Get tourism working

September 1, 2010

Dear Sir,

For too long, I have sat idly by and watched the total dismantling and mismanagement of the Bermuda tourism product, without uttering one complaint or word of advice for that matter. Perhaps I am like many and vent about this issue to my friends and family in the confines of my home and office but I digress

I'll get to the issue of the concession stand at Horseshoe Bay, but let's focus on the proximate cause, or the root of the problem: The Tourism product is required to be under the direction of one Government Minister.

I can go on ad nauseum as to the reasons why, but suffice to say, it is critically important that one channels all of their energy into this massive, complex and enriching industry. This energy would be coupled with than in conjunction with a non-political, industry-composed Tourism Authority. More on this, in subsequent articles

We have ALL been lulled (including me) into the comforts of international business and the plethora of benefits on offer. This does not mean that we should neglect what our forefathers built: I say "our forefathers" because it took the entire village of Bermuda to raise the "tourism child". It took both whites and blacks to make this venture successful; it took both blacks and whites to encourage people to return on vacation, this was done through their friendly gestures, smiles, directions, service (maybe I need to capitalise that: SERVICE!) We sent our schoolchildren to hotels to sing and identified taxi drivers as certified guides and took pride, as all would do today and sent them to our enviable and pristine beaches – to Horseshoe Bay Beach, hmmm. The concession stand at Horseshoe Bay Beach.

As Denzel Washington coined the phrase: "Explain it to me, as if I were a two-year old!"

How is it, that the Premier can blame anyone but himself (and Cabinet), about the state of the concession stand on one of the world's best beaches, when he/they is totally responsible for the direction of Works & Engineering, public lands and dare I say it: the public purse?

My Pastor spoke a sermon a couple of weeks ago and the title was: "Have you had enough?" So proverbial and far reaching.

I am writing this in support of Armell Thomas and the Civil service, the latter of which is under the direction of Kenneth Dill, all of whom perform admirably for the country. By the way, didn't the Premier have a rift with Mr. Dill recently? Never mind: no correlation.

In any case, my interest is in the Bermuda Tourism product and what is best for our country. I do intend to get more involved and have offered whatever talents I have, to work with others (from all manner of experience) through the Bermuda Democratic Alliance to develop a viable and sustainable platform, to nurture and raise this beautiful child.

The concession stand: I have solutions for that too, but first, I will learn from my early teachings and stand at the door and knock and listen

LEON L. BASCOME

Hamilton Parish

Support our talent

September 13, 2010

Dear Sir,

My wife and I are accommodating our visiting son, daughter-in-law and grandson from Canada. Our son Chad is a medic for the Canadian Forces and chose to come here for his leave after six months duty in Afghanistan where he returns in three weeks. His family, Tina and Shane, flew here from Canada for the reunion. They love the scenery and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of Bermuda and choose to come visit us whenever they can. My wife suggested we take the family to St. George's to visit as we've not had much occasion to see the place recently.

I know that St. George's has had a bit of a downturn this year due to the decline in cruise ships docking there, which influenced our choice to go there and do our part to spend some time to shop and dine there. While my wife and daughter-in-law shopped, son Chad and I spotted six drummers with their full drum kits setting up their gear in town square. One of the young drummers suggested we stick around for the show which was to start in about ten minutes. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and we sat on a bench and chatted for a while.

I'm glad we stuck around. We are entertained by six talented young adults showing off their acquired skills knocking out some great solo and group beats for over an hour. The square had only a smattering of folks sitting in the shade but that didn't stop the talented local youths from banging out some of their practiced and improvised rhythms for us to enjoy. It was refreshing to see such budding talent doing something creative and enjoying themselves for our entertainment. My wife Rosie, Tina and Shane finally joined us and we thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon's entertainment in Kings Square.

I want to acknowledge and commend the organisers of these events and the Mayor of St. George for allowing these young adults a venue to show their talents and give them an outlet for doing something constructive and positive. I hope there will be many more youth-centric activities in St. George's and elsewhere on the Island (and more folks will attend and support!). This island has lots of talent and we need to encourage and support it.

THE GRACES

Smith's

Entertainment choice

September 11, 2010

Dear Sir,

If entertainers really wanted to hype up Bermuda (which might be too late) they would bring Brick & Lace to the Island, and introduce Candace Thorbourne. For those who don't know her, you'll soon find out.

Hopefully though, no guy disses their original girl cause these girls are pretty.

JUST A THOUGHT

Devonshire