Dear Sir, In the beginning of August, my family and I vacationed in Bermuda.

We spent eight days and while there I read about the various problems facing Bermuda i.e. drugs, education and gang violence.

I must say that the people -- and I am not talking about the people who work in hotels, restaurants and bars -- are the most polite and cordial people I have ever encountered.

The native Bermudians are a national treasure and I can assure you they should be proud. I was able to take my 16-year-old son, my 14-year-old daughter and ten-year-old son to gas stations, city streets and not be embarrassed by the crudeness that exists in the cities of the United States; with locals like the Bermudians, anything can be conquered such as drug or gang problems.

Thank you.

ANDREW HEATER Tuxedo, New York