A note of thanks

July 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who participated in this year's Newport to Bermuda Race and the tremendous effort that made this year's event so successful. Nearly 200 yachts visited our shores with approximately 2,000 sailors and at least 1,000 family and friends who flew in for the event. Most hotels were sold out for the week. This was the second largest fleet as the event begins its second century.

While it will be difficult to include all the names of those who participated with these comments, I feel that everyone should be proud of the way that the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and members represented Bermuda over the week of the Race finish activities. Each person who participated, whether it was our wonderful cleaning lady who somehow managed to keep the facility clean, even during the peak periods, or the executive team who hosted the guests, contributed to the overall success.

I would, however, like to mention a few others who made such a special effort this year. First on the list is Manager David Furtado who has proven how effective a good leader can be. His calm commanding manner was the guiding force, leading the Club to perform as a well-oiled machine. Also Lorraine Adderley, Assistant Manager and Controller, who spent countless hours making sure that all functions at the facility ran well even at 3 a.m. in the morning.

Assistant Club Secretary, Donna Heslop, was a real champion who made sure that we did not forget the hundreds of details that help with the tremendous success of Bermuda component of the Race. Thanks also to Honorary Secretary Andrew Burnett-Herkes, who took on the task of running the prize giving where over 100 prizes and trophies were given. He was assisted by Past Commodore Les Crane, Scott King, Bill Maycock, Jimmy Amos and others.

The event at Government House ran without a hitch because of their collective effort. We would like to take a moment to thank His Excellency, Sir Richard Gozney, for not only allowing the event to take place at Government House but also agreeing to participate. Sir Richard handed out prizes and trophies to the skippers and crews.

Phil Worboys, our new Marina Manager did a fantastic job in getting 150 yachts safely into berths in the Marina. Of course the kitchen staff was flat out during the entire week and I cannot thank our Head Chef Tony enough for the wonderful job done by him and his staff. The club Flag Officers who made up the rest of the executive team were, Vice Commodore Peter Shrubb, Rear Commodore Tyrone Chin, Rear Commodore Jonathan Brewin and Club Treasurer David Notman, assisted by Past Commodore Brian Billings.

This was the team that played an extremely important supporting role and took care of many of the details. It would have been impossible to run an event like this without them. The Bermuda Customs and Immigration Teams lead by Customs Officer Ahmed-Troy Caines did a superb job both in Newport and in Bermuda. They were very professional and represented Bermuda extremely well,

I'd be remiss if I did not mention our partners in organising the Race, The Cruising Club of America, headed by Commodore Ross Sherbrook and Race Committee Chairman Nick Nicholson. The event worked well because the partnership between our two clubs worked well. It has been a real pleasure working with the CCA team who organised the registration and pre-race events.

Finally I'd like to thank all of the volunteers, both RBYC members and non-members who put in so much of their time to make the duty desk, the store, finish line and marina run without a hitch. The team leaders: Mary Bouchard, who ran the store, Eugene Rayner, who ran the finish line team, Derek Pedro and Marybeth Sherwin, who ran the duty desk put in an incredible effort and all areas seemed to have run smoothly. Charlie Tatem, assisted by John Mendez from the New York Yacht Club, did a tremendous job as the local Anniversary Regatta Race officer.

The Anniversary Regatta is a two-race event for approximately 45 yachts that compete in Bermuda on the Friday after the Newport to Bermuda Race. These two races are the final races in a series, which includes the main ocean race. The Regatta was well run by Charlie and his team in perfect conditions. The visiting Yachtsmen were delighted about the entire event as we received compliments and comments from many of them.

We would also like to thank the Ministry of Tourism, Tuckers Point Club and Gosling's for their support as sponsors of the event. The week resulted in a thriving business for the Island's hotels, restaurants, taxi and transport services, grocery markets, fuelling stations, laundromats, retail stores and tour providers.

An event such as this could not have been successful without the effort of so many and I am deeply indebted to everyone who sacrificed so much to make the 2008 Newport to Bermuda Race the amazing success it was. Once again thank you all for your support.

RALPH RICHARDSON

Commodore

If it ain't broke...

July 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

I am very pleased that Billy Griffith will be the new tourism director, but am extremely concerned that the NYC staff have been removed from their positions. I have dealt with the past tourism representative here in the Midwest for over a decade, and have had a good relationship with them. I fear that I will have to start from page one to get re-established if the changes take place as Dr. Brown has indicated.

I'm not sure that changing horses in midstream will bring any more tourism to the Island. Some of the events that the department has conjured up have been expensive failures. Here in Kansas City, for instance, flying to Bermuda round trip is $600-plus to start with. Comparing these costs to a Mexican or Caribbean trip is futile, since both markets are generally cheaper. The one positive note in this situation is that I have clients who have been going to Bermuda for a decade or more, and know the costs before they step on a jet.

Why would a person want to fly to Bermuda for a vacation? That to me is the bottom line here. I will continue to try and sell the Island, but the support staff that I formerly relied on is not there to help. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as the saying goes. This situation does not need to be fixed.

MIKE NEWBURGER

Parkville, MO

Looking overseas

July 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

I fully understand and appreciate what the Corporation of Hamilton is trying to do by raising 'on-street' parking fees. But I respectfully think they are going down the wrong road; they are making life harder for shoppers and commuters; and they seem to be trying to solve a problem that you don't have (or maybe they're just trying to create a problem?). They say that you want to push shoppers into the major car parks.

Suthy, my man, have you looked at these car parks lately? The ones in the City are almost always full. If you drive a car into the City these days, the only choice you have is the on-street parking. I know that you're an athlete but do you really think that some mother with three kids is going to park at Bulls Head and then drag her packages back across town. Maybe you know more than me but I think the vast majority of people would view parking options the same way I do.

One big issue I have with Hamilton is that it is rapidly losing the vibrancy that the cruise ship passengers brought. The other thing is that, for whatever reason, Bermudian shoppers are not shopping in Hamilton anywhere near like they did in days of yore but locals are sure using the streets to hang out on! There are so many things that the Corporation could do to make shopping in Hamilton a great experience, which it certainly is not these days ... possibly one where they'd be happy to park at Bulls Head ... but it always seems that this Corporation is simply unable to actually do anything but the most simple of acts ... like raising parking charges.

Why not actually try doing something along the dockfront now that the cruise ships have given us a view? How difficult would it be to take the stretch from the car park near #6 shed all the way to the ferry terminal and just try some outdoor dining and shopping. There are plenty of ways to do this without spending millions. How about shuttle bus service from Bulls Head, Spurling Hill car park, and whatever others you have tucked away from the centre? And instead of being so damn wishy washy about pedestrianizing Reid Street, just try it! Stop not doing things because some group or another comes up with an obstacle.

In my opinion, and I work in the City every day, I try to avoid shopping in the City, week days or on weekends. If the car parks are full and parking on the street is going to cost me an arm and a leg plus it's a totally boring experience ... well, I only have a college education but I think I'll shop overseas or on-line!

AUNT POLLY SAWYER

Southampton

All about raising money

July 16, 2008

Dear Sir,

After seeing yet another big jump in the price of parking vouchers in a short period of time with little reaction I have laid a complaint with the Consumer Affairs Department (www.gov.bm under tab Ministry of Community Affairs) because this is not the first huge jump and no doubt not the last.

Let's consider what is a municipality (although an incorporated body) I do not believe it is a commercial venture yet I do recall that the Hamilton Corporation annual accounts for 2007 showed a hefty balance of around $8m, if I recall correctly.

Looking at the Municipality Act 1923 I see that predominantly the legislation relates to elections and levies. Powers of Corporations with respect to real and personal property under section 20 (1) The Corporations of Hamilton subsection (b) is to provide off-street parking — (i) whether within the municipal area or otherwise ...

Then with respect to the General power of Corporations to levy rates under section 23 (1) The Corporations of Hamilton there is a safety net on rates (although I see nothing on parking vouchers) under subsection (6) … a rating Ordinance purporting to levy a rate greater than ten per centum of annual rental value shall, before coming into operation, be subject to confirmation by the Minister of Finance. Is it time to consider jumps in parking rates of more than ten percent be subject to confirmation by the Minister of Finance as well at least she is accountable to the Bermuda public every five years at least.

Perhaps it is time for another petition by consumers and vehicle owners who visit Hamilton City to lobby as the new team on the block is all about raising money but I do not see how affecting legitimate visitors to Hamilton right to park (especially the elderly or physically challenged) and perhaps remind the Hamilton Mayor and Aldermen that they are stewards of our city and its use and for more than just the merchants who want parking cleared for their deliveries. The members of the Corporation may find consumers more willing to order yet more goods on line than visit the store and business being conducted elsewhere as well!

HAMILTON CITY CONSUMER

Southampton