Some questions

October 31, 2008

Dear Sir,

Questions and thoughts about Bermuda ...

Is Premier Brown the only world leader to visit the Playboy mansion and not be ousted? Is Wayne Furbert trying his hardest to implode the UBP? Is the speed limit for 16- to 20-year-olds 65 kph? Do Police even want to stop speeders? How do I know that drugs must arrive either by air or ship so that should make them easier to stop? How do I know that the "wall-sitters" sell drugs when I don't do drugs?

When did the gang members here think they are tough? Put them in a major US city and I guarantee they will be choir boys. Are the roads shrinking or are the vehicles getting bigger? Does Eva Hodgson work? Does LaVerne Furbert have a crush on the Premier? Will the Police ever set up drinking and driving road blocks? When did bingo not become a form of gambling?

Do cruise ships really bring us business? Ever thought the PRC was a bad idea, maybe just letting people work here for as long as they want with no rights? Are there any other construction companies besides Correia and Island Construction? Does the Premier really need bodyguards when he golfs? Actually saw it.

When will alcohol be sold on Sundays and holidays in stores or do I have to keep getting it from a restaurant? Thaao Dill is a Senator? Sir John is the MAN to be the "P"! These are just a few of the things I have thought and seen over the last few years.

JACK HANDY

City of Hamilton

Abandoned & forgotten

October 30, 2008

Dear Sir,

I refer to Mr. John Barritt's letter of October 15. His and Mrs. Jackson's seem to be the only voices raised on behalf of Seniors. These people do not want Social Assistance. They want to be able to maintain themselves with dignity.

I am familiar with many of the seniors at Purvis Park whom Mr. Barritt represents. I know how they feel. Abandoned, patronised and forgotten for a start. I know of one who packs groceries in a supermarket to raise a little extra cash. On her feet all day, in her seventies. I know of another who having been retired is actively seeking employment in order to meet the rent.

When these accommodations were first built by Mr. Ferguson through the Bermuda Housing Trust they were for the use of able bodied seniors to live independently and affordably without the threat of notice. Rent Control was not ever intended ever to be an issue. Neither was profit.

For the Trust to say now that they need the funds for maintenance is a joke, as nothing but the most basic of maintenance is ever carried out. Doors and windows which were installed in 1970 are still there. Now rotting and unsafe. I also understand that the Trust refuses to show its accounts. Why?

Finally, I understand that the Board is appointed by Government. Wouldn't it be democratic to have a representative from the tenants on the Board?

DISGUSTED

Devonshire