Policing during rush hour

October 22, 2009

Dear Sir,

Traffic problems again. People running red lights. This morning myself and another bike rider were almost side swiped by a car who ran a red light. We were at the top of Spurling Hill at approximately 8.40 this morning. A silver car went through a yellow light off Cavendish. Then it changed to red. We then had a green light to proceed from Spurling Hill. All of a sudden a lady driving a blue Peugeot 307 station wagon came racing off Cavendish Road, running the already red light. Shame on you lady. You could have caused a serious accident by breaking the law. I would like to see more police presence at the stop lights during rush hour traffic.

BERMUDA MOM

Warwick

Riveting interview

October 23, 2009

Dear Sir,

October has certainly been a politically active month, I can't remember the last time so many politicians were interviewed by the broadcast media, including our Premier Ewart Brown, Opposition Leader Kim Swan, former Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley and Shadow Finance Minister E.T. (Bob) Richards. However the interview I found most intriguing was not conducted on Everest Da Costa's "People's Show", Shirley Dill's "Now You're Talking" or even Gary Marino's "Lets Talk" but on a Thursday morning chat show hosted by Mr. Cromwell Shakir.

His guest was former Transport Minister and Opposition leader Mr. Wayne Furbert. The famous Frost/Nixon interview had nothing on this show, as these two men of faith sat down and had a frank talk about Mr. Furbert's political career and where the Island is headed. I know Wayne and never have I heard him so calm and relaxed during an interview. This is not to say Mr. Shakir went easy on him but at the end of the day one could tell Mr. Furbert's responses were both honest and sincere. It was a remarkable interview and I was surprised that ZBM didn't use some of it in its News broadcast that evening.

Mr. Furbert revealed so much that the public did not know about, the names of the seven MPs who were behind his demise as party leader, the existence of a SWAT team specifically put in place to ensure that the majority of Bermuda's white voters supported the UBP and the name of the MP who actually had the audacity to tell him to "get out of town before two o'clock". The interview was riveting to say the least. I would encourage any member of the public who is interested in Bermuda politics to call Mr. Shakir and get a copy of that interview you won't be disappointed.

RECMAN

Devonshire

No advantage

October 23, 2009

Dear Sir,

Should Bermuda consider becoming independent at this time? Our tourism numbers are the worst in recent history. International business seems to be becoming a little unnerved in our Island home. Comments such as, "we are leaving for a more stable environment" to the writer means a more stable political environment. There seems to be no advantage to cutting our ties with Britain. At a time when countries are joining together collectively, we would be unwise to try to go it alone.

INDEPENDENCE IS FOREVER

Warwick

Enduring remarks

October 27, 2009

Dear Sir,

In anticipation of the upcoming visit of the Queen to Bermuda, I wish to be associated with the enduring remarks and sentiments expressed hereinafter by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I in February, 1965 on the historic occasion of The Queen's visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia:

"It gives Us the greatest pleasure to welcome, on Our own behalf and on behalf of the entire Ethiopian people, Your Majesty and Prince Philip who are with Us in Ethiopia as Our honoured guests. We have long and eagerly looked forward to your coming, and We greet you this evening with respect and affection.

"In coming to Ethiopia, Your Majesty, You have reaffirmed the friendship and depth of feeling which have for so long existed between Our two nations and their peoples and which serve as an indissoluble bond between us. You have, as well, contributed fresh evidence of the universality of man and of the fundamental and deep-seated ties which unite all people, whatever their race, cultural orientation or economic and social background, who share common principles and ideals and who strive for the attainment of man's most cherished goals.

"The Commonwealth of which Your Majesty is the Head stands today as symbol of this universality and provides, in its own way, encouragement for those of us who seek, on this African continent, to utilise in Our search for true unity what is best among the common instincts and aspirations shared by all men. The Ethiopian and British peoples and Governments are old friends. Contacts between us stretch back many years. Our friendship was cemented and rendered indissoluble during the unhappy years in which Ethiopians, abandoned to the aggressor, struggled against overwhelming odds, first, to preserve their nation's independence, and later, to free it from the despot's heel.

"We personally cherish mixed emotions concerning those years. From 1936 to 1941, separated from Our people, exiled in a strange land while We laboured to muster sympathy and support for Ethiopia's cause, We were received by the British people with a warmth which nourished and strengthened Our will. And when, finally, the just God called the tyrant aggressor to account, soldiers of many lands marching under the British flag, fought side by side with Our patriots for the liberation of the subjugated and the triumph of justice and liberty over tyranny and oppression.

"Today, Ethiopia looks to the British as staunch and firm friends in the struggle being waged throughout the world against poverty, ignorance and want. ... It is upon this knowledge and understanding that we have sought to build the international unity of the spirit which today constitutes the most important force for good in the search for a lasting world peace and a decent way of life for humanity. With the raising of all men to their rightful dignity and honour as individuals, they will be able to regard their fellows, of whatever nation, of whatever race, of whatever religious, linguistic or historical tradition, as equals, without jealousy, without fear, without undue pride. The British people are united with us in this field and we are confident that they will continue to lend their unstinting efforts in the accomplishment of the immense task which, together with other people of good will, they have joined their efforts.

"Your Majesty, during Your Reign, which commenced in an African country only a little distance to the South, You have carried forward gloriously the traditions of Your lineage and brought new honour to the Throne which You occupy. Your Majesty personally enjoys today the respect, the admiration and the affection of all peoples to whom Britain serves as the symbol of indomitability in adversity, of courage when confronted by danger, of dignity and resolve when threatened with defeat, and of magnanimity and generosity in victory.

"... We trust that your stay with us will be pleasant. We hope that you will carry away with you deep and abiding memories of Our nation and its people. ..."

RAS EDMUND

Southampton

Bowled over

Dear Sir,

Recently I have noticed the following advertisement several times in the daily paper:-

"Reminder from Warwick Lanes. Locker Rentals are due September 1, of each year. On October 31, 2009, unpaid lockers will be emptied, contents disposed of and re-rented. By order, Committee of Management, Warwick Lanes."

In January, 1983 an advertisement appeared only once:-

"Bermuda Bowling Club. Locker holders are reminded that 1983 dues are now payable. Balls will be removed if not paid on or before February 28, 1983. By order of the secretary."

Now, I ask you — which is the more effective advert?

PETER LEVER

P.s. I will stick with running, thanks.

Postal concern

October 27, 2009

Dear Sir,

I received an Alumni invitation by post on October 27 at my home address for a St. Mary's University reception on October 4. The envelope date stamp was September 21 sent from Miami, Florida. Why did it take over five weeks to arrive? The Post Office even delivered it to my mailbox with an "incorrect address" as the road name was misspelled.

ELLIE JONES

St. George's