Dennis for Parliament

February 23, 2010

Dear Sir,

After reading all the "Ying and Yang" in reference to the "unaccounted $890 million of taxpayers' monies", I was curious to know whether Larry Dennis ever thought about running as an Independent, (or possibly, joining a party of his choice) and then, "lining up the dollar ducks" that are askew and scattered as the feral chickens?

I believe Mr. Dennis did a marvellous job in his capacity as Auditor General, and if there is one person who knows the "ins and outs", he is "our" man.

So, Mr. Dennis, please consider getting involved with the running of our depleting economy … once again …We need an individual who is as astute as you obviously are when it come to the running of a business/Country.

RAYMOND RAY

St. George's

India trip worthwhile

February 24, 2010

Dear Sir,

I take this opportunity to congratulate the Premier on the initiative to establish bilateral relationship with India. In this global environment in which we live, a good relationship between two countries will benefit each other. There is a lot to be learned. Being born and raised in India, I welcome this initiative. The following are a few ways I feel a good relationship with India can help Bermuda:

1. Bollywood is known for filming movies on locations across the globe, I see potential this happening in Bermuda.

2. India is a growing nation, lots of Indian corporations are investing or establishing companies overseas i.e. TATA Group owns Land Rover and Jaguar in England.

3. India and Bermuda have lot in common i.e. both are or were part of the British Empire. Information exchange can benefit a lot.

4. Indians travel to the US and Canada. They could be tempted to take a trip to Bermuda while visiting either of the above mentioned countries.

5. India and Bermuda share a common love for cricket. Whenever India travels to play the West Indies, they can take a short tour to Bermuda, play the local team as well hold clinics for the youth.

I think the most important benefit would be that youth from Bermuda could go to India, study a diverse culture and above all they also can get an education in India as an alternative to going to other places.

I hope this relationship between India and Bermuda turns out to be strong and long lasting.

OBSERVER

Smith's

What right to seats?

February 24, 2010

Dear Sir,

Since I asked this question in private to one of the "founding members" via Facebook days ago and he has failed to answer. No surprise there, but I might add, it's amusing as this new party bellowed forth on Saturday night how they will be oh so approachable. My question is why do those of you who sat as MPs for the UBP think you have the right to continue to sit in those seats? You were not elected in those seats carrying the banner of BDA but rather that of the UBP. It is dishonorable for you to sit in seats you didn't win under your new party, but rather under the UBP.

I also have to laugh that all that was trumpeted forth Saturday night was pretty much hand in hand with the UBP view.

I won't call names– yet – but there in your new founding member roster you have some gentlemen who expressed that they were "too busy" with personal matters whilst in the UBP to contribute fully yet now suddenly you have so much free time? How?

Some of those same members when I tried to contact them whilst they were UBP never showed any interest in helping me help them in the party. So tell me, now that you march forth under a new banner, have your mannerisms and approach changed? I don't think so given what I said at the outset of me typing this message.

I also will add to the public: Some of these members had an awful attendance record in the House of Assembly.

Be very careful BDA. Eyes were and are on you before you formed this party and more so now. I am not fooled by this "a better way". From what I witness from a pure public standpoint of some of your tactics before you broke away from the UBP ... this all looks like an ego-driven move to me ... I cannot say that for the new members of the group such as Mr. Cannonier as one example, but you old UBP members.I've seen your ways.

So either you've changed your ways or you haven't. If you haven't, it will all soon show. If you have, I find it amusing as, had you acted "a better way" whilst in the UBP, more could have gotten done instead of you acting like the PLP and causing rifts.

ROBERT DAVIES

Smith's

A privilege, not a right

February 24, 2010

Dear Sir,

To the female driver of the SUV, plate #4—— who parked on the double yellow lines opposite Queens Club, my thanks for inconveniencing a bus full of passengers on yesterday's 5.10 p.m. St. George's Express, and embarrassing both yourself and your passenger by refusing to move along when asked.

Thank you for making us all laugh in disbelief when, after several minutes of completely ignoring the bus operator (never mind the traffic building up behind him at Victoria Street), you finally and rather childishly responded to several of the passengers onboard photographing your vehicle by leaning out of the window to take a picture of the bus.

And finally, thank you for making us shake our heads and laugh again when, after eventually manoeuvering around you to reach the tennis stadium, we heard over the radio that you had just moved your vehicle. This after you told one of the passengers that you had run out of gas! Really?

Bermuda's roads are not the place for a battle of wills and childish behaviour. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and with that privilege is the agreement to abide by the island's traffic laws. In this case, no stopping (or parking) on double yellow lines is not an "option" but is designed to help traffic flow and minimise congestion.

To the bus operator whose name I did not take down, thank you for remaining a professional throughout and not stooping to this woman's level.

M. MORGAN-LESLIE

Paget

Grateful Girl Guides

February 24, 2010

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the Council, Leaders and Girls of the Bermuda Girl Guide Association (Girlguiding Bermuda), I wish to publicly thank the following for their unfailing support during our Girlguiding Week, celebrating 100 years of Girl Guides world-wide:

The Postmaster General, Dame Jennifer Smith and the Philatelic Society for the production of our beautiful Centennial Stamps and to the Premier for hosting the Tea for our retired, senior leaders at Camden; to the media for their positive coverage and support of our young women; a wonderful committee of leaders, parents, friends and volunteers, who gave so tirelessly to prepare and stand in the cold weather for our Tag Day; as well as the Thinking Day Committee, whose energy and dedication made the service and parade such a memorable occasion for all.

Special thanks go to the uniformed youth groups who consisted of the Scouts, Bermuda Cadets, the Pathfinders and their Drum Corps., the Church Boys' and Girls' Brigades, and the Sea Cadets. We also have annually playing for us, the Somerset Brigade Band and the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band, who always give so freely of their time to participate in our Thinking Day.

We are grateful to you, the public, who gave so generously to our volunteers and girls, resulting in raising approximately $13,000. These funds will assist us with expenses for upcoming centennial events scheduled for this year, as well as helping to support 18 Guides and Young Leaders representing Bermuda at Centennial Camps in Mexico, England and on board the Tall Ship, Lord Nelson.

Many of Bermuda's CEOs and community leaders are former Guides or Brownies and guiding is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. Girlguiding puts girls in the lead and if they've needed any encouragement to voice their views we have given it to them.

With sincere appreciation,

DENISE (WOODY) WOODHOUSE

Island Commissioner

Girlguiding Bermuda

Laughable criticism

February 24, 2010

Dear Sir,

As the Government and Southlands Ltd. continue to hang their laundry out publicly in order to convince the public as to who is right, there is at least some humour to be found.

I laughed so much when I read that a Government spokesman told The Royal Gazette that: "Southlands were running around pretending to be hotel developers when none of them had ever developed a tourist resort before."

Really? All that from a Government where the Premier is a medical doctor – yet in charge of Tourism. Hysterical – even for this Government.

SMITH'S