I find myself compelled to write to you as I am absolutely disgusted with the actions of the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Upon opening today's issue of The Royal Gazette , I see that Cable & Wireless are now offering overseas calls for a fraction of what they have been charging consumers in the past years. How is this possible? Can you please tell me why I have been paying $1.20 per minute for calls to the UK, but now they are saying that all along they could have been charging 84 cents.

Since Logic Communications, LogicPhone, came on the market it seems that all communications companies have gone into a frenzy! I was one of the lucky users that was given the trial period of LogicPhone, and was extremely disappointed when Logic were forced to take this product off the market. Why were Logic made to take this new product off the market, if the Telecommunications Ministry were going to allow Cable & Wireless to get a head start on the game? Is it that Cable & Wireless now see that they have competition, and don't like to think that another company could have a head start on them? It seems to me that it isn't the Telecommunications Ministry that is holding LogicPhone back by choice, but Cable & Wireless telling the Commission to hold them back. Who is running this country? The Government or large companies like Cable & Wireless who have the monopoly, and have for so long.

I for sure will not be using the Cable & Wireless long distance calling services, and I would urge other Bermudians to do the same. This company has been charging us, the residents of Bermuda astronomical charges, but are now saying that they could have been charging a lot less. Where has all this extra revenue gone? I would love to hear any feedback on this issue from anyone who thinks I am wrong in assumption.

FAIR PLAY Somerset Accept bigger bikes September 2, 1999 Dear Sir, I was cautiously optimistic when I read that the Minister of Transport and TCD are evaluating the current limit of 100cc engine displacement for motorcycles.

It is common knowledge that most motorcycle manufacturers around the world do not make engines under 125cc any more. There is virtually no demand for motorcycles under 125cc elsewhere in the world, therefore motorcycle importers in Bermuda are forced to buy 125cc bikes and "sleeve'' these engines down to 100cc or less. This expensive procedure is then passed on the Bermudian consumer in the purchase price. These constricted engines are then forced to operate in a less than efficient manner and many local purchasers buy "kits'' to convert them back to their original displacement. Thus, you have a situation where the importation and sale of the kit is legal but once the rekitted motorcycle hits the street, the bike is an illegal machine.

There are literally hundreds of these bikes on the road at present. The Police know it and the kit importers know it. Then you have the owners of classic motorcycles such as Triumphs that have displacements as high as 150cc still on the road. These bikes are legal. As you can see, this is a very confusing situation. There are many motorcycle enthusiasts on the Island who have long felt that the 100cc limit on engine displacement is a bit ridiculous in this day and age.

Fifty miles an hour is fifty miles an hour whether you are riding a 50cc or a 650cc. If you hit a wall it's all the same. It is time for the Minister of Transport, the Cycle & Private Car Committee, the Technical Advisory Panel and all motorcycle importers to have an honest dialogue about the possibility of reinstating the 125cc displacement limit.

In the New Bermuda, we are looking at a lot of issues with fresh eyes. This is one that is near and dear to my heart, and I encourage all views to be discussed, pro and con. One item for discussion is an age limit of 25 years could be required in order to purchase a 125cc motorcycle. In closing, I encourage all motorcycle enthusiasts to get involved and participate in the process. It is important to let the politicians you elected know where you stand on this.

SYLVAN D. RICHARDS JR.

Paget Attack was personal September 2, 1999 Dear Sir, On behalf of the management and staff of the Esso City Automarket, and for the benefit of our valued customers, we must attempt to set the record straight regarding the horrendous allegations made by "Feeling Cheated'', of Warwick's letter of August 28, 1999.

We trust after his/her visits and/or calls to Esso Bermuda, and the Minister of Finance, "Feeling Cheated'' has learned that the price of diesel was increased as of August 16, 1999 and as reflected on our pumps the day he/she undertook their island-wide survey.

"Feeling Cheated'' is correct on one point only, i.e. the price of fuel is fixed, and here at the Esso City Automarket, we have always been and shall continue to be honourable and conscientious in service to our community, and at no time have we been a part of any price gouging.

We value our customers, and as we continue to offer the best service and products available in our industry, we are truly concerned that "Feeling Cheated'' is allowed to tarnish the excellent reputation of the Esso City Automarket, and under a "Pen Name''! Despite The Royal Gazette written policy "Letters under pen names should not contain personal attacks''; we consider the content of "Feeling Cheated'' 's letter as a very personal attack. A personal attack on the integrity of the management and staff of the Esso City Automarket as a whole.

RAYMOND E.A. TANNOCK General Manager Esso City Automarket Control gaming machines August 31, 1999 Dear Sir, Lately your paper has done a few stories on gambling in Bermuda and the gambling machines.

It is all good that Government has allowed them to keep them for their life expectancy but what Government needs to look at is regulating the amount of times these machine owners can change them to continually favour the owners.

My husband and myself play the machines but it needs some form of regulation.

My husband and myself have played in Vegas, Atlantic City, The Caribbean and these machines are regulated. You know that the house always comes out on top but you also know the odds because the law is very specific in regards to the Gambling Machines.

The owners of these machines have purchased them to make a profit and we all know this, but in some establishments it is like outright theft.

GAMBLER Devonshire A bridge to millions September 2, 1999 Dear Sir, On behalf of all involved in the upcoming Orbis World Bridge Championships, I wish to thank you for the excellent coverage in The Royal Gazette , August 24.

Your report certainly conveyed the importance of this event.

However there are two facts which I would like to correct. Firstly, the anticipated revenue to the Island is in the millions (not hundreds of thousands).

Secondly, this is not the first time Bermuda has hosted this event. The event was initiated by Bermuda resident Norman Bach in 1950 when the first-ever world competition was held here and named The Bermuda Bowl. On the occasion of its 25th anniversary in 1975 the competition was again held here.

Now it is recognised throughout the world as the most coveted prize in bridge and we are proud that Bermuda is host country for its 50th anniversary in 2000.

EDNA CLAY Orbis World Bridge Championships