Well done, CITV!

July 9, 2009

Dear Sir,

I write to publicly thank the general manager and the CITV team for their excellent work in the last four months.

The Bermudian content and live coverage of the May 24 Parade has been a joy to watch.

As an educator, advocate, parent and grandparent, I enjoy taking time out on Sundays to enjoy the offering and from time to time through the week when I am fed up with the American content on local and cable television.

I recently learned of the intern opportunities for Bermudians seeking a career in broadcasting and plan to forward this information to Bermudian students I know studying in Florida and New York City.

Keep up the good work CITV!

BERMUDIAN WATCHER

Southampton

Mr. Roban's response

July 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

With respect to the furor regarding Mr. Walter Roban's recent comments, those that have come out in support of his comments and the overall racial smokescreen that has shrouded the purpose of the recent protest marches, I'd like to pose the following questions:

1) Should the behaviour attributed to the Premier listed in the recent protest speeches have been committed by a white UBP Premier, would those that support our current Premier still see them as having been the "right" thing to do (and I don't just mean the Uighur issue?) If you don't know what I mean, get a copy of the speeches and read them.

2) Had the comments made by Mr. Roban have come from a white UBP MP to a black voting citizen, would those that are supporting Mr. Roban still see them as being within his right to make? Put yourselves in Mrs. Smith's shoes and answer the question truthfully.

JUST WONDERING

Sandys

Staples in poles

July 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

Has anybody walked past one of our main road utility poles and gotten scraped or scratched by the now numerous staples that are left over from the flyers that seem to have become an accepted form of private advertising in the new Bermuda?

We have lived with litter being carelessly thrown away along our roads for ever and although some of that mess was hidden in the bushes the remains of these posters are in our faces daily. These flyers stay up way past the event advertised and when they are eventually torn down they leave scraps of paper, tape, staples or glue. Why don't the owners of these poles charge the promoters of these events for the advertising and then another charge for removing all traces of the poster and affixing materials if they fail to remove them fully within 24 hours of the event? These are private functions that are being advertised to make a profit for the promoters, why should the general public have to live with the aftermath?

If someone tears their clothing or cuts themselves on a broken staple sticking out from a utility pole, who will be liable for the damage? If we must have this form of advertising, let's manage it so we don't look as if we care less about our environment.

FOR A CLEANER BERMUDA

Pembroke

Good experience at TCD

July 10, 2009

>Dear Sir,

I had to license my car early this year and went through the stresses of preparation and my concern over a new system that I had no knowledge of only to find that the TCD inspector Mr. Ronnie Hunt was welcoming, informative and really charming. My tensions were eased and I was offered a seat.

>Before I knew it, Mr. Hunt had given my an update on missions testing, my pass slip, the relicense form and encouragement to be environmentally supportive.

All I can say is, Wow! After 31 years of never knowing whether the vehicle failed, if so wondering why and dreading the next appointment around my birthday.

Well done, Mr. Hunt, and thank you for your exemplary service and knowledge.

M. ST. JANE

Warwick

Get rid of Brown

July 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

I'm reading the front page of your newspaper this morning and don't know what to say. I'm not surprised, but just question how much more of this do we have to endure.

What is wrong with Dr. Brown? After the Chinese Muslim matter (which I remind the people of Bermuda, is still an open matter pending directive from the UK Government), any decent human being would have tried to steer clear of any more controversy – at least until things had settled down.

This last political "legislative manoeuvre" as termed by Former Premier Alex Scott, shows Dr. Brown's lack of respect for his own party members and the people of this country.

I would think this would be the last straw for any right thinking PLP MP and Member. This man has his own agenda – clearly, and will do whatever it takes to achieve his objective.

For me it is not at all about the legislature in question "gambling", it's about the process. Anyone who schemes and pulls shrewd stunts such as this (on the heels of a major leadership faux pas) to accomplish certain objectives cannot be trusted and begs the question – what drives this type of behaviour, and the supporters of this type of behaviour? Is it self-fulfillment? Is it the quest for power? If any of these are the reasons, the people of this country deserve better. Can you imagine an Independent Bermuda being run like this? If the PLP members don't get some back-bone and do what they need to do, that's what we will be faced with. Does he have them under some type of spell, or perhaps promised them a gold mine?

I recall Randy Horton's speech the night of the no-confidence vote when he concluded by saying ,"he hopes he would now see a better man out of Ewart Brown". Well Randy, you now have your answer. I believe there is no changing of Ewart Brown and he has proven it time and time again. What Ewart Brown wants, he gets, at any cost. I am frightened for the future of this island and implore the PLP membership to do the right thing and get rid of Dr. Brown now.

BLACK PLP VOTER

St. George's

Stop playing with fire

July 22, 2009

Dear Sir,

Well, Dr. Brown must be absolutely enthralled. He now has a protégé under his wing, Minister Walter Roban.

He and Dr. Brown must have been separated at birth because the similarities are just uncanny. They both love to play the race card. They both love to fester up false racial claims against whites and the UBP. They love to ignore the obvious discontent amongst black voters for their actions as well. They both love to not feel remorse for their racial commentary and of course they both love to have no comment on their own bigotry displays except for both showing an "it's whatever, who cares" attitude. This is totally getting out of hand.

We live in a first world country and yet we have these backwards old venomous racist comments still being said; and by elected officials nonetheless! It disgusts me. How dare Minister Roban respond to a voter in the way he did and as well as to say the BAGC group is founded by white racist ideals. As per usual he didn't even bother to think 'oh wait, it was founded by a young black man' and 'oh wait, one of its commendable outspoken vicars is Janice Battersbee.' (I highly commend them both for their actions).

That is just the thoughtless arrogance that allows racism to still exist in the world today. Let me just say to Dr. Brown and Mr. Roban that nobody cares that you are black. We care that you are wrong! Nobody cares that you're PLP, we care that you're unprofessional.

Two people of such education as Mr. Roban and Dr. Brown really shouldn't be so backwards in thought. If they really did care about healing racial injustices, they should do so by peaceful example of how one is supposed to act. If they want to extinguish the fire of racism then they need to stop throwing gas upon the fire because eventually that fire is going to rage and burn the innocent. They are playing with the old flame of racism and they are going to get burnt. Stop the cattiness and racial bickering. Let's all act like educated civilised individuals and not like "rabid dogs", a false slanderous term Mr. Roban called the protestors in June. It's 2009 and on such a small island, racism could really become a thing of the history books. It's our 400th anniversary, and, yes, in those 400 years racism here did occur, but let's make the years to come racism free!

ROBERT DAVIES

Devonshire

Make the right decision

July 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

After reading the remarks by many PLP MPs and ministers over the past few weeks and particularly yesterday July 10, I am convinced that democracy is alive and well. The PLP rank and file, backbenchers and Ministers who have recognised the Premier's actions for what they are, prove that when push comes to shove Bermuda will not be ruled by one man, but a duly elected party that chooses a leader to lead us all openly and honestly.

That ruling party, the PLP, is capable of putting partisanship and race to one side and doing what is right for Bermuda.

All of Bermuda!

May I suggest that when (because its no longer if) a new leader takes his seat in Parliament, all Bermuda residents march on Parliament, wearing green in recognition that democracy prevailed and to thank the PLP for their efforts. It will show white and black people do stand together.

We need to show solidarity as people and reward our politicians when they make the right decisions for Bermuda.

MICHAEL HARDY

Pembroke

Less prescribing

July 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

I am fortunate in having a health plan that covers 80 percent of my prescription costs. As such, I rarely question the quantity of any medications I’m given by my doctor as I know the co-pay portion will be relatively small.

Last night I cleaned out my medicine cabinet and was horrified at the volume of pills, creams and ointments that I found unopened and out of date. I use them all but the quantity of each medicine that I have received, particularly tubes of cream etc., make it virtually impossible to use it all before they reach their expiry date.

I’m always complaining about the ever increasing cost of my family’s health insurance and wonder if our doctors showed a little more restraint in prescribing large quantities of the same medications it may help to keep the premium increases a little lower. Just a thought.

AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE

Pembroke

Roban was civil

July 9, 2009

Dear Sir,

Please allow me space to comment on the controversy regarding e-mails between Claire Smith and Walter Roban.

As the elected Member of Parliament for my area, I contacted Mr. Roban by e-mail on June 18 and expressed to him my concerns with the actions taken by the Premier as they related to the Uighurs and the up coming no confidence motion.

The response I received from Mr. Roban was very different than that of Claire Smith. Mr. Roban addressed my questions and concerns in a respectful and professional manner. Now just to clarify, Mr. Roban does not know me and as our correspondence was only through e-mail he would not know my racial makeup. Mr. Roban replied to me in a respectful manner, I’m sure, because my correspondence to him was written in a respectful manner.

Claire Smith has a right to her opinions and many people share those opinions, however, had her tone or use of descriptives been different I think she would have received a very different reply.

People, regardless of colour or financial status, do not take well to demands or accusations. It’s part of our nature to bite back. If someone is blocking your way and you say: “Can you move so I can get by” you’ll get a whole different reaction than if you say “You must move so I can get by”.

JAMES JACKSON

Devonshire

Obey the red lights

July 9, 2009

Dear Sir,

I have noticed a disturbing trend recently, whereby a handful of Bermuda’s road users appear to interpret a red traffic light as a “give way” sign.

Unless I missed a major overhaul of Bermuda’s traffic laws since passing my test in 2002, a red light means stop. Yet every day I witness drivers reaching a red light, looking both ways and continuing on their journey once they decide that the coast is clear. Sometimes we are fortunate to have them practise even that level of care.

This behaviour extends to drivers of private cars, commercial vehicles and taxis as well as riders of motorbikes of all descriptions. Many, while breaking the law in this manner, are also on cell phones. Presumably they are chuckling with their friends over how bold and daring they are.

I hope a zero tolerance policy is being exercised against these offenders. An automatic suspension of their licence coupled with a four figure fine should serve only as a starting point. After all, when mixed with other road users who view our city streets as their own Indianapolis 500 speedway, something bad will eventually happen.

RUPRECHT VON OPALFRUIT

Devonshire

Strategic decision was lie

July 14, 2009

Dear Sir,

So Teflon Brown survives! The man blatantly lies and says that the gambling bill will be carried over until November, then puts the bill forward for a vote, expecting only his supporters to vote. He calls it a strategic decision, I call it a Lie! What a great example he sets for the younger generations of Bermudians – you can lie, but call it a “Strategic Decision”!

I wonder what’s in it for the members of the PLP central committee who refuse to see our “leader” for what he is – a dictatorial, vindictive bully! Will they wait until the national deficit is 100 million? Or maybe they think it doesn’t affect them?

CONCERNED BLACK BERMUDIAN

Paget

Kicked in the stomach

July 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

Wow!

That’s all that will come out of my shocked mind right now. I do not know the reasons behind allowing the above to take place, but I do know I have always wanted to live in Bermuda – since I was there in 1970! I am also very aware that I cannot ever live in this wonderful Heaven on Earth for the following:

1. I am not independently wealthy and cannot purchase or build a home there and then just not work;

2. I suppose there isn’t enough Bermudian blood flowing through my veins for me to lay claim to any ability to live there; and

3. Even though I would gladly work my tail off just to be able to live there, this would not be enough.

Yet I see where four former detainees of possible questionable background are given this grand opportunity! I just want to cry my eyes out!

Again, I do not know the reasons behind this move, I do not know if they are not guilty of any crimes. All I know is I feel like I’ve been kicked in the stomach!

After all these years of longing, I suppose I will have to do prison time to be eligible.

Truly heart sick,

TRINA WRIGHT

Summerville, South Carolina

Dr. Brown’s good move

July 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

I just read your article pertaining to Dr. Brown’s trip to the Bayou Classic in New Orleans.

As a Bermudian who is a graduate of Grambling State University, I applaud him for doing so. Finally, he got the message that there is an untapped tourism market related to this annual event which is televised globally. It demonstrates that finally, you have an out of the box thinker, who is looking to expand Bermuda’s traditional tourism market beyond the tapped out East Coast. That single-minded approach to Tourism is a dead strategy that has not benefited the hospitality and retail industry.

Southern University and Grambling State have a tradition of graduating their students and athletes above most Division IA or IAA schools.

I also applaud him for being wise for having bodyguards. Many of us who practice Martial arts know that the body is the best weapon. You do not always need to have a gun to protect someone! Many bouncers at clubs here in the US do not carry fire arms and the Superdome during this time of the year would have adequate security as well in addition to his wise move. If you have not been following the news here in the USA since Hurricane Katrina re: New Orleans, it has now become the murder capital of the world. It is a very dangerous place to visit nowadays even for a leader of a country or a common citizen or tourist.

Mr. Dunkley, as much as I respect you as a person and a businessman, you are on the wrong side of this argument. The fact that you see so many celebrities attending this prestigious event demonstrates and speaks to the hard work of the organisers to make this a premier event that will attract the dollars to both universities and the City of New Orleans. Are you somehow saying that other events such as the PGA, NFL, NBA or any other major event will not attract a similar demographic or celebrities?

This successful event is a prime teaching tool to someone in Dr. Brown’s position as Tourism Minister. I am sure he has learned many lessons, including how an event of this magnitude is pulled off between the partnership of the City, both universities and the corporate sponsors. The event brings in an estimated $14 million to $28 million to New Orleans. In these times of being consistent and being able to provide value for every dollar spent, I would say that this was money well spent.

Mr. Dunkley, I will say to you, sir, we as Bermudians face many perilous decisions in these economic times. Instead of always blasting the Premier, what does your party have to offer as alternative should be the question raised? I am not saying he has always made the right decisions all the time. I am saying that he has the courage to perform his duties in this regard like any good business person would.

1. Understand that the ideas of the past as they relate to Tourism are not working in this new tornado market.

2. Be willing to think outside the box and find new revenue streams for the Bermuda Tourism Market.

3. Be willing to attract another untapped market for Tourism among the African American, Highly Educated with a per capita income that matches your profile for a visitor to our beautiful Island Home.

Dr. Brown, you have taken a lot of hits recently, some warranted and others questionable as to the motive. However, on this issue you have shown great leadership. I applaud your efforts to improve Bermuda’s product and image to the global market that you have accepted as your competition.

DEAN JONES

USA

Lead by example, please!

July 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

If whites are racists, bigots and have a genetic predisposition to be anti the PLP government, does that mean that blacks have a genetic predisposition to committing crimes?

What about those of us like President Obama – the product of a white parent and a black parent? How does the PLP government label us? Are we traitors?

On another note, I am so saddened by the violence in this community. Every single one of us has been exposed to violence whether it be witnessing a road accident or being a victim of one; being the victim of a crime; being exposed to the verbal violence our politicians inflict upon us on a daily basis and now we can add observing people dying on the street.

Bermuda is a community of walking wounded – how are we to heal from the undercurrent of hate that is manifesting in violence? We have more churches than we know what to do with but where are the Christian morals and values?

My son was assaulted in his bedroom at seven years old by an intruder. Now he’s 12 and has witnessed a woman dying by the side of the road with police performing CPR to try and save her. He’s just one of many of our children affected by the crime in our Island and probably one of the lucky ones!

There have been so many court cases recently of child molestation and pornography. How are these children being treated for their suffering, how will it manifest when they grow up?

My family has been in Bermuda for generations and before now I could never consider the possibility of living elsewhere. But the reality is I have to consider carefully my children’s future. My children have already been deprived of a sense of security and trust in their own home – where are they safe?

To an extent we are all responsible; we need to be aware of the violence, hate and greed in thought, word or action – within ourselves before we can expect our community to change. I implore our leaders to lead by example and set the tone for positive change. Please, please, please consider the future of our Island, our children.

HEAVY HEARTED MOTHER

Smith’s

Michael Jackson’s lesson

July 9, 2009

Dear Sir,

“Gonna make a change for once in my life,

gonna feel real good,

gonna make it a difference,

gonna make it right …”

I am sitting here like most people today, listening to the words of a man, someone that many miss for different reasons. Now, not just any man, a man that gave so much; music, song, dance, entertainment in so many ways, fun, happiness even in our times of sorrow, and we are in sorrow.

Yes, I am sorry that I’ve never seen him live in concert, but, there’s more. I see a man that has given us a message, yes a message, songs historically are a tool of passing on messages in a way that the people will remember. Many cultures have placed the messages, or shall I say, the consciousness of the people in song

Michael Joseph Jackson; the King of Pop, Master Song Writer, Prolific Dancer, The Greatest Entertainer to ever step onto a stage, but there’s more. When one truly listens to the words that he has shared in his message of song, Michael has given the greatest possession that one can give. This human, in his being, as a human being, gave of himself in love through his gifts and talents, no matter what came his way. All the attacks on a man that gave of himself 45 of 50 years of his existence with us .

Now let me say this and no more after!

No one can ever understand who Michael Jackson was and is; there is not one person that can know what is in the mind of another, no matter how long or how well you know them. Your family, friends, co-workers, no one, can know who you are or all that you are, only you can answer that in truth. A man that has been judged, and sometimes in falsity for many reasons, still loved to give us the gift of love, no matter what we threw at him. I hope we learn this lesson that has been shared with us for lifetimes.

I implore any and everyone that reads this to listen not only Michael Jackson, but many others that have given a message of love, peace, respect, unity, giving and and a whole lot more.

When I watched the memorial I realised and decided many things. One was that if you know your purpose in life, and you follow it, no matter what may come, you will be blessed. Mr. Michael J. Jackson also told me in not only his work but in his existence that whatever there is for you to do is a gift not to be toyed with, so get up and do what is for you to do.

To the Jackson clan I say to you:

Continue to give us the love that your son, brother, father, and so much that we don’t know of, gave of himself in love. This western world is a land of many things; your family has encountered much more than most.

For this I thank you, Love and Peace to all of you that loved him as yours.

To the people of the world I say:

Give the gift of love in all that you do. Give it without the expectation of reward and we will, every one of us, obtain an abundance of everything good.

Remember the words of Michael Jackson:

“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make that change. Gotta get it right while you got the chance.”

ANTOINE (MKALIMU) BEAN

Sandys

Bad outweighs the good

July 13, 2009

Dear Sir,

With regard to the Gaming Bill being defeated, the first thing I want to say is thank God.

Secondly, I breathe a sigh of relief to see that there are some members of the PLP, other than Mr. Dale Butler, that have backbones, minds of their own and are still able to stand and represent the people that trusted in them enough to put them in the position they are in.

Now, what has Premier Brown done since he first deceived the people to put himself in power, that has raised suspicion and mistrust?

After his latest act of deception concerning the four Uighurs, causing an Islandwide uproar, which he responded to by playing the race card and effectively causing such division and tension that has not been seen for years in our island home.

After all of that, to see his attempt to pass the Gaming Bill the way he did, I ask, is there no end to what Dr. Brown will do to deceive and achieve his agenda?

To the members of the PLP, I along with many other PLP supporters are asking, how long are you going to allow one man to drag the party down and not just the PLP, but the Island of Bermuda as a whole?

Enough is enough already.

But then we see Walter Roban’s response to Ms Smith’s e-mail and he not be reprimanded in some way. To the members of the PLP, this does not look good. I have to wonder what those looking and listening in from the outside must be thinking, including potential visitors. What must the exempted businesses that are operating here be thinking?

Yes, some good things have happened under Premier Brown’s leadership. I for one, thought that Dr. Brown would make a good Premier. He certainly had the potential and obviously the opportunity, but the bad is far outweighing the good. For the good of all concerned, it is time for Premier Brown to resign.

I voted for the PLP, but if it were election day today, they would not get my vote. Not under the leadership of Dr. Brown.

DO THE RIGHT THING AND DO IT NOW!

Sandys

Wrong then, wrong now

July 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

For countless generations, black Bermudians were disenfranchised. Although they contributed to the wealth and success of Bermuda in every way possible, this segment of society had no say in how the country was governed. They were second class citizens. It was wrong but it was put right as we as a people became more enlightened.

It is extremely sad, therefore, that with the knowledge of that inequality, it was a black Government that recreated a class of citizens, no doubt white in the majority, who contribute to the wealth and success of Bermuda yet have no say in how it is governed. It was wrong in ages past, it is wrong now and the arguments put forward for creating this new second class of citizen do not hold water when examined without prejudice. I defy anyone with a shred of humanity to support the creation of second class citizens.

It may not be a vote winner, but permanent resident status should be abolished and those who have shown a 20-year commitment to Bermuda should be welcomed as full Bermudians, or does this Government still work on the principle that it is pay-back time and it will do whatever is needed to cling onto power by eliminating possible opposition?

LEARN FROM HISTORY

Pembroke