You can’t be serious!

June 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

Grandstanders, political opportunists the misguided and the misinformed. Mr. Editor, with your permission, I would like to air my views regarding the recent saga involving the BHC investigation and missing BHC file. These incidents have brought out some statements that can only be attributed to Grandstanders, Political Opportunists, the Misguided and the Misinformed in our midst.

To begin with, the police must take some blame for the missing file. To think that a file relating to an incident involving the personalities as this one did was not secured, is indicative of a naivety within police management that is difficult to comprehend even by an ordinary citizen. As I understand it as argued by police, the file was stolen; it was not a question of someone within the police revealing the contents to a member or members of the press. But then to go in court and argue that then contents of the file were confidential is nothing short of amazing. The police seem to be getting confused with the term “confidential” as a personalised term used to describe communications that are passed between two or more persons but has no particular legal meaning and “Confidential” as a security classification. It is rather doubtful that the contents of the missing file would fall under the latter category.

In any event, even if the term was a security classification. It is rather doubtful that the contents of the missing file would fall under the latter category. In any event, even if the term was a security classification, it merely imposes an obligation on the police to apply necessary security measures. It certainly does not mean that the press cannot print any of the contents of the file. The press may do so at its peril but the argument that the contents are either confidential or Confidential is no bar to publication. I am sure that the Privy Council will confirm my understanding of the principles involved in this incident.

One must ask the question whether the police would have made the same argument if the file related to some homeless person from the street. The answer seems to be no. The fact that well known individuals may have been investigated does not change the nature of the documents and certainly does to provide the police with a legal argument. With that said, I was not prepared for the melodramatic utterances of some of our leading lights, so to speak.

First, but in no particular order, we had the leader of the Opposition Mr. Dunkley calling for a full investigation, but when an arrest was made of one individual, Mr. Dunkley was not very happy with this term of events. He reported in The Royal Gazette to be “alarmed” and further suggested that the arrest must cause “all right-thinking Bermudians to ask whether things have gone too far”. Only Mr. Dunkley is capable of fully explaining what these words mean. But knowing the history of the UBP, I have already attributed my own meaning to Mr. Dunkley’s statement. It was also reported in the Royal Gazette that the Opposition called the arrest of the Auditor General, Larry Dennis a witch-hunt”. This is the type of leaders that we all thought was obsolete and a throwback to decades ago. I am doubtful that Bermuda wants to go back there.

At least, one television station decided that they should call on a Mr. Gilbert, for the former Clerk of the House. It is not known why his views were specifically sought since, as far as I know, Mr. Gilbert is neither a lawyer nor an expert on constitutional matters. Nevertheless, Mr. Gilbert went on to say among other things, that the arrest of Mr. Dennis was a form of intimidation. There were no supporting arguments put forward for this view and it’s a sure bet that none would b forthcoming in the near future. Mr. Gilbert for reasons not stated did not address the probability that the investigation could have legitimately led to the arrest of Mr. Dennis.

And previously there was Senator Burch, once aptly described as a public relations disaster waiting to happen — or words to that effect. He saw the unfolding events as a reason to call for operational control of the police to be passed to Government. It is clear that even if operational control of the police was in the hands of government, that would not have prevented the file going missing. Perhaps Senator Burch had something else in mind and he may wish to let us know what this is at some point in the future, but before control of any kind is passed to government.

Next was Senator Richards who would have us believe that the BHC investigation followed by the events afterwards will sully the good reputation of Bermuda which had been crafted over these long years. I would like to inform Senator Richards that on at least three occasions within the past 20 years, the last approximately eight to ten years ago, while visiting either the UK or the USA, I had the opportunity to view documentaries on Bermuda as a financial centre and none of them was praiseworthy of Bermuda as a “clean hands” jurisdiction. To make a long story short, in every case, Bermuda was cited as a jurisdiction where it is relatively easy to establish a means whereby funds from almost any source could be integrated into the global economy.

Senator Richards needs to remember that character is one thing and reputation another. As anecdotal points, as I write, China is recoiling from accusations that slavery is rampant in some of its industries. I can assure the Senator that not many international companies have made any statements to the effect that they will not do business in or with China because of its human rights records. The fact of the matter is that international companies will react if events affect their “bottom line”. Nothing short of this will be sufficient to affect the stability of international companies.

On another matter, recently I witnessed the former Prime Minister of Thailand on television expressing some interest in purchasing the English football team Manchester City in the mother country — England. From all accounts everyone at the club seems happy about this pending purchase even as, at least, some of Mr. Shinawatra’s assets ($310 million + $800 million) in Thailand were frozen and he is wanted in that country to stand trial on a variety of corruption charges in connection with these same assets. Commentators in the UK are agreed that Mr. Shinawatra will pass the “fit and proper test”. Meanwhile, Senator Richards and his party are doing everything possible to gain as much publicity for the same events that according to him are likely to hurt Bermuda’s reputation. The last attempt to gain publicity involves making representation to the British government in London. But Senator Richards was outdone by Cheryl Packwood the “International Business Chief” as reported in The Royal Gazette. Ms Packwood is reported to have made the startling claim that Bermuda’s “position as a premier finance centre — already undermined following several weeks of controversy over the Bermuda Housing Corporation affair — was further jeopardised by the arrest and detention of Auditor General Larry Dennis”. This statement and its political connotation are even more brazen and bizarre than those made by the politicians.

To use a John McEnroe quote, Ms Packwood, “you can’t be serious”. To suggest that an incident investigated locally by the police involving for th e most part a local issue and Bermudians has greater ramifications for international company business than the investigations carried out by former New York Attorney-General Elliot Spitzer a few years ago involving some companies that are incorporated in this jurisdiction, where missing files and questionable commissions were issues, not only stretches the credibility zone, it demolishes it. Indeed, to this day, a myriad of litigation is going on related to Mr. Spitzer’s investigations.

But Ms Packwood did not stop there. She went so far as to inexplicably call for a speedy hearing for the libel actions filed by the Premier and Mr. Bascome. What’s next Ms Packwood, a petition from you on behalf of BIBA to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council? I wonder whether there is anyone in Ms Packwood’s organisation who vets these statements; if so, BIBA should register itself as a political organisation. This is unbridled political chutzpah beyond belief!

To say that Ms Packwood verbally overreached the implications of the missing police file and the BHC investigation is one of the understatements of the last 50 years. I am sure that these missives will continue in months ahead.

SPECTATOR

Warwick

Don’t hide problem

June 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

Much use of the word “exonerated” has been put forth by the PLP in recent days in connection with the outcome of the original BHC investigation. My dictionary defines exonerated as “free from guilt or blame”. I will agree with the Premier that he is (currently) free from guilt in the eyes of the law since no charges were ever levied, but I question whether he is truly free from blame when it comes to the question of ethics in government.

I believe that all of us in Bermuda have the right and expectation that all of our government officials, UBP included, would be held to the highest level of professionalism and ethics. These people are public servants entrusted with positions of power. For this service, all of them deserve our hanks and respect ... of course, this thanks and respect is assuming that they are indeed working with the highest level of professionalism, ethics, and with the people’s interest at heart. Past events by both parties may make one question some individuals’ motives.

History has shown us that legality of the day is very often in contradiction with ethics. Wars have been fought over such issues. The practice of slavery is undeniably the most glaring and tragic example of a practice being legal (based upon the laws at that time) but absolutely morally and ethically wrong. No one will dispute this fact.

Johnnie Cochran made famous the saying, “If it (the glove) don’t fit, you must acquit” OJ got off on the criminal charges, but was not so fortunate in the civil trial as the burden of proof was much lower. In short, legal exoneration does not and should not equate to ethical exoneration especially when it comes to members of government. ALL members of government should be held to a much higher standard of ethics and not hide behind the veil of ‘legality’. Stand up and be the man/woman your people have elected you to be. I, for one, would have much more respect for any member of government who would stand up and admit any wrongs (not necessarily legal wrongs) that they had committed. The Premier claims he has nothing to hide.

I’ll accept that statement and for now I’ll believe him. However, I hope that if/when the full report is ever published he will be man enough to address questions of ‘moral right and wrong’ without hiding behind ‘legal right and wrong’. “Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.” — John Wooden

HIGHER STANDARDS

Southampton

We do belong

July 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

Can the Bermudian public please enlighten me on why is it that you, the majority public, have a problem with foreigners? I was born on the Island to West Indian parents. But I take it personally when locals want to complain about West Indians. I have obtained my Bermudian Status therefore I am Bermudian — legally. But am in the process of obtaining my citizenship from an Island in the West Indies.

Growing up, I have been looked upon as an outsider; I could understand why some people looked at me different. I have different hair, I have a different look, but I talk with the Bermudian accent, went to Bermudian schools and I had Bermudian friends. It didn’t seem to matter.

I’ve heard many times, people saying at cricket games, football games, parties, restaurants, just everywhere: “Why don’t these foreigners just go back home. They are taking all of our jobs, houses, they are taking over, and they must think that they own this Island. Well if those of you who don’t like us, and wish us gone, have you ever stopped to think how you got here. Where did Bermudians come from? Did they grow from the soil of Bermuda? Were Adam and Eve here on this island? Did the aliens send them in a box from space? Or did your ancestors come from overseas somewhere, England, the US, Africa, Azores or West Indies? Just a hunch but I would assume they came from overseas somewhere.

Why is it that you want to send us back home if you like our heritage so much? Just like Bermudians go overseas to live a better life, Foreigners come here for the same reasons. It amazes me how you could tell us to go home, and because its summertime, and Carnival is one of the most exciting festivities anyone could offer, you want to travel abroad to attend them. Come back to the Island and talk it up, and try to be like us. But I thought you didn’t like us. Do you know what Jumbie, Short Knees, Jab-Jab, Breadfruit, Fig, Alcolado, Oil down (just to name a few) are? Ask the elders in your family. Some of you may think Jumbie is just a dance. They may be able to enlighten you.

I love Bermuda, but I love my West Indian Heritage. So stop the complaining, and just live life. You love Carnival, Portuguese doughnuts, fireworks for 4th of July, Jamaican Association’s Bar B-Que’s, Palm Rock’s concert, Barmuvinjam’s parties, I could go on and on—open your eyes. This Island is made up of many different people; ask the next person you see where they are originally from. Don’t make us feel as if we don’t belong because when you decide you’ve had enough of this island, where are you going to go? Will they make you feel at home?

WEST BERMUDIAN

Paget

Clogging our Island

July 12, 2007

Dear Sir,

These days the people of Bermuda are purchasing more cars, vans, and trucks as their form of transportation. As time progress the population boom will continue and with it more vehicles will be put on our outdated, small and narrow road system. I am one of many to notice and observe the serious amount of traffic that has come out of this population boom.

It is disturbing to drive into town during morning rush hour and count how many people are in these vehicles that sit and wait amongst the smog. Driving down Harbour Road the past morning I counted in a row, nine four wheeled vehicles with only one person in each. I then observed one station wagon with two people in the front and continued to count more cars with just one person. These people seemed to sit in frustration waiting for the slow line of traffic to eventually arrive into the city.

I thought about the final destination for most of them: Hamilton. The frustrated people waiting in traffic were heading in the same direction as the other people sitting in the same line of traffic. It is senseless to drive your car to work so it can be parked all day until it is time drive it home amongst even more traffic during the evening.

I understand it is a convenience to have a car but it seems many Bermudians these days have them as status symbols. In stating this problem I can only suggest worldly ways in which it can be solved. Car pooling would be most effective seeing how many of these individuals are going to the same areas and office buildings in Hamilton, passing through various parishes during their journey. Not only would it deplete the amount of traffic but would eliminate a lot of the pollution that is created by all these vehicles. It is something that has been legally enforced in many congested cities in the world. Enforcing public transport as an easier, cheaper and faster form of transport then sitting in traffic for two hours of the day. Bermuda has a very organised and efficient public transport system that is not taken advantage of as much as it should be.

With these suggestions in mind, I ask that the people who read this consider the saddening amount of traffic as a burden that can be altered in an effective and easy way. Speak with other friends and co-workers in your office or area of town and suggest car-pooling and public transport. In the end not only will it be good for the environment but it will be faster, cheaper and easier for the majority of Hamilton bound workers. This congestion is clogging Bermuda’s arteries.

STRATTON HATFIELD

Paget

Where are the Police

June 19, 2007

Dear Sir,

Last week a friend of mine went to St. George’s. After a walk around she went into the Park. There was a bench under a tree with five or six men drinking ‘Becks’, the green bottle in six-packs.. She had to sit near them on a bench in the sun opposite them. So when she left they were still there. She had a cellphone and she rang the Police in St. David’s and asked if that behaviour was right!

The female policewoman asked “are they making a noise?”, “No” my friend replied. Well — if they are not noisy, it’s OK. I always thought in Hamilton if you were sitting on a bench at “Albuoy’s Point” it was a no.no. What kind of Police do we have in St. George’s?

CONCERNED

Devonshire

We are losing our future

June 27, 2007

Dear Sir,

Have you noticed that we have done the typical “Bermudian thing” and let ourselves be distracted by the proverbial “empty barrel”? It is truly disgusting that we are inundated with the “scandals”, “leaks”, “gags”, “government” and seem to be neglecting what should be on the hearts and minds of every single resident of this country. Notice I said resident not Bermudian. Where is our concern? No fear for the state of education on this island? Please do not point out that we have an interim board that “is looking into it”. That is not good enough! We are losing our future. Does anyone care?

My parents lived by the adage, “Make your children’s lives better than yours”. My parents salaries combined did not amount to my present yearly salary. Here is my issue. With the education that exists in Bermuda now, my three children combined cannot make what I make in a year. Why, because we have allowed the education system to “dumb down” our future to the point where our teachers demand more money, work less, and graduate less that 50 percent of our high school seniors. Our private schools cannot expand quick enough to handle the demand, we are paying for our children to graduate nursery school, and sadly that maybe the only graduation we may attend.

Does anyone remember when the graduation requirement for the Bermuda school system was five GCEs? Does anyone remember competing in education to be valedictorian? Does anyone remember when Bermuda’s literacy level was ranked in the Top Ten in the world? Does anyone remember that you could graduate from any high school in this country and be accepted into university/college?

Some may say yes but what is our plan? Do we have a fix? Unfortunately there seems to be no fix to this problem. We have destroyed the education of our children. We need to birth a new system. We need parents and children to demand the best. The people of this country will have to admit to an entire generation, “we have failed you!”

Here are some of my recommendations

* release the full education report as was promised

* return to international standardised testing (benchmark us against the world not an already “dumbed down” system)

* return to a curriculum that exceeds minimum college entrance requirements

* test every student in September and June.

* publish the test results for every school, identifying principals and teachers.

* baseline teachers’ salaries, and reward/discipline schools, principals and teachers on performance.

* return to a system where excelling is encouraged, weakness is supported correctly and excellence is expected.

Can I detail a complete plan? Yes, just ask me.

Who am I? I was educated in Bermuda at Dellwood and Saltus Grammar, currently have children in Gilbert, Saltus and Berkeley. I am a leader in this country not by pedigree or position but because I demand that the Education for our children is better than mine.

C. ANTHONY S. FRANCIS

Devonshire

Get the priorities right

July 10, 2007

Dear Sir,

The world is threatened by global warming, Bermuda’s limited protected open spaces are being developed, yet the African Methodist Episcopal and United by Faith are more concerned about gay cruises.

HOW BIZARRE

Southampton

Who are the beneficiaries

Dear Sir,

Sustainable Development — When Is More Too Much? In recent times Bermuda has been buzzing with ideas, speeches, expressed thoughts and writings on the development and growth of many things and resources in our island home. The question that we should all be contemplating is, “When is more too much?” Personal views or detailed answers are not the objectives of this article. The aim is to provoke and stimulate thought and discussion among Bermudians, residents and other interested people. In addition, it is hoped that these thoughts could serve as the guidelines for those responsible for making the far-reaching decisions on action that is to be taken to sustain a standard of living for us and for generations to come.

There are many and contrasting views on what constitutes sustainable development espoused by those in Government, the Opposition, the private and the public sectors. Bigger cars are now a fact of life. Arguments are being advanced in favour of and against taller office buildings. Talks are heating up over the building of more and bigger hotels. Concerns are being expressed over the future of remaining open spaces and possible changes in use of protected areas. Where do most Bermudians stand on these issues?

Some might ask if the passage of laws to allow bigger private vehicles was just the tip of the iceberg. As expected there was some vociferous opposition when the present Government announced its intentions very early in its first term. However when one observes the number of class “H” vehicles on the roads today, does it appears that the Government’s reading of the pulse in Bermuda was correct? Do Bermudians appear to have wanted more? Is it a correct assumption that those who did not want more for themselves seem to have had no strong opposition to those who harboured that desire? Where do most Bermudians stand on these issues?

The Mayor of Hamilton Sutherland Madeiros and former Premier John Swan share in the view that the powers that be in Bermuda need to permit taller buildings within the City of Hamilton. There seems to be obvious agreement by many Bermudians as there is no loud chorus of dissent. Where do most Bermudians stand on these issues?

The need for additional hotels to service are growing tourist needs is a passion of our Premier. He is ably supported by developers and those who see a bright tourism future for Bermuda. Questions are being asked and concerns are being expressed regarding land use, the need to import large numbers of staff, the additional generation of pollution from even more vehicles on our roads, and the creation of more waste. Where do most Bermudians stand on these issues? Do we, as Bermudians, care or understand the very nature of Special Development Orders? Are we concerned that the planning approval process could be perverted and/or negated, to a large degree? Do we care? Where do most Bermudians stand on these issues?

There are a number of questions that we, as Bermudians, should be asking ourselves. “Who are the real beneficiaries of bigger cars, higher buildings and more hotels?” “Who stands to gain the most from more and more development?” “Are there long-term benefits for all or most Bermudians?” “What are some of the real challenges that we face by promoting or accepting more as normal in the name of “natural” progression?” Where do most Bermudians stand on these issues? Does it seem obvious that, when it comes to bigger cars, it is that car dealerships, banks, insurance companies and the Government of the day who are the real beneficiaries through higher prices, financing, insurance premiums, customs duties, and licence fees? Is it a fact that owners/developers, the construction industry and associated industries stand to gain the most from the development of office building and hotels? Where do most Bermudians stand on these issues? The time is now for all Bermudians and residents to take the aforementioned issues to heart before it is too late.

CHARLES H. JEFFERS

Bermuda is not that bad

June 28, 2007

Dear Sir,

I was more than a little irritated by the scare tactics of this American who insinuated that Bermuda had gone to the pits, based on one rude bus driver and stories about drive by shootings. Mr. MJ Basso (Royal Gazette, June 28, 2007), you probably have more crime in one month than Bermuda has in a year, in fact you probably have more crime at your airport. Today I witnessed a tourist falling off her bike on Trimingham Hill and saw seven cars slow down to help, so although there are many things and people we don’t like in Bermuda, the island has not quite gone to “you know where” in a hand basket. If I took to heart the crimes and shootings of America’s gun culture, I would never dare to visit the US again. Thank heavens I follow the tenet “A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man but one”.

J.K. WILLIAMS

City of Hamilton