This submission has been prompted by two items in recent editions of The Royal Gazette .

On May 10 it was noted that "the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association is owned by its members....so it will be their decision as to what happens''. Then the heading "Montessori's Project Underway'' appeared on May 11. Although neither article referred to the National Sports Club (NSC), the relevance of these stories to the demise of this particular organisation stimulated my interest.

During the 1950-60s and in terms of establishing and developing a local social/sporting club of quite obvious substance -- the NSC was unmatched in producing and maintaining high-quality amenities for a number of athletic activities. The conversion of an area of marshland and hard-rock outcrops alongside Middle Road into a superior club facility is unquestionably a testament to the initiative, effort and perseverance of the early pioneering members. In this context, but based only on personal experience, I must mention Joe Ferreira, Willie Marshall, `Stomboli' Faries, `Bushes' DeSilva, `Yogi' Sims, `Dock' Perry and Bill Adams. There were countless others who similarly played hard and worked hard to safeguard the progress and prosperity of the Club, both on and off the field and in many and varied capacities.

Sadly, very few of this special group were available to influence the decision that led to the liquidation of everything they had helped to build -- effectively, a property worth $3 million. The equitable distribution of this `investment' to the current registered members has now ensured the demise of the Club. Given that NSC was formed for social and sporting purposes and managed mainly by volunteers, such an outcome seems neither right nor proper as it totally (and rather conveniently) ignores the contributions of those people who were responsible for acquiring and preserving the now-liquidated assets.

It is my feeling that these latter people should be recognised in a way that would both perpetuate the name and traditions of NSC and constitute a fitting and permanent tribute to the many past members who served the club with dedication and distinction. To this end, I would suggest that each of those who benefited from the distribution of the assets of the former NSC consider subscribing/donating up to one-quarter of their `windfall' in order to create a National Sports Club Foundation. By this means, a portion of NSC's assets would be secured in a trust that could provide funds for scholarships of financial support to deserving students and/or athletes. A commencing objective equal to 25 percent of the net proceeds of the sale of the NSC property to Montessori would generate sufficient income to support a number of annual NSC-nominated awards at quite significant levels. The trustees could be appointed from the recent office of the club and/or former presidents, whilst the formal documentation, especially the minute books, could be held in the Foundation Office for reference or research purposes. The foundation could be registered as a charity and thus potentially attract additional bequests and donations. Most importantly, however, the National Sports Club would essentially remain alive and become a part of the future not a part of the past; as a trust, it would continue to play a usefully positive role within the Bermudian community -- much as it has done over the last fifty or so years. MAURICE F. HANKEY Pembroke The wall could fall May 18, 2001 Dear Sir, I have noticed during my early morning walks along Cavendish Road, that a property just east of the Spurling hill traffic light has a boundary retaining wall that is threatening to give way without warning.

It appears that a hibiscus hedge behind this wall is forcing at least four courses of very heavy Bermuda stone outwards. It is just a matter of time before the laws of physics take over and a portion of the wall will fall. If a vehicle, cycle or pedestrian happens to be under this section as it gives way, then they will be buried under thousands of pounds of rock and fill. I appeal to the owners of this property to please remedy this very dangerous condition.

I know that the would not like to have been the cause of someone's death. The house name is not very clear on the sign, but I believe that it says 'Blowing Rock'.

BILL NEARON Pembroke Anger at succession plan Dear Sir, In another newspaper some weeks ago under the banner `Smith's Vision', the Commissioner of Police is reported to have made the following statement: "It's incumbent upon me to offer other senior officers the opportunity to receive the best command training possible to ensure my successor and that person's successor are also Bermudian.'' More recently, a columnist in the same newspaper went even further. Although agreeing broadly with Mr. Smith sentiments, he thought that a Bermudian so appointed should be a `bred and born' Bermudian. Presumably, the qualification of being born or bred here would not singularly be sufficient. Both Mr. Smith and Mr. Hayward are making the irrational assumption that a Bermudian Commissioner would improve the quality of policing in Bermuda. These statements have saddened me. Mr. Smith has been appointed on a three-year contract and should be concentrating on more immediate issues. I must first of all state that I am a Bermudian who had a relative who served on the `Force', as it was called then, for many years. I am quite aware of the workings of the Police.

For too long British and West Indian police officers have had to endure blatant discrimination in the Police organisation under the guise of Bermudianisation. Mr. Smith seems to be saying no matter where the justice lies, getting a Bermudian successor is paramount. I am surprised that the West Indian and British officers have not taken the government to court for discrimination in the past.

Every time I see a Bermudian police officer chatting to his/her friend doubled-parked on Reid Street or Church Street, I thank God we have foreigners in the Police Service.

There cannot be any good reason for Mr. Smith's kind of thinking to continue.

Perhaps back in the 1970s it was necessary to advocate this policy to encourage Bermudians to join the Service. It cannot be justified in present day Bermuda. British and West Indian officers, some with 25 years service have had to sit back while this preferential treatment persisted, often resulting in poor morale among most Police officers. Mr. Smith should ponder the feelings of an expatriate officer whom, regardless of his qualifications and years of service, must once again endure being subjected to the `thus far and no further' policy under his leadership. This policy is self-defeating and is probably contrary to spirit -- if not the letter of the Human Rights legislation. Many capable Bermudian officers who are not promoted under this `Bermudians first' system often feel disappointed, wondering why one Bermudian, sometimes with much less service and experience has been chosen over another.

Some years ago, your newspaper carried the story of a West Indian police officer who had served over 20 years, had two degrees including an honours degree in law from London University but only held the lofty rank of constable working in the garage. This is a scandalous state of affairs, one that would make most fair-minded persons cringe. There can hardly be a better academic qualification for any promotion -- including that of Police Commissioner -- than a degree in law from London University. There are at least two reasons why I am not in favour of stipulating that a Bermudian should be Commissioner or that Bermudians should fill the senior ranks. Firstly, law and order is so fundamental a concept to our way of life that only the best we have available should be considered for leadership roles. Secondly, `Bermudianisation' in the upper ranks in the past has been used as a code word for selecting a specific individual or individuals, when that individual(s) was not qualified for the position. The truth of the matter is that the policy is only invoked selectively.

I offer former Assistant Commissioner Wayne Perinchief and Chief Inspector Larry Smith as examples. Mr. Perinchief's post was unlawfully made redundant and Mr. Smith was denied promotion for no good legal reason. The fact that both of these gentlemen were successful in court is no consolation for the opportunity lost. Furthermore, Mr. Perinchief was in a prime position to take over the Police Service, and Mr. Smith would have been Superintendent long before the current Commissioner achieved that rank. Incidentally, both of these men had far more service and experience than Mr. Johnathan Smith. Why wasn't the policy applied in the case of Larry Smith and Wayne Perinchief? There is little doubt that both of these gentlemen would have been strong contenders if there was an open policy. But since the criteria was `being a Bermudian' even a Bermudian constable with three years service would have met the criteria. I would humbly suggest to Mr. Smith that there are far more important immediate issues for him to deal with than ensuring a Bermudian takes over when he leaves. In my opinion among the most pressing are: getting policy officers on the streets; restoring discipline among the ranks; preventing the use of police vehicles for personal shopping and taking children of police officers to and from school; mounting a serious campaign to arrest the perpetrator or perpetrators of handbag snatches; and, getting police officers to turn up in court to give evidence. The list is neither exhaustive nor in any particular order. I am disappointed that Mr. Smith has brought this old-fashioned and questionable thinking with him to his new job.

I hope that the Minister (Mrs. Cox) would ensure that the law is followed and the most suitable contender receives his just desserts. I also hope that Mr.

Smith does not follow through with this obsolete and pernicious idea. It is very unfortunate that so early on in Mr. Smith's `Commissionership', his `Vision' appears to be blurred. Mr. Editor I should be grateful if you would permit me to use the non-de plume.

FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE Southampton