Bermuda truly has changed

August 8, 2010

Dear Sir

My husband and I have been faithful visitors to your Island for the past 30 years. We now own four weeks at the St. George's Club and have never traded nor do we intend to! We love Bermuda and it's people. These four weeks are consecutive and we are there in the summertime. As a daily reader of your newspaper you can imagine our dismay to see the frequent violence reported each and every day. I have been a victim of this violence, having been severely beaten, robbed and threatened with death in 1998. It was reported in the newspapers, radio and television at the time.

I was easily recognised due to my injuries and approached by many. I was scheduled to appear at the trial of my attacker and a week before the trial, he confessed. This past vacation in June, our cycle was stolen from the space outside of our house. Five others were stolen the same night!

Here is my question. What is being done to eliminate the severe conditions on the Island? We have always, up until now, felt safe to roam the Island, morning or night. Not now. We are continually looking over our shoulders at all times. We have to warn any guests that are visiting us and the word has gotten back to the States that Bermuda is no longer a "safe" island. This is so sad.

Many, many of our friends do not intend to return to stay with us. We are frequent travellers and have always returned to the safe haven of Bermuda. Not so now. The atmosphere has changed. The attitude of the people has changed, especially the young people. Respect and attitude are unfortunately tainted.

As we are visitors for four weeks, we are able to speak with many, many tourists and they all say the same thing what has happened to that perfect, friendly and safe island of Bermuda? Can you tell me what has happened?

MR & MRS H.D. KEATING Jr.

East Windsor, New Jersey