Just wondering...

October 11, 2008

Dear Sir,

I write in response to the Editor's note which followed my letter to the Editor – "Fresh Blood for Customs" in today's edition of The Royal Gazette which read: "Unlike the Commissioner of Police, the Governor does not have direct responsibility for the appointment of the Collector of Customs." I am aware that the Governor appoints the Commissioner of Police in addition to The Attorney General, the Chief Justice, the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Auditor, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Deputy Commissioner of Police. I am also aware that the Governor on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission appoints all officers above grade PS25, and that the Premier is consulted prior to this if the positions involve Heads of Departments or Permanent Secretaries.

I was just wondering why His Excellency The Governor would like to say to Police Commissioner George Jackson "thanks very much" and arrange for him to hand over by the end of next year, so he would be allowed to put his feet up because he feels quite strongly that no one should be able to do his job for more than four years; while at the same time he is giving development opportunities to the Collector of Customs who has served in her capacity for double that time. According to the Bermuda Sun No 790 "…His Excellency The Governor, is pleased to appoint Mrs. Winifred Fostine-DeSilva, Collector of Customs, to act as Deputy Governor from September 26, 2008 to October 11, 2008, inclusive or until his return." Perhaps you can attach your note at the end of this letter as well.

JENNIFER CAINES

Devonshire

Astonishing & mind-boggling

October 6, 2008

Dear Sir,

In the survey by Research.bm published in your paper today, you reported that "Seventeen percent of people have confidence in the Island's economy with forty-eight percent saying they do not and 35 percent neutral." For 35 percent not to have an opinion on a most important issue like the economy of the country is to me, astonishing and mind-boggling. It certainly is not a good reflection on this community. We are not talking about the Music Festival! For goodness sake, this is about what determines the future of the country. Bermudians, wake up!

Dr. H.O. SUBAIR

Pembroke

For fair play

October 8, 2008

Dear Sir,

I read an article in The Royal Gazette on October 8, two MPs (Military Police) went in the home of an absentee soldier. The soldier ran off, so the Military Police took the car belonging to the soldier's girlfriend. The soldier's father told the M. P. s the car belong to his sons girlfriend, he went on to say they had no right to take the car. In legal terms they committed a crime namely — "theft". These M. P. s feel they are above the law because they are Military Police officers. I hope the soldier's father makes a federal case of this situation.

I hope the father will ask the governor to intervene. I hope the governor does the right thing by recommending these M. P. s are penalised, punishment is what everyone who read the article is expecting to see. Lets have fair play, I'm anxiously waiting to learn and hope fairness is played out. The governor has to deal with the situation because if the military deals with it they will exercise leniency in its lower form — in other words they will only get wrapped on the knuckles.

GEORGE BURCHER

Hamilton Parish

What kind of message

October 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I am a proud Bermudian, now living in England and back on the island visiting. However, how I witnessed fellow passengers being addressed by immigration and airport staff left me feeling not so proud but more embarrassed that I am Bermudian. One is greeted by cheery island music upon entering the arrivals hall, which is a lovely start but then that all flies out the window with the not so friendly, abrupt attitude when approaching the Immigration desk.

I witnessed a visitor being yelled at across the arrival hall an order of "NO cell phones till you get outside!" As opposed to quietly asking them to refrain from using their phone. There are ways to approach and address people. Yelling and embarrassing them is not one of them.

There is more, I also heard "Don't put that there!", "Over here!" and a classic of "NEXT!... yes, that means you!" What kind of message does this send out to perfectly happy visitors to the island? It's just not necessary. A little niceness goes a long way. To give the staff a little credit. I was told "Welcome back". And "Enjoy your stay". But, I must say it lacked warmth and sincerity and most of all, a smile.

Given the financial situation the World is in right now, we should be encouraging as much business that we can to our island. So, come on Bermuda. The airport is ones first impression of beautiful Bermuda and their first experience of what Bermudas' people are like. So lets make a good lasting impression and remember that Bermuda prides itself on being a welcoming, friendly island. Make me proud on my next visit to the island.

ALLISON G. M. WOOLGAR

Devon,

England

Stop the thievery

October 15, 2008

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter due to the fact that a student or better still, a thief at Berkeley Institute stole my son's cell phone while he was at PE from out of his school pants pocket located in the changing room. To the parents/guardians of this child if you know that you son or daughter has a cell phone in their possession as of October 14, 2008 that you know that you did not buy for them or that you know that they did not buy. Can you please have a conscience and have them return it to the rightful owner. Because if you do not, you are as much as a thief as your child.

D. LESHORE

Devonshire

We can do better

September 21,2008

Dear Sir,

I read with much interest and was deeply impressed with the news article re: "Marsh Bda Staff gives Pembroke Community Centre a facelift"(The Royal Gazette

Kudos to Marsh and its staff for their interest and continued efforts in this regard, which depicts again Corporate Willingness to involve themselves in the everyday affairs of our beautiful Island home. All to often we seem quick to take potshots and place sometimes unfair blame on this segment of our society who are making a very valuable contribution to our well being. Thanks again Marsh, and all you other "Guest Companies" out there who are here not just to get, but also your willingness to give. You are very much appreciated.

It was also interesting to note that in their efforts of cleaning and the like, a whole lot of trash was collected. I'm just wondering if our own children, and many adults also who are enjoying the Community Centre so much, is it asking too much for us to also chip in and do our part, and please clean up after ourselves and not leave our mess for others to take away? Of course the Community Centre is just one example of "we locals" with our don't care-ish attitudes, who litter and leave it for someone else to take away. Many of our parks and beaches are great examples of this. Anybody had a good look at Albuoys Point lately? Come on Bermuda, we can do better than this. This is our Island home, lets take better care of it.

YOURS FOR A CLEANER BERMUDA

Smith's

What about us?

October 1, 2008

Dear Sir,

I also think it's a clear deal between the Premier and the US Consul about the car park that they intend to dig up at 'Clifton'. Ever since 911 they panicked, what about everyone else in that district. All of us who live up here on the road have to cross the road one way or another. Most of the Americans come up by bus and cross the road.

So why dig up some other country's land. It's our land and if they want to have a car park open that 'silly gate' and let the cars go in, like they let in their staff. There is plenty of room, should have never been changed any where. Panicky, Panicky! This US Consul has too much to say in Bermuda, anyway this is our island, not yours. None of the other Consuls ever complained. We all use this road, old young, etc.

BERMUDIAN

Devonshire

Boom and bust

October 17, 2008

Dear Sir,

Bermuda's government, like many others, should adopt a more disciplined budgeting approach by annually underestimating revenues while overestimating expenses, banking the large annual surpluses reaped during boom years to help smooth out troubled years, funding projects like those hospitals and housing projects that are currently in jeopardy during this severe downturn. What works best in the long run for households and many non-profit institutions should apply even more so to governments, given their huge budgets and responsibility to serve the people at all times.

WILLIAM E. COOPER

Distinguished University Professor and President Emeritus

University of Richmond

Richmond,

Virginia