Dear Sir, It has been a year since the Progressive Labour Party took over the reins of Government. I cannot claim to have been part of that process except if one were to count my decision to abstain from voting. Like many others, I had grown very disillusioned with the old Government. The United Bermuda Party had become so mired in self-interest that it had become even more convinced of its perceived infallibility. Perhaps their arrogance had also brought them to believe that the electorate was ignorant enough to believe all the nonsense they had been disseminating prior to the election, a notion I find particularly distasteful.

The new Government, as a result of some of the UBP's poorly managed policies, has been allowed to enjoy a long honeymoon period with the voters and duck many of the hard questions being asked. Some Bermudians interpreted the PLP's victory as some kind of emancipation, which is rather too emotive and somewhat misguided in my humble opinion. It is true that the change of government was a milestone in our brief history and demonstrated Bermuda's political maturity.

Quite clearly, that is something that was immediately recognised and in the weeks that followed there was not the massive exodus of foreign capital as some had predicted. Yet, the biggest achievement of the result may be that it has finally begun to free us from the racial overtones that have clouded past elections. This may be overly optimistic to assume yet, but it is hoped the next election will be fought on a platform of ideas. The reckless scare mongering with counter-productive racial undertones is also hopefully a thing of the past. Our economic stability should no longer be held hostage to the outcome of the democratic process.

The PLP's appeal continues to be its claim to embrace the centre, or what international pundits refer to as the "third way''. The influence of the left-wing radical fringes of the party has been reduced and the power base shifted to those more pro-business elements. The UBP on the other hand seems to be reeling around like a punch-drunk fighter, lurching back and forth to the right. The party has been splintered by its warring factions and seems devoid of any common ideology. It is not surprising therefore that they are having difficulty collecting old pledges to pay for last year's failed election campaign. Little wonder then that the champagne parties are continuing on the other side of the House.

There is some concern that the danger of a "vacuum of ideas'' may be forming in an environment where the UBP is presently too weak to play its role as an effective Opposition. While the people have charged the PLP with the awesome responsibility of governing, they seem too willing to close ranks and blame everything on the past. The veneer of credibility the government has sought by merely pointing the finger at the "other guy'' is beginning to wear a little thin. The odious aspect of "cashing in'' is also emerging, although it would be unfair to tar one side more than the other with this. Certain politicians on both sides of the floor seem to believe that elected office gives them the licence to behave in an abominably poor and questionable manner.

Consequently many Bermudians, particularly those subscribing to conservative fiscal policies, have been left without a voice in Government. I might add that this void has existed for a long time prior to the election. If the UBP hope to continue to lay claim to this sector of the electorate, a round of blood letting is long over due. The party must expunge those elements and ideas that anchor it to a bankrupt past and this must happen soon. The ultimate responsibility of the election's loss lies squarely at the feet of the former Premier and current head of the party. The Hon. Pamela Gordon has served Bermuda well, but her inability to control elements of the party is enough of a damning indictment justifying her removal. Personal perceptions and feelings should not impede unpleasant political decisions that must be made for the long-term sustainability of what the party supposedly stands for.

As the Opposition, the UBP is in the unenviable position to weather such a political barn burning and lest they should forget, the fight to win the next election began a year ago.

ST. STEPHEN Don't reduce ferry service December 1, 1999 Dear Sir, I recently learned that Government is considering closing the Belmont stop on the Warwick ferry route, reducing the frequency of daily trips by more than half, and stopping the Ferry entirely at 7pm each night.

Perhaps the Minister of Transport might like to go to Belmont or Darrell's Wharf one morning and witness the HUNDREDS, yes HUNDREDS, of people who catch the ferry to work each day. He might also consider that, because of this service, each of these people is not sitting in a car driving into town and clogging our already overloaded roads.

At this time, the Minister might ask how many of the people work "flextime'' and therefore won't be able to guarantee to catch the 7pm ferry each night.

While pondering this thought, the Minister might like to observe the walking pace traffic heading for Hamilton and to explain to the crowds of Ferry commuters how they'll get the chance to join this traffic when his Ministry cuts back on this service.

I would personally "Upgrade'' the Minister and give him my "First Class'' ferry seat in order for him to observe in comfort the masses of commuters who catch the Ferry on a daily basis and help our traffic problem.

The traffic on our roads is getting worse by the day and our waterways are the only area left where an increase in transportation is possible. If anything, Government should be INCREASING the ferry service, and taking every opportunity toe encourage its use. If the ferry service is currently losing money then TOO BAD. Government should look at ways to subsidise it further.

Cut back on some of your fancy GP cars if you want to save money.

Bragging about the new, multi-million dollar high speed Ferries for Somerset (which will cut down trips by all of ten minutes) is fine. However, the public also needs to know that Government is planning to take away a service which has existed for over half a century -- at the loss of several unionised jobs.

To add insult to injury, they also plan to issue water taxi licences. So we have a Labour Government privatising Unionised jobs. I bet Otti wouldn't have allowed that!! In the future, we will have to be more and more innovative in finding ways to reduce traffic on our roads. The waterways happen to be our only option -- unless of course Government splashes out on GP helicopters in place of their new "rides''. With upwards of a hundred GP cars on the road, that would certainly cut congestion a bit.

Any decision to reduce the Paget/Warwick Ferry service is, in my opinion insane and will come back to haunt you Dr. Brown.

RICK O'SHEA Paget West Young musicians shine November 30, 1999 Dear Sir, Thanks for the space in your newspaper -- in the past and for this letter. It is so good to have this courtesy extended to your many readers. Of course you know that this is graciously appreciated by us all.

On Friday, November 26, I was invited by a friend to attend a musical show at the Ruth James Memorial Auditorium. I did not ask any questions and just allowed myself to follow a confident friend. But what a surprise it was! Upon my arrival inside the auditorium, I found that it was a tribute to the late, great Duke Ellington. Playing to honour this great musician, who has received many accolades over the years, makes one truly appreciative of the Duke.

Opening the tribute was the Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble and what an opening. It was so heart-warming and a true projection of positive attitudes shown by these young people, who were lead by a local great -- Shine Hayward.

At a time when so many adults see the negatives in so many of our youth, this was a picture many others should have been in attendance to see. This young group of people -- both boys and girls -- expressed such positive feeling in every note and showing that they care. And they appreciated all the applause they received. Believe me, there was a lot of thunderous applause in appreciation for the beautiful music.

As the evening progressed, the group was joined by a trombonist from overseas, and then Mr. Gandhi Burgess sat in. With the inclusion of the two men, the youngsters really got the adrenaline flowing. Just beautiful -- a real taste of the finest honey that exploded from the instruments of these fine musicians. Shine Hayward had it fine-tuned with the many compositions of the Duke: Satin Doll, Sophisticated Lady, A train, Caravan and many more.

By the way, it was not a male chauvinist night because the ladies were well represented. There were two young females on saxophone and piano respectively, and a beautiful youngster who pumped the bass. The amazing thing about these musicians is they never seemed to tire. Unfortunately, time ran out.

To sit there and listen to this great performance was truly electrifying and, in closing your eyes, you could see the Duke's smiling face as he placed a halo over each head and saying: "thank you for remembering me!'' Oops, I almost forgot to mention the young man Joell on guitar and Jackie Robinson, the drummer.

I could not close without special mention of Roneca Brangman, one of the saxophonists, who literally blew the night away with her performance. Bermuda, see this young lady now because it will cost you some big bucks to see and hear her in a major musical somewhere in the world! I am not sure if Bermuda can hold her here with the musical skills she has, so please come out for the next show at which these youngsters perform. Show your appreciation for our young musicians who express so much dedication and affection for music.

People have said that New York is so nice that they named it twice. But Bermuda is so beautiful they call it paradise. Come out and show some appreciation for our positive people.

WENDELL HASSELL Sandys Parish