Charity is not about race

July 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

This letter is in response to Peter Forster's letter printed on July 16, 2009.

In his letter Mr. Forster states:

"There seems to be a lot of conjecture regarding the reasons why most of the protesters are white. Here is my take, whites are the only ones who actually care enough to take positive action. Before the howls of protest reach fever pitch, a few examples. Back in the 1980s Bob Geldof set up a worldwide fund to raise money for starving blacks in Africa. There was a charity run in Bermuda to raise funds for this cause, 95 percent of the runners were white, I know because I was one of them.

"A few years later my wife was looking for donations of Bibles to assist a missionary in Africa, 70 percent of the donations, of which there were a significant number, came from whites. Whites had nothing to gain from these events yet they made the effort."

I applaud Mr. and Mrs. Forster for their charity, but it is less than charitable to suggest that because black people were either not represented or were under-represented in these events that blacks are not proactive regarding charity.

I offer only one example, not because there aren't others, but because it ties in with one of Mr. Forster's examples. There is a woman, very well known in the "black" community of Bermuda who has actually started a school in Africa. She has raised funds in the "black" community to sustain that school. Maybe that same school received some of the bibles that your wife gathered. She also has nothing to gain by doing this.

It is childish to make charity a race issue. Please stop.

P. SARAH TAYLOR

Smith's Parish

Praise for Finance team

July 1, 2009

Dear Sir,

I would like to congratulate Minister Paula Cox and her staff in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Wayne Brown, Mrs. Shawna MacKenzie, Ms Laura Semos and Mr. Denis Simons of the Treaty Unit for their rapid and diligent action in negotiating Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA) and bringing Bermuda onto the so-called OECD "white list".

International business is now our dominant income earner and almost all of our financial wellbeing depends on its success. I would argue that even with tourism, upwards of 75 percent of our business is actually the result of international business. It is truly our "bread and butter". The threat by the G20 countries and the OECD remains the biggest threat to Bermuda's long term future. If they are able to close down Bermuda as an international business centre, our financial future will be grim.

The initial shot in this direction by the G20 was the unexpected requirement that so called offshore centres should have signed TIEAs with at least 12 OECD countries. Bermuda was close but not quite there. Twelve TIEAs had been negotiated but changing standards of the OECD left Bermuda on the so-called "grey list". In short order, Minister Cox and her team have negotiated and signed sufficient agreements to become the first jurisdiction to get off the grey list. In addition they have negotiated TIEAs with Canada, Germany and Japan (the first low tax jurisdiction to do so wit that country) that are awaiting signature.

In 1978 Bermuda signed a TIEA with the US, the first such exchange of information agreement of its type. It was a revolutionary step and there is little doubt that this agreement contributed greatly to Bermuda's subsequent success in international business. In fact it was one of Sir John Swan's greatest achievements as Premier.

It is good to see Bermuda secure its rightful place on the "white list" – something that many of our competitors have been unable to achieve. In their quest to raise taxes and close down low tax jurisdictions such as Bermuda, we can expect the G20 countries to continue to raise the bar, probably in an arbitrary way, but as long as Bermuda keeps ahead of the game we should be all right. Thankfully, Bermuda's team in the Ministry of Finance seems intent on doing just that.

ALASTAIR MACDONALD

City of Hamilton

Do the right thing

July 11, 2009

Dear Sir,

Dr. Brown must go.

So far, Dale Butler, in whom I have held great respect for most of my adult life, and that's a long time, has been joined by four more PLP politicians including two Ministers who have finally said enough is enough. However, to be truly meaningful the two ministers should also have resigned their portfolios. I know that the $160,000-odd a year of taxpayer's money that Dr. Brown uses to keep all his Ministers in line is an awful lot to give up, but I wonder if the respect of each Minister's electorate has any value to the PLP's neutered and in some cases overpaid, politicians. Only the next election will determine their political futures.

Although I agree with Ms. Cox that a change in leadership should follow the established rules and procedures I wish the PLP would get on with it so that the international community can see that most right thinking Bermudians only wish for stable Government that will provide a hand up for those in need, be they black or white, while not persecuting those who have gained some success and financial security through many years of hard work. I hope the balance of the PLP members and caucus will do the right thing over the summer recess and remove Dr. Brown, or provide him the opportunity to do at least one honourable thing during his Bermudian political career, and resign. I for one would not be sorry to see him depart these shores and return to the country where his form of political divisiveness was nurtured.

Although I would prefer to see the end of political parties in Bermuda, I again long for a PLP leader who has the confidence to walk our streets without a bodyguard in sight, who is willing to talk with his or her people face to face and one who will start the process of making this Government work within the financial restraints of the real Bermuda. I wish for a Government that will eliminate the many unnecessary costs that have probably made our Government one if not the most expensive per-capita government in the world.

In recent years the Government debt has ballooned to almost $700 million that we know about. That is at least $11,000 for every one of us, man, woman and child, plus high interest payments every single year. Where is this money to come from now that international business has been shaken and tourism is in deep trouble?

We have already committed unbelievable levels of Government debt onto the next several generations of Bermudians and this Government now needs to do something to reduce its debt meaningfully.

INCLUSIVE

Pembroke

Give Premier a medal

June 21, 2009

Dear Sir,

Just a thought. . .

An honorary medal of Humanitarianism should be awarded to our Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown for his brave decision to have the four Uighurs (Abdullah, Salahadin, Khalil and Ablikim) as temporary residents of our island.

The above four gentlemen are innocent of any terrorist (Al Quaeda) activities!

Feel the love!

DEE BEE

Devonshire

We're all Sally Bassetts now

July 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

In light of the recent goings-on with the behavior of our totalitarian government, I have felt compelled along with the rest of my Bermudian brethren on this 21 square mile "Plantation" (as the apparent Massa commonly refers to it when a question arises that he does not wish to answer), to change my name to Sally Bassett. It feels like we are 60,000 Sally Bassetts clinging to a rock and we are burning at the stake while Massa and his highly paid colleagues run rampant over the Plantation. They take our money and use it for big cars, bodyguards, trips to the Playboy Mansion, non-Bermudian expensive consultants, trips, trips and more trips .... actually most of what they use it for we will never know because there is absolutely no accountability.

They take our people and throw them out like garbage as was the case with the Department of Tourism staff.

They collectively turn all of us proud Bermudians into something akin to Toilet Paper to wipe away the mess (no disrespect to the Uhigurs) created by the government of another country, and they breach our most fundamental law to do so. They term our genuine heartfelt peaceful protestations on important issues, as inconsequential, "lynch mob", "disenfranchised white" folly. They classify us, if out opinions do not toe the party line, as "House n*gg*ers".

Enough is enough.

I was on 'The Hill' two weeks ago in protest. In dealing with matters for my country, I am neither black nor white. I am Bermudian. In matters of heritage, my great great grandfather is African so I am black. In matters of political affiliation, I am apolitical and I vote for whomever I feel has the best interests of me an my country foremost. I have supported both of Bermuda's parties. Above all this though, I am human and I am free.

No Government, Massa, political institution, cheap radio show host or anyone else can tell me how I should think and feel. I encourage my fellow Bermudian brethren to open your eyes and think freely also. Do not fear anyone who may try to steal and control your freedom of speech, thought and action for their own political gain.

I am tired of being Sally. I want her to be the rallying call for all of us on the "Plantation" to rid ourselves of Massa. Let's wake up before it is too late, my fellow Bermudians. The well is running dry. There is purposefully created division. There is no plan. There is no Tourism anymore, all the promised hotels are only empty promises. International companies are quietly going to frendlier, more stable welcoming locales. The ship is sinking.

Wake up.

SALLY NO MORE

Sandys

Premier can't be trusted

July 12, 2009

Dear Sir,

The recent actions of our Premier, Dr. Ewart Brown with his surprise decision to call for a vote on the Gaming Bill disgusts me. Having instructed the Government Whip Mrs. Lovitta Foggo to inform the UBP, back benchers and the media that the bill will not be presented, he did the opposite and introduced it.

This action, along with the fact that he did not inform his entire cabinet that he was going to bring in the Gitmo Four indicates to me that he cannot be trusted. His credibility is now suspect and I find it increasingly difficult to believe a word he utters.

We the People of Bermuda should not be held in limbo for another three months until the House reconvenes in November. More damage can be done. I plead with the PLP supporters and members to do what is right and introduce the mechanism for a new leader as soon as possible. We the People deserve it.

DEMOCRACY

Smith's

Time for a new party

July 13, 2009

Dear Sir,

Finally! I knew there had to be a few more right thinking people in the PLP.

My applause to Elvin James and Terry Lister for taking the stand they did on Friday evening.

If the PLP now doesn't finally oust the Premier as leader, I hope these dissidents decide to form a new political party. There are now enough of them (Randy Horton, Dale Butler, Ashfield Devent, Elvin James, Wayne Perinchief, Terry Lister and Alex Scott) and they'll certainly get the electorate's support. They are all well liked by their constituents and their public objections to the Premier's leadership have earned them a lot of respect from the right thinking people of Bermuda.

If you speak to the average person on the street, to every one supporter of Premier Ewart Brown, there are three non-supporters of him.

The "staunch" party vote is diminishing as the electorate is a lot smarter than say 15 to 20 years ago.

A new political party may not win outright the first time around, but it will run the interference necessary to restore the check and balance that is lacking.

CALLING FOR A NEW PARTY

St. George's

Bayou 'gravy train'

July 8, 2009

Dear Sir,

Having read the lead story in today's Royal Gazette (July 8) regarding Dr. Brown and his 'bodyguard' attending the Bayou Classic ball game at the Louisiana Superdome, the expression 'gravy train' came to mind.

The "gravy train" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe any lucrative endeavour, however in politics the "gravy train" refers to gorging on luxuries, since someone else (taxpayers) foots the bill.

However is there anyone in Bermuda who thinks the Hon. Premier cares what we, the mere taxpayer, thinks?

He is the driver and the gravy train is rolling along and it isn't going to stop until someone pulls the emergency cord.

THE CABOOSE ENGINEER

Paget

UBP's transparency

July 21, 2009

Dear Sir,

During the great years of transparency under the United Bermuda Party, the Tourism Minister stated that the strength of the party was its diversity.

He then said it was undermined by several of the party's own leaders for personal power as backbiting became the norm.

Maybe the diversity he spoke about is the way insurance, hospital equipment etc., cars for government, hotel contracts, supplies for our schools, purchases of certain buildings which were then rented out to government for office use, electrical contracts, was given all in the name of diversity.

What wonderful years of transparency under the United Bermuda Party Bermuda had for over 30 years.

RAYMOND RUSSELL SR.

Pembroke

Shed light on the wall

July 20, 2009

This was sent to Derrick Burgess, Minister of Works & Engineering and copied to The Royal Gazette.

Dear Sir,

As you have recently announced that the sunshine of public scrutiny will now inform us re the progress, costs, timetable, etc. of the new Police/Courts building, may we hope for enlightenment re The Great Wall of Warwick?

This Government is well supplied with press and public relations officers, so perhaps one could shed a ray of light on this extraordinary lengthy, expensive construction.

JOYCE WATLINGTON

Paget

Different dictionary?

July 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

After reading the letter to the Editor "Her 'betes noires' by Jean Hannant, Pembroke today, I pulled out The Oxford Colour Dictionary and Thesaurus and looked up the word "presently" because I too use this word in the context which Ms Hannant claims is incorrect.

She stated that "presently" does not mean "now". Either she is incorrect or the Oxford Dictionary is incorrect because my research indicates that "presently" is an adverb and it has two meanings:

1. soon.

2. (Sc. & US) now.

Although "currently" may be the better choice for Ms Hannant, I will continue to use the word "presently" as I so choose. I did, however, find the other information that she shared to be helpful.

JENNIFER CAINES

Devonshire