The time is ripe

June 25, 2009

Dear Sir,

The historic split of Bermuda's two political parties along racial lines is no longer fashionable! I think the timing is ripe for a new political party to rise, comprised of some of the current honourable political guard and some totally new upstanding folk. There are a lot of "dialled in", dynamic people in Bermuda right now who could commend the attention and support of a cross section of the population and who could take politics to a new level in Bermuda.

In the grand scheme of things, now that we play more in the international arena with more savvy international players then we ever did in the past, squabbles, finger pointing and retaliation based on race only serve to make our supposedly sophisticated island look "backwards" and a lot less sophisticated. We are too small to be so far divided. Our current politicians do not seem to realise that as with any good functioning team, if the majority of its players do not work together most of the time then the best for the group (in this case our Island) cannot and will not be achieved. With international companies already timid about their tax privileged existence in Bermuda being questioned, the increase in serious crime on the island, the significant decrease in tourism etc. etc. we do not need to throw the idea of an unstable political environment in Bermuda's mix.

Our politicians need to stop making mockery up there on the hill and get on with the tasks of ensuring that Bermuda remains a viable international business centre, that Bermuda's appeal as a popular tourist destination is restored, that serious crime is squashed out, that the quality of education in our public schools is raised etc. If they are not prepared to roll up their sleeves and get on with the real work of running our country then they should just move over and let a new guard take the helm. Currently a large percentage of Bermudians have serious reservations about the motivations and abilities within both of the existing parties but find themselves in the quandary of not having a viable alternative to look towards. I think that the people of Bermuda deserve another political option about now.

LB BEAN

City of Hamilton

Terminology concerns

June 26, 2009

Dear Sir,

Of late, there have been numerous mentions in the media about the "Whips" in the House of Assembly. For a long time I have had a serious concern about the Westminster style of government that incorporates the terminology "whips" in its system. I grew up believing that the primary uses of whips were to keep animals in line and to punish slaves. Surely there can there be no similarities drawn in the use of whips in the House, especially in the use of three-line whips? Hmm?

CHARLES H. JEFFERS

Pembroke

To preserve lives

June 4, 2009

Dear Sir,

I have an idea for a road safety exercise. Perhaps someone on the Road Safety Council will run with it. My thoughts are something like this. Every family who has lost a loved one on Bermuda's roads, going back as far as they can recall, purchases a wooden cross like the one you see at Shelly Bay (God Bless the Dead) and at other accident spots around the island. Then, for a one-month period that cross, with the name of their deceased loved one displayed on the cross, will be placed at the exact spot on the shoulder of the road where their loved one died.

I believe that people will be amazed at the number of crosses that will be displayed and it will be a visible reminder/memorial of the person who died at that spot. It will also reveal the danger spots around the island that have a high percentage rate of accidents occurring there. This display of a multitude of crosses alongside our roads may provoke an immediate gut reaction, and perhaps this will go a long way in encouraging people to slow down and in doing so, preserve their lives.

SYLVAN RICHARDS Jr.

Paget

Very grateful, gentlemen

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

To the gentleman of Devonshire Dock, Carlton and his passenger: Yesterday evening (June 16) I was travelling on my bike down North Shore. It had started to rain and, as we all know, the oil comes from the road to greet our tyres ... I skidded out around the corner and went head first into the other lane, my bike landing on top of my leg. Within seconds, my bike was pulled off of me and I was brought safely to the side, away from traffic. I do not know your names but I want to thank you for your quick response and kindness in making sure I was OK. I am fine, a little bruised, but very grateful to the gentlemen at Devonshire Dock.

COREY MASTERS

Pembroke

Boycott the Grand Slam

June 25, 2009

>Dear Sir,

I am proposing a boycott of the PGA Grand Slam this autumn. This sort of event only feeds E.B. Your attendance will only support him; he thrives on this type of event. Do not give him the opportunity by attending,

ROBERT HENDERSON

Smith's

Just plain wrong

June 4, 2009

Dear Sir,

We have some very interesting signs appearing around our island. Bo's store in Warwick is selling dehumidifier's and air conditioner's. Great Things are selling umbrella's (and have sold closit storage in the past). I see supermarkets advertising apple's and farmers selling carrot's and even one selling brockly. On the 400th Year Celebration notice which was mailed to every household or that you can collect from the Post Office we have National Heroe's day on the calendar.

The apostrophe s is for a possessive – for example my dog's ears, the girl's dress, the shopkeeper's spelling mistake. If the item in question is plural, you simple add an s – hence, apples, carrots, dehumidifiers, ladders….

Heroe's is just plain wrong. Don't the people employed at Government for writing and sending these things out have a spellchecker?

EATS SHOOTS AND LEAVES

Sandys

Get serious and tough

June 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

If the current Government of this island cannot follow its own Planning laws, rules and legislation, how can it expect it's citizens to do the same? People are now bypassing the Planning process and approval with the attitude, "take a chance and if I get caught, it's only a slap on the wrist". The Planning Department needs to get serious and tough with these types of offenders by issuing heavy fines and enforcement to both the property owner as well as the contractor(s) who very often know that they are carrying out illegal work. Likewise, we are now sadly seeing the same blatant disregard for the rules and laws of the roads due to a lack and presence of stern enforcement and penalty.

BOB THE BUILDER

Paget

Uniting if only for a day

June 26, 2009

Dear Sir,

Despite what others might think, the fact is that Michael Jackson lived his purpose. That ultimate purpose was to unite the world in life and even more so in death! We received the news of his death before it was reported and I felt guilty for sending out a text message of his death when I was told that it was being reported that he was still alive. Well the point is that I've received and conversed with countless people of all ages and races. From my mother's friend who is 80 to my stepson who is age ten.

The majority of the world is uniting even if for a day. They are sharing, reminiscing positive times. One soul like Princess Diana crossed the colour and culture barriers to bring about change through love. I feel that my fellow Bermudians and politicians need to ask themselves how will they live their lives to bring about positive change. At the end of the day, how will our dash be... Is it something that we are that are parents, are children, our family, are friends can be proud of? Or are we taking up space or really fulfilling our purpose ... What will yours read: 1900-?

LA VIRGIL

City of Hamilton

A lesson in grammar

June 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

René Hill's "Up with People comes to Bermuda" today is the straw which broke this camel's back. I cannot bear another wrong use of a common Latin word. Please laminate and display in prominent positions and forward to everyone concerned now and at any future date:

The word for one male graduate is ALUMNUS.

The word for one female graduate is ALUMNA.

The word for more than one male graduate, or male and female graduates together is ALUMNI.

The word for more than one female graduate is ALUMNAE.

If you are not sure of your Latin, use the word GRADUATE. (And please bear in mind that a graduate is one who has already graduated. One who has not yet graduated but is on the way to doing so is a GRADUAND.

And while we're at it, let's look at the Greek word for standards or conditions – CRITERIA. Please note that this word is plural. The singular – for ONE standard, ONE condition – is CRITERION.

In all my years of teaching I don't remember rapping anyone's knuckles with a ruler, but, Mr. Editor, I do have a ruler and am prepared to bring it to your offices if necessary.

>B>HELLE PATTERSON

Hamilton Parish

Epic tribulations

June 25, 2009

Dear Sir,

In the year of 2009, the Lord came onto Noah, who was now living in Bermuda and said, "Noah, once again, the earth has become wicked, sinful and overpopulated and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save two off every living thing along with a few good humans". He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "you have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard ... but no Ark! "Noah" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain. Where is the Ark?" "Forgive me, Lord", begged Noah. "But things have changed". I need an SDO. I have been arguing with the inspector for a sprinkler system. My neighbours claim that I violated the neighbourhood zoning laws by building the ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future cost of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the cedarwood was another problem. There is a ban on cutting local trees in order to save vegetation. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the cedarwood. But no go... plant life comes first. When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group and the SPCA obtained an injunction. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued that the accommodation was too restrictive and inhumane to put so many animals in such a confined space.

Then the Environment Ministry ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission and CURE on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew to build the Ark. I'm also still waiting on the Department of Immigration even though I applied for work permits six months ago. Also, the Bermuda Industrial Union says I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience. And to make matters worse, H.M. Customs has seized my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species. So, forgive me, Lord but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish the Ark.

"Suddenly... The skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looks up in wonder and asked, you mean you're not going to destroy the world?" No, said the Lord. "The Bermuda Government beat me to it."

PETER BROMBY SR

Paget

Serious trouble

June 8, 2009

Dear Sir,

If it is not careful, the PLP is going to go down in history as a vengeful, corrupt government. That is the way the PLP government is perceived in many and varied sectors in the community. In the colloquial sense, certain things stick in peoples' minds and memories and it is those things which shape a government's future reputation. Just look at the UBP. When it was government, it did some wonderful things for our overall economy. However, it didn't have the collective sincerity to deal effectively with one very important issue — economic and social racism. The latter eventually caused its downfall and remains uppermost in most peoples' minds when they think about the UBP. It doesn't matter that the current UBP MP's bear no resemblance to the UBP of forty years ago – what matters is the memories evoked by the sound of its name.

/What do we have today? We have a government most of us perceive as a one-man-band. He is who he is and even though he has many talents his reputation is not good – in fact, it's awful. But, unless the PLP gets into action, he is going to be the powerful force in shaping the overall reputation of the PLP as government, and it may prove to make life very difficult in the future when the PLP goes to the electorate.

Today, we have a government which does not follow the rule of collective responsibility. We have a Cabinet which puts its ministerial salaries first and foremost and we have a backbench in revolt. Bermuda is probably in serious trouble. A while ago, many of us thought that the Finance Minister would put her responsibilities to the country before any other consideration. Today, people are discussing openly their view that the Finance Minister must be condoning what is going on within Government – that she is simply standing back and turning a blind eye. The question is, which version is the truth? The evidence is starting to point to the latter. People talk and Bermudians have always been very good at it. The PLP should start paying attention.

KATH BELL

Paget

A note of thanks

June 4, 2009

Dear Sir,

We at By the Numbers Professional Tutoring Service would like to extend our utmost gratitude to all those involved with the Global Day of Giving on June 3, 2009. As a small and new charity it is very hard to raise funds and get assistance, especially in these hard economic times. The fact XL donated an entire day and supplied us with ten fantastic workers really shows they care about this community. By the Numbers provides tutoring for children of all ages in math, English, and reading. We currently help more than 50 students of various ages and we have already helped several more. We are dedicated to helping Bermuda children succeed in a global community!

Our project on June 3 involved painting our tutoring location in St. George's. The task was enormous! Our building was in bad shape. However, thanks to XL along with the ten volunteers that they sent: Lisa Perinchief, Patrice Fray, Margaret Reeves Lottimore, Walda Douglas, Tarita Rawlins, Rachel Cabot, Maxine Lee-Ming, Patrice Brangman, Natalie Simmons and of course the one who spear headed the group, Roneika Hall, the job was completed! These fantastic ladies worked so hard and diligently that our building now stands as a polished gem in St. George's. They worked hard painting the inside and outside of the building and now when our students come, they have a much more beautiful and cleaner location to receive their tutoring.

We also need to give an extended thanks to Mr. Regis of the Corporation of St. George, who after a long hard day working in the hot sun, came and assisted after work hours with painting part of the building that we would not have otherwise been able to reach. Thank you Mr. Regis. Also we would like to thank Desmond Crockwell of Youth Vision Productions who was unable to make it to the Global Day of Giving on June 3, but volunteered his time on June 4 to finish other parts of the building that were not able to be completed on June 3. Again, we would like to thank XL and all ten of the volunteers that came to assist and all others that had a part in the project. I thank you, as well as all of the young people that pass through our doors.

SERGIO PITCHER

Executive Director

By the Numbers Professional Tutoring Service

A classic smokescreen

June 25, 2009

Dear Sir,

I appreciate the leadership and efforts of Janice Battersbee and other fellow Bermudians working to restore democracy to our Government. I think it's time now to get back to the business of considering the issue of these former Guantánamo detainees now living among us, to determine the risks they present to the well-being of our community. Do not let your concern be silenced by suggestions that your questions represent a lack of humanitarian sensitivity; we all know that is a classic smokescreen.

KIM SMITH

Pembroke

>Contention and turbulence

June 18, 2009

Dear Sir,

I have read with some chagrin the acceptance of the four Uighurs. When I look back at this Government's record on whom they thought should be allowed to reside and work in this country, I can recall several instances of the rejection of persons whose presence here was far more beneficial to the local population than these individuals.

For example, I would like to bring to your attention the case of a former ENT specialist here. I found Dr. Murray to be, as far as I was concerned, the best ENT specialist on the island and yet his work permit was not renewed. Can any of these four gentleman offer any service in any field that will benefit our community as did Dr. Murray? I do not understand the logic behind the actions of our premier and his government in accepting these individuals. It is my opinion that the premiership of Doctor Brown is filled with contention and turbulence.

MICHAEL BICKLEY (FORMERLY ERASMUS)

Smith's

Allow gambling bill

June 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

This is an appeal to both sides of the House to stop splitting hairs and vote unanimously to allow cruise ships to open their casinos on-board after 10 p.m. We have nothing to offer visitors in either Hamilton of St. George's to keep them entertained after ten p.m. and it matters not one jot to us what they are doing when they return to the ship. Statistics have proved that 95 percent of cruise passengers are back on board by 9.30 anyway, and there is no reason why we in Bermuda should deny them permission to use their casinos if they want to.

If there is an issue about Bermudians being discriminated against, or something of the kind, let us discuss that matter later, and get the cruise ships to commit to regular visits first. Personally I am in favour of allowing the hotels to have casinos, and I am sure that this will happen eventually, but let this matter come up at a later date. I do not think that ships should be allowed to open their shops at night, but that is not the question. I fear that denying this request will stop small cruise ships visiting Hamilton and St. George's when we so desperately need them. Both towns are like morgues these days without cruise ship passengers, and to take the risk of losing this chance for regular visits by denying their request to open their casinos at night is ridiculous beyond words. Please, for once, can the opposition stop opposing and allow the Government to pass this bill ASAP so that the people of Bermuda can once again look forward to regular visits of cruise ships to Hamilton and St. George's.

E. RABEN

Paget

Poisoning our schools

June 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

As a parent with children currently attending a local public school, I am more than a bit concerned regarding the constant bickering among the professional stakeholders entrusted with overseeing our children's education. The latest row between the Ministry of Education and the principal of Victor Scott Primary School, Dr. Gina Tucker, and the Association of School Principals (ASP) bears further testimony to the nature of the problems facing our public education system. I read the article, "Victor Scott School Principal ordered to move", published in the June 9 2009 edition of your paper. As I understand from reading the article, a dispute involving Dr. Tucker and a member of her staff (guidance counsellor Anthony Peets) was referred to arbitration by the Department of Labour, presumably with the consent of all parties involved and with the implication that the arbitrator's ruling will be legally binding on both parties.

The Arbitrator, after hearing the cases made by both parties, concluded that Dr. Tucker be removed from the school. Since I am not privy to the full set of facts concerning this matter I am not in a position to comment on the reasonableness of the ruling, however it is suspect that Dr. Tucker and the ASP is now attempting to undermine the integrity of the arbitration process after the fact simply because they are not happy with the final ruling.

It seems ludicrous that the ASP would find it necessary to file a grievance against Acting Commissioner of Education, Wendy McDonnell, on the basis of actions taken by her that are consistent and in the true spirit of the arbitrator's ruling. Given that the arbitrator ruled that Dr. Tucker be removed from Victor Scott Primary School, the duly appointed officials of the Ministry of Education cannot ignore this recommendation without becoming open to liability on the part of the stakeholders (Anthony Peets and the Bermuda Union of Teachers) on the other side of this dispute that are also bound by the Arbitrator's ruling as it applies to their circumstance.

To suggest that the removal of Dr. Tucker from her post at Victor Scott Primary School would adversely affect the quality of education delivered at that institution does a disservice to the many teachers at that school who work tirelessly to provide the best quality of education to their students irrespective of the circumstances. Furthermore, it implies that Dr. Tucker is the only incumbent that can serve satisfactorily in the role of principal at Victor Scott Primary and that any other principal brought in by the Ministry to serve in her absence is merely incompetent.

Dr. Tucker appears to have a healthy dose of self-esteem as she describes her many accomplishments during her eight years at Victor Scott Primary. However, these claims are being challenged by unnamed sources quoted in the article claiming many teachers at Victor Scott were unhappy with Dr. Tucker's management. The credibility of this claim seems to be supported by the fact that a member of her staff has brought actions against her management resulting in her pending removal. It is unclear as to why these issues would become a matter of public record since the arbitration processes and ruling usually binds the involved parties to confidentiality. This being the case then such public proclamations by involved parties would no doubt constitute a breach of confidentiality and an expression of bad faith. It is exactly this kind of bickering that poisons our schools as both a functional working and learning environment.

CONCERNED PARENT

Hamilton Parish

Breach of protocol

June 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

While watching the TV news coverage of the Queen's Birthday Parade with some American friends, we were shocked to hear the Premier's wife referred to as "First Lady Wanda Brown". Who was responsible for this unfortunate gaffe? Wanda Brown is not First Lady of anything. The title is exclusively the right of the wife of a President – e.g. the United States, France and a few other countries. We trust this egregious breach of protocol will not occur again.

JEAN HANNANT

Pembroke

An accurate count

June 5, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am now in my fourth month of being unemployed. Is there a way I can find out how many Bermudians are unemployed right now due to the recession? Could an update on these figures be published in the paper by the Government? I feel we need an accurate count – a wake up call, I am sure it would be (not guesswork but the truth) of just how many are in the same situation that I am – which is unemployed! When one has a job, one doesn't bother to think how bad it might be out there for others. With the few jobs in the paper (most being low pay, I am sure) that I can apply for despite being overqualified, I still have not been able to find a full-time job. I'd like to know how many like me are experiencing the same issues.

Being unemployed and not getting any response to the few jobs I do apply for can make a person worry and become depressed when we see no change in the economy and no increase in the jobs advertised in the newspaper or on job sites.

How are we supposed to pay our bills and live without work? How much competition is there out there for what I do? It may explain why I cant find a job and how many are applying for every job that I apply for. If the Government doesn't have an accurate figure make it mandatory that if you are unemployed you must register with the Government Employment Office (located on the later part of Reid Street by Defontes) so the Bermuda Government can see what's happening to its people. Check also with the Temp agencies because I am sure they can give you a figure on how many have registered with them since January.

UNEMPLOYED SINCE FEBRUARY

St. George's

Just say no...

June 23, 2009

Dear Sir,

With the UBP in tatters and 75 percent of Bermudians deeply unhappy with the direction in which the country is going, I have a suggestion. I preface it with an assumption, which I deeply hope is correct: The majority of Bermudians are sick and tired of the race card being played every time the Government is criticised. Most Bermudians get along very well together. We are increasingly dismayed to see race being used to divide the people of this island. "Just say no to racism."

Every time a politician starts to go on about race, their supporters should demand that they "stop their nonsense!" Flood their e-mails with protests. If they keep it up, don't vote for them next time. PLP supporters, we in the Opposition want the same thing that most of you do: Honest politicians who don't lie, cheat and steal. Politicians who genuinely have the interest of all people at heart. Politicians who don't just talk the talk but walk the walk. Politicians who genuinely want to serve the people rather than fattening their wallets on the public purse. Clean out your own house! Think about it. Pray about it. Do it. "Just say no to racism!" Yours as a Bermudian,

VAN MARTIN

Southampton

A card of thanks

June 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

World Vision would like to take this opportunity to thank the public of Bermuda for their generous donations of over $13,900 collected during our annual Tag Days held on May 22 and 23. All proceeds will benefit impoverished families in Mitumbiri Village, Malawi and our children here in Bermuda at the Sunshine League Children's Home. We would also like to thank all of our volunteers for taking the time out of their busy schedules to sell tags and all of the businesses for allowing us to sell tags on their premises. World Vision greatly appreciates your continued support in helping children and communities in need. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.

WOMEN OF VISION

BERMUDA CHAPTER

World Vision Tag Day Organisers

Parliamentary time limits

June 24, 2009

Dear Sir,

The question asked had been, "Should our MPs be subject to time limits on their speeches as in some other countries?"

Absolutely! It is a must. Too often the important topics aren't debated, due to the lack of "time" while the House is in Session. An intentional move, I feel, a tactic that is used by both parties to divert the course of justice … this is where we come to the $64,000 question I've often asked: "Is it justice or just us?" (Or to be more accurate, "is it just them?")

RAYMOND RAY

St. George's