May 14, 2013Dear Sir,I read with great interest the comments made by your correspondent ‘Sky Larkin of Hamilton’ in The Royal Gazette earlier today May 14 with regards to an article reported about Mayor Bloomberg’s partisan comments, covered in The Royal Gazette on Saturday May 11.First, Sky Larkin’s letter follows a familiar tactic used in Bermuda to discredit the messenger whose position differs from their own. This is an unfortunate ploy which demonstrates the level of disrespect, and political immaturity, that still exist in Bermuda politics.For the record, a person does not have to be a diplomat to use the skill of tactful diplomacy, and my comments highlight that Mayor Bloomberg’s remarks at a high profile ceremonial event were unnecessarily partisan.Secondly, the reference made by Sky Larkin about the UBP bringing Cory Booker to Bermuda, or other parties bringing in political figures, is a ‘red herring’ because in those cases arrangements were made for them to visit Bermuda, to speak at a partisan political events, or provide advice for which, in most cases, they are paid.In this case the ceremonial event was not intended to be a partisan political event — in fact it involved the principals of the cruise line, leaders of two countries (countries that benefit greatly from New York City, its ports and people) and many other notable persons, but the Mayor’s partisan comments made the event political for Bermuda.It does not escape the people of Bermuda that New York City is one of the most influential financial jurisdictions in the world, and we have long appreciated the contribution by the New York business, and residential, communities to our country, which benefits all Bermudians, irrespective of their political persuasion.Thirdly, my comments included that Bermuda has benefited greatly from attracting high net worth persons — such as Mayor Bloomberg and others — to our shores. The difference is that we, as ‘One People,’ must all appreciate the presence of our overseas residents, and frequent visitors, without encouraging or expecting them to be partisan.Sky Larkin asked for specifics about raising eyebrows, and the raising of questions. Truth is that partisan comments most times do evoke questions/emotions, and this situation is no different. Hence specifics were not necessary because the intent of my response to the question raised was to point out that partisan comments promote division, and in this case I respectfully feel that they were unnecessary.KIM SWAN