An awesome task

November 7, 2010

Dear Sir,

Congratulations to newly elected Premier Paula Cox, Deputy Premier /Derrick Burgess, new comers Ministers Kim Wilson and Michael Weeks, and community voices in the Senate Laverne Furbert and Cromwell Shakir. Congrats to returning Dame Jennifer Smith, the Progressive Labour Party’s first Premier, and to reappointed Cabinet Ministers. Premier Cox has clearly stated Government’s intention of reducing spending by $150 million dollars in the coming fiscal year. Bureaucracy will be streamlined and ministries will be expected to produce “value for dollar” through effective money management. “The culture of entitlement, has been replaced with accountability and a work ethic of excellence”. Business as usual is redundant.

As one of the lyrics of the late great Bob Marley spoke, “Things are not the way they use to be now!” Most of us are aware that our economy has taken a hit through global recession and naturally the private sector and Government are feeling the impact. Jobs have evaporated in the private sector as businesses struggle. Additionally, Government spending has had its share of challenges and certainly the current administration through the civil service, will work hard to heal and enhance performance across the board.

We as Government workers, white and blue collar may ask, “how can we assist in progressing and polishing performance and perception of our roles in improving efficiency?” “By working diligently to give our community quality service it deserves, enjoys and pays for”. We share the noble task of enriching the function of Government in how we manage the daily needs and taxes of our fellow citizens. “Productivity and high quality work is our mission and mantra”.

Ultimately the taxpayers are our employers, funding the salaries of Parliamentary MP’s and the wages of bus operators and refuse collectors for example. Giving consideration that we as Government employees pay taxes as well, it would be interesting to suggest that “we are somewhat self-employed”. Our roles and status can certainly be defined in a unique way. Premier Cox, the reshaped cabinet and senate, MPs as well, have an awesome task and an attainable goal in strengthening the processes within Government. Let us as employees’service providers of our community, support the change they lead. “Let us all become the change we want to see.”

LYNN MILLETT

Hamilton Parish

It’s all about contacts

December 7, 2010

Dear Sir,

I have been unemployed for over ten months, despite sending many resumes and walking the beat to look for a job. I needed to do something so I volunteered at a local charity to contribute my time and experience. I casually asked if anyone knew of any job openings. I was offered a part-time job within a day. It will not be my end job but between the volunteer portion and paid job I am now successful again. For those still seeking a job go out there and volunteer. The contacts you meet may assist you in getting a job. That is what networking with others can do. As you help them they will help you.

WIN-WIN

St. George’s

Runners must take care

December 8, 2010

Dear Sir,

Now the weather has cooled down from summer, there are a lot of runners out early in the morning some of whom must possibly be the most stupid people in Bermuda, running without any reflectors or lights in the pitch black darkness of morning. I noticed a couple this morning that were even dressed in black clothing.

Whether a motorcycle driver or car driver is travelling at 20 or 60kph, going round a sharp bend at 6.30am and then perhaps meeting the headlights of an oncoming vehicle means the driver is blinded momentarily and could not possibly see a runner unless they were lit up. The sad thing is, it won’t be the runner that is critically injured because a driver will instinctively swerve to miss them it will be the innocent driver and potentially the innocent oncoming vehicle. All road users need lights when it’s dark motorbikes, cars, and cyclists all use lights. The same is true for a runner or someone walking their dog. Especially at this time of year, I would appeal to people just to think a little when they get out of bed and use some common sense.

And on a related topic, those lazy drivers (notably motorbike riders) who can’t be bothered to dim their lights from full beam when approaching oncoming vehicles you will also cause an accident one day. Its inconsiderate, lazy and disrespectful; tendencies which are all too prevalent on this beautiful and generally friendly island. My hope is people will read this letter and perhaps re-think their outlook on life for the New Year ahead. I am very much looking forward to Christmas and wish everyone a happy time over the holidays, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

SAFETY FIRST

City of Hamilton

Questions about Police

December 6, 2010

Dear Sir,

Please allow me to make comment and ask questions about an article I read in The Royal Gazette. The article appeared on Monday, December, 6, 2010 under the title, “Drugs are being missed at the border”. Red flags were raised when reading the article. Mentioned in the article were some comments made by retired Supt Larry Smith. Mr Smith was head of narcotics from 1999 to 2006. Mr Smith, when asked by PLP MP Ashfield De Vent about the main players in the drug trade, stated: “When attempts were made to bring them down in the past, politics got involved and we were told to be hands off.” This is a very serious statement and should be explained. It begs the following questions:

1) Who told Mr Smith to be “hands off”?

2) Were there high or low ranking government officials involved?

3) Was Mr Smith’s efforts to carry out his duties as a police officer compromised or thwarted by political figures?

4) Did Mr Smith approach a higher ranking police official or the Governor regarding this issue?

5)Does Mr Smith have confidence in the Police Services ability to interdict and prevent the importation of drugs into Bermuda?

This statement by retired Supt Smith suggests that there could be political interference with the way that the Police Service carries out its duties when investigating the illicit drug trade. We are faced with a huge epidemic, the drug scourge which is threatening the social fabric of our society.

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

Smith’s

Strict measures needed

January 7, 2010

Dear Sir,

The number of students who loiter at the bus terminal after school is completely and utterly absurd. The students have been asked not to loiter in town; measures were even taken to stop buses from public high schools going to Hamilton. I guess what they say is true: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way”, because students continue to loiter at the terminal. I will make it known that all students loiter but majority of the crowd are at the bus terminal for no apparent reason. This unnecessary bevy of students has caused fights and unsafe environment in the Hamilton Bus Terminal area. I commend government on the measures that they have taken to stop the superfluous bevy of students from loitering however stricter and more effective measures must be taken!

Eron Hill

Bermuda Institute

Testing time

December 7, 2010

Dear Sir,

I would like to commend Minister of Health Zane DeSilva for “voluntarily” undergoing a colonoscopy and drawing attention to the dangers associated with not having one. I wish I could also commend all his fellow Ministers for “voluntarily” taking a drug test to draw attention to the dangers associated with that epidemic affecting Bermuda.

NOT HOLDING MY BREATH

Smith’s