewed. Is this the sort of country that Bermuda is turning into? We are no better than the dictatorship in Africa and just look at what has happened to all of them -- definitely not to be envied.

If there are any decent or sane human beings in the PLP Government I ask, no I beg you to take a stand against this violation of human rights, which was perpetrated against two UBP Members of Parliament who were unfortunate enough to choose the same restaurant to have their lunch as the PLP ministers.

Indeed, everyone in Bermuda who abhors this treatment should boycott this restaurant and every other restaurant which condones such behaviour. To the maitre'd who asked that the UBP members move to another room, believe me no work permit is worth the price of selling your soul.

PRO HUMAN RIGHTS Southampton Medication is the key March 6, 2001 Dear Sir, I had to write to express my concern about the report on VSB Television regarding ADHD (attention deficit disorder I find it very difficult to understand how a reporter can call these children "a bunch of rejects''. What a senseless comment. I personally take offence to her comment and expect her to think more before she opens her mouth to what was a very hurtful statement.

Many children have this disorder, as Dr. Perinchief explained, and some have never had the opportunity to be diagnosed. It is a problem, but one that can be addressed by the parents of such children. The real dilemma comes when your child cannot behave himself/herself in a school environment. These kids cannot sit still, they act impulsively and are sometimes aggressive toward others.

They can't help it though. That's why the only solution, at this time, is to medicate them. Ritalin is the only medication available to us in Bermuda. This medication helps them to focus. They need this to help them cope with the school environment. If they do not have the medication, they will be told that they are rude, unable to act correctly, put in time out etc., What do you think this does to these children? It lowers their self-esteem. This Government does not need a school for badly behaved children, it needs schools for ADHD children. The school environment in our public and private systems does not help them. They need special schools which cater to their needs.

Specially trained teachers to build self-esteem while providing an outlet for their feelings.

Medication may be frowned upon by some, however there is no other solution at this time. Diet does not have anything to do with it. There has never been any proof that giving up sugar, or foods which contain preservatives will help an ADHD. child.

How do I know? Because I am a mother who has an ADHD child. I have read everything I can get my hands on about this disorder and although I'm no expert, I have seen my son go through turmoil and that's not good enough. I have taken a stand and put my son on medication and he is doing well in school, which, by the way, is a public school with wonderful teachers who understand.

So, take away your prejudices, VSB and others, and help these kids, they need our love and understanding more than anything.

M. DUBOIS Pembroke Giving us the whole story March 12, 2001 Dear Sir, I have had the opportunity to first read in your sister paper, the Mid Ocean News, then again in the RG magazine that O'Brian Roberts stole the magic promotion company -- Island Boy Magic -- from Marshall Weller and myself, Craig Tyrrell. This is so far from the truth that it is laughable. After reading the story, written by Rebecca Zuill, I figured that it would just go away. Unfortunately it didn't. I have been asked on numerous occasions about the sinister tactics used by Mr. Roberts in stealing the company and ideally Mr. Weller's dream to promote magic on the Island.

It was actually my idea to leave the group after five years, as I was very busy with other activities and was devoting less and less time to my duties.

When we first started out we each had certain functions to perform. Over the years however those same functions diminished for Mr. Weller and myself and increased for Mr. Roberts. In other words he was picking up the slack.

Realising this, I told the group that it was time for me to step back but if the show was to resume I would be more than happy to help on the day.

Mr. Roberts felt that he could basically promote the show himself and hire the artists, which included Mr. Weller, in the future. I agreed, as he was basically doing that anyway. Everyone agreed that Island Boy Magic would have to be dissolved, as an agreement could not be met as to how the other two would go forward. It was later agreed that Mr. Weller would keep the name as he came up with it and the two would do their own things. Bermuda Magic was born and Mr. Roberts started planning his first solo event.

I was contacted by Rebecca Zuill of the Mid Ocean News for a comment on the story that she was running for Mr. Weller. After she told me the subject of her article I gave her my comments, which are represented here. At the end of this conversation I was quite surprised when she told me that she couldn't rewrite the story to put that angle in. Why did she call me? Did she expect me to collaborate with Mr. Weller? I told her that all she was interested in was selling newspapers (to which she said that it didn't hurt) and that in order for her to run a story like that she should have gotten both sides. Mr.

Roberts didn't want to comment and I think that he did the right thing. The daily paper or the weekend paper is not the place for people to air their dirty laundry. However, if it has to go that far the least the reporter could do is get more than one comment. Unfortunately, a very large percentage of people take what they read as the gospel.

Bermuda Magic is a company built on hard work and dedication and I am proud that Mr. Roberts has decided to present "Illusions'' at the City Hall theatre, so much so that when he asked if I would help out I graciously said yes. If Mr. Weller decided to promote a show and asked for my help the response would be the same. For those of you who decide to stay away because of what you've read or heard, that is unfortunate because this is going to be a really good production. Keep up the good work O'Brian. It's all good.

CRAIG TYRRELL Ex-Partner of Island Boy Magic We need to show respect March 13, 2001 Dear Sir, On March 10, students of the In Motion School of Dance held their fourth annual KBB-assisted Trash-a-thon, collecting over 80 bags of trash and recyclables from the Barnard's park and Palmetto Road areas. This was In Motion's third year at the site and they collected approximately 3,000 pieces of trash (comprising mainly of empty cans and bottles). In addition to raising funds for the purchase of costumes for their upcoming dance showcase, students also gained a better appreciation of the litter problem in Bermuda, and the importance of maintaining our inland's beauty. Despite the efforts of small groups such as ours, the litter problem is a large one, and will continue to escalate unless we all show a bit more respect for our Island and its inherent beauty. The number of glass bottles and cans being thrown into the bushes is alarming and is further brought to light when participating in a clean-up. Our group alone collected over 1,000 bottles from the Barnard's Park area. It is everyone's responsibility and we all need to work a little harder to help keep Bermuda clean.

In Motion would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those students who participated for a fabulous job, despite the rain, and especially thank those parents, teachers and friends who assisted in the event. Thanks also goes to KBB for their guidance and support, and to those persons who kindly donated towards keeping our Island beautiful and supporting our youth in the arts.

Congratulations on a job well done.

LIZZ PIMENTEL Director In Motion School of Dance Bribes not necessary March 9, 2001 Dear Sir, I could not believe what Alex Scott is suggesting -- that he intends offering cash to contractors who employ Bermudians on various building sites. Why does he think it is necessary to offer money to employ Bermudians -- is he saying their work is inferior? First, I sincerely hope that contractors would always employ Bermudians first, if they are competent and qualified to carry out the assigned work. Secondly, if they are not so qualified, I would sincerely hope that they would not be blackmailed by Mr. Scott into hiring people who simply cannot do the job. This is setting a very dangerous precedent and will, in the long run, only lower standards in the building trade.

It also appears that Ms. Paula Cox's latest "suggestion'' regarding Work Permits is to reward companies who employ Bermudians. Why do they have to be rewarded? Every single company in Bermuda employs Bermudians wherever possible if they can do the job. What company would go to the trouble and expense of applying for a Work Permit, if there is a suitably qualified Bermudian willing and able to do the work? No-one in their right mind would want to go anywhere near the Department of Immigration, unless they really had to. I know two employers who left the Island -- rather then have to face applying to Immigration for Work Permits for their staff.

Why do members of the PLP think it necessary to offer bribes to people to employ Bermudians -- I simply cannot understand this new idea. It is almost as if they are saying Bermudians cannot do the job, but we want you to employ them anyway. That is utter rubbish, as there are lots of very competent, hard-working Bermudians and no one has to be bribed to employ them. I presume, therefore, that the PLP are referring to the lazy, incompetent ones who are unemployable by any standards.

EXPAT CONTRACTOR Pembroke What a waste of money March 12, 2001 Dear Sir, I hope you will allow me to use this forum to bring to public attention another seeming example of blatant Government waste.

This apparent waste concerns Project Number 96065 called Wellington Slip Road re-alignment, Sheets Number 5541/002/01/H02 and 5541/002/01/H03 both revision A. This project claims to be in the interest of public safety. It entails straightening a small curve in the above road to improve traffic flow and increase safety for pedestrians. It is a complete farce, having worked and driven this road for 22 years in a heavy truck and trailering boats along it, I feel qualified to comment on this. The section of road chosen has posed no problems for any business or resident along it to my knowledge. Unlike the corner two hundred yards before it which makes it impossible for many tractor-trailers to deliver steel to Meyer Industries thereby forcing them to drive the wrong way along the one-way road to make their deliveries.

Project Number 96065 involves several compulsory purchases to complete. Those involved have been told they will be compensated only if they can prove the land is theirs as one has not been able to locate their deeds. The sixteen-foot wide road way used by Meyer Industries, Lawrence Marine, St.

George's Boat yard, Raposo Welding and all residents will be narrowed to twelve feet making it difficult and dangerous or impossible for large trucks and equipment as well as emergency vehicles to pass any parked car or truck etc.

The only advantage to the above goes to St. George's Cricket Club in that they seem to be getting a large section of land at the public expense. This will allow them to move their unsightly wall further outward to allow for a pedestrian walkway around their field in time for Cup Match, as I understand was promised to the members by an area MP.

DISGUSTED St. George's An informed decision March 10, 2001 Dear Sir, Having recently returned home from a visit of three North American cities, I was catching up on the news by way of the newspaper, when as a taxi operator I came across an article on the taxi industry that got my attention.

There is much confusion in this industry and with the addition of the central dispatch it has gotten worse, so much so that one can predict civil war within. Having not supported the central dispatch system because I did not know how it works and how it will benefit me and all the misinformation that is going around as to why it can't work here in Bermuda, and even after that Oscar winning presentation held on February 8 at St. Paul Centennial Hall, I was still stuck in the no mode.

Well little did I know that I was about to get an eye opener about central dispatch and computer digital dispatch systems.

While visiting my son who resides in Canada I was informed that he had planned something special and had set one day aside for me and all I had to do was agree to disagree with the condition, so I agreed to his terms and condition.

Well on that day I was taken to a taxi company and was introduced to the assistant manager and shown how this company works and what they work with.

After a two hour lesson on state of the art dispatching I was put in a taxi and taken on the road and shown how you would operate from the cab. After my return to the office while asking a few questions over a cup of coffee, I was informed by the assistant manager that he was aware that Bermuda cabbies were rejecting the system and wondered why.

At this point I too was questioning why as my lesson was coming to a close. He informed me that he was in contact with Bermuda by e-mail, and he mentioned a computer dispatch taxi guru name I had learned to dislike -- JR Desilva and all the information he had shared with him. Once again I started thinking why did I dislike this individual and when did it start I can say I know I left Canada with a new outlook on JR Desilva and central dispatch, and thank God that we have a visionary like him in our business and maybe if he does not give up on us, we will get with the programme that will save this business and our investments.

A week later I'm in New York City on the way home with three days in hand.

Guess what I decided to do, I call a taxi company and told them what I wanted and what I want to do. Well two hours later and $90.00 less in my pockets I'm given the grand tour and my second lesson in another city on a new era in taxi security computer dispatch technology, and I am told how the changes have made their business more efficient, better controls over job allocations such as improved response to their customers and business volume.

For the first time in a very long time I can make an informed decision on the taxi industry. All the facts have been put to me the solutions are before us we need to act on them we need better, and most of all Bermuda deserves better.

I SAY YES Paget