Disgusted with BIU

April 9, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am so disgusted with the behaviour of the BIU and its membership — don't they realise there is a worldwide recession? I think that all of the bus drivers who abandoned their duties — without advance notice — should be fired. I thought the Bermuda Government had an agreement with all essential services that they have to give 30 days notice before they strike or "down tools". The BIU destroyed our hotel industry, starting with the May 1981 strike. Now it looks as if they want to finish the job and destroy our entire economy. When there are no tourists or offshore companies here, they can just stay home all day, every single day, but someone should remind them there will be no pay packet at the end of the week.

CAMELOT

Smith's

An alternative view

April 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

Someone e-mailed me the following. It's worth looking into. "Like a lot of folks, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the Government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheque, I am required to pass a random urine test with which I have no problem. What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare cheque because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their a**, doing drugs, while I work. ... Can you imagine how much money the state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance cheque? I guess we could title that programme, "Urine or You're Out".

C.K. SIMONS

Sandys

Sorrow vs apology

April 18, 2009

Dear Sir,

If you could allow me space in your newspaper one last time on the subject of 'Apologising for Slavery', I will call it a day. Mr. Ray once again writes about our troubles of today, which I am willing to discuss but I think perhaps we are mixing the two words "sorry" and "apology". I will be the first to shout from the rooftop that I carry a deep sorrow in my soul for slavery — of yesterday and today. As I do for the Jews and others who died in the concentration camps of the Second World War which you mentioned in your last letter to the Editor). And as I do for Pol Pot and our whole history filled with hate, jealousy, murder, child molestation and on and on …. but I personally do not apologise for any of them — today's or yesterday's. I apologise for my own transgressions and sins — and there are enough of them to go around. I apologise for the evil that I have done — and for the evil that I have thought — and those are what I will be held accountable for — my own sins.

An apology from me for slavery is totally meaningless. While it might satisfy you and one or two others Phillip, it will not satisfy most blacks with a grudge against whites (real or imagined). If you are sitting on a wall, it will not add one dollar to your pocket — so you aren't going to be satisfied. If you are inclined to place the blame of your own shortcomings and misfortunes on others — society, your parent or parents, the Government, whites etc — you aren't going to be satisfied with my apology. And an apology from me will not help my understanding of racism in our society today, which has been formed by reading, studying history, discussions, having wonderful black and white friends, and growing up in Bermuda barefooted and wild without a silver spoon in my mouth — but it has not been formed by something others did many, many years ago. But Mr. Editor and Phillip, I could go on and on — but enough already. Let's have that coffee Phillip, and God willing many more together. What about 9 a.m. on Saturday at Opus on Bermudiana Road, before you get to Portofino? I will be the white guy who has seen better days, bald with a white and grey beard and probably reading a book.

MARK EMMERSON

Pembroke

Poor marketing

April 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

Regarding you story "Not exactly a hive of activity" on the New York Department of Tourism office, just try to obtain any literature or brochure on Bermuda from any Travel Agency in the Boston market and you will get nothing! I am escorting a group of ten to the Island in June and I had to go to the Department of Tourism and sign every couple up to have an information packet mailed to them. Not a single agency had anything in print unless it was a Cruise brochure published by the Cruise Line. Not very good marketing that I can see!

RON SLATTERY

Boston, Massachusetts

There is only one BBC

April 17, 2009

Dear Sir,

The headline in today's Royal Gazette mentions the BBC. I don't think you mean the BBC. The BBC is the British Broadcasting Corporation. I think that you were referring to the Bermuda Broadcasting Company Limited. In that story you mention Bermuda Broadcasting Corporation … that's incorrect. There is only one BBC and it's on VSB 1160AM radio.

KENNY HARRIS

Special Projects Manager

DeFontes Broadcasting Company Ltd.

Proud of British links

April 20, 2009

Dear Sir,

I refer to the statement on the front page of today's Royal Gazette that our Premier has described the UK's intervention in Turks and Caicos as "unusually harsh and heavy-handed". This was after a corruption inquiry by the UK. This is undoubtedly scary for those who are corrupt, but those are the only people who we might expect to complain of the UK's rescue of Turks and Caicos.

"Harsh"? Surely for those that have betrayed the trust of the people that elected them, there cannot be a judgment that is too harsh? "Heavy-handed?" Surely our Premier should be applauding the benefits of the constitutional relationship with UK which can and will put an end to corrupt regimes in its dependent territories? Bermuda is proud of its 400- year association with Britain and Dr. Brown has conceded that we Bermudians wish to stay British. We certainly do not wish to become American, as he did.

I. BACON

Warwick

Africa at National Gallery

April 18, 2009

Dear Sir,

Re: "Dellwood parents vow to fight for Ashay programme".

I commend those parents who are taking an active interest in what their children are learning, re: "Dellwood parents vow to fight for Ashay programme", on April 17, 2009, and I encourage those parents (and others) to take advantage of educational opportunities that exist outside of the curriculum, free of charge. Currently, the Bermuda National Gallery is exhibiting African Art in Motion, an exhibition that showcases traditional African masks, headdresses, and textiles, alongside contemporary sculpture, from West Africa. Each work of art is shown in context, with accompanying photographs, performances on video, and music. Explanations are given about each culture, and how each artwork is relevant to each culture. Plus, there is an illustrated story for children about how and why African masks are made, and an activity for them to design their own masks.

African Art in Motion is on display on the second level inside the BNG, City Hall. Admission is free. Doors are open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those parents (and others) who wish to see their children develop an understanding of "African Culture and History" should take advantage of this exhibition, which will be on display until August 7. I must add that the current exhibitions are also about culture and art, more generally. When we address another culture, observe its unique features, albeit through visual art appreciation, music or performance, we are simultaneously acknowledging the importance of our own culture. Visitors to the BNG will see the African art in contrast to one of Bermuda's cultural icons: the motorcycle; the African masks are seen in contrast to spray-painted motorcycle helmets; the performances of the African mask in motion may remind some of the Bermuda Gombeys.

In the April 17 article, Mrs. Ming-Bean stated: "Ashay teaches our children to love themselves as well as others, it teaches them the importance of love and respect for all humanity and teaches us to stand shoulder to shoulder with any races." I would like to offer that art and artefacts have the same potential: to inspire understanding of other cultures, thus develop greater appreciation for each other. I encourage all readers to visit the Bermuda National Gallery and to take advantage of what is currently on exhibition: African Art in Motion; Changing Gears- The Art of the Bermuda Motorcycle; and Contemporary Conversations – Kevin Morris.

LISA HOWIE

Director

Bermuda National Gallery