Mum's the word

March 1, 2002

Dear Sir,

The executive committee of the Meet-A-Mum Association would like to sincerely thank all of the businesses in Bermuda that have been so generous in providing support and donations for our organisation over the last 15 years.

Through them we have been able to help make the day-to-day challenges of parenting a little easier for many families new to parenting. We have also been able to extend that support to other Bermuda charities, in 2001 we raised $842, equally divided between Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Committee of 25.

The Meet-A-Mum Association Executive Committee and its close to 400 members sincerely appreciate all your continuing support.

ELYSA LEONARD

Meet-A-Mum Association

Still time for growth

February 20, 2002

Dear Sir,

SLP Response to the Budget, Part I.

Bermuda has two insurance industries - catastrophe and resurrection - and both are doing well.

Since the first and second ends of the world have passed (2000, 2001 respectively) and since the next end of the world is not due until 2012 (according to the Mayan calender), we conclude that the business of salvation in Bermuda has at least ten years of healthy growth and expansion.

We suggest for retailers bemoaning the passing of the eighties and blaming it all on exempt companies that they look to God for salvation and healthy business as so many in our tiny island have already done.

Oh, and we think that the next fast ferry should be named the 'Tooth'.

SKINK AND LOBSTER PARTY (SLP)

Pembroke

Who's in control?

March 12, 2002

Dear Sir,

I've been reading about Tracy Housel, and I was surprised to learn from the BBC's website that Bermuda is no longer under British control. When exactly did this happen?

"Housel is a British citizen as he was born in Bermuda when the island was under British control."

Here's a link to the site:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/newsid_1803000/1803829.stm

DAVID STUBBS

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Ataxing question

March 13, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am only a mere taxpayer helping to find fund Government extravagances, but it does seem to me, without being presumptuous and telling Mr. Dennis how to do his job, that a quick look at the Tax Commissioner's records would verify the facts for the three businesses which are the subject of much discussion regarding the BHC.

In fact, so it does not appear he is picking on just those three, why doesn't he look at the tax records of everyone the BHC has done business with in the last year or so? I am sure the Police could assist if some expertise is needed in that area.

TAXPAYER

Setting high standards

February 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

For the record, please print this message as one of those wishing to associate themselves with the remarks either read of heard within the last few days summarised as follows:

1) Jennifer Smith - Bermudians must pull together

2) Grant Gibbons - Appoint an accountable Tourism Authority

3) John Kaufmann - Bermuda must reinvent itself (less focus on Beat The Retreat & Afternoon Tea at the hotel, more Focus on Sport, Fun, and Relaxation)

4) Tony Brannon - Bermuda must forget trying to appease/please the Aunt Agnes's of Bermuda (ie instead: Give a lot of the tourists what they want: night life ... that means noise on Hawkins Island etc. until at least 1 a.m.)

When is Bermuda going to wake up and realise that in spite of one person's best intentions (i.e. albeit either of the Davids) the odds are high: High airfares, high rainfall, high indifference to tourists needs, high competition: yet Bermuda can make a come-back.

The solution is (relatively) simple: the correct body, willing to listen, act, and thus inspire this community to pull together, to thereby attract newlyweds, college kids, retirees, harrassed business people, young parents and health nuts - all out there looking for sport, fun and relaxation.

It is going to be a hard fight to get the tourists back, but then when is life ever simple (haven't we all heard that before)? Listen to the voices, Bermuda - we can re-conquer!

E. RUTH KEMPE

Warwick

Do they deserve a raise?

February 18, 2002

Dear Sir,

Let me use this space to give the general public an idea of the Ministers that we have running this country - a Government I might add that I voted into power. One day a co-worker and I were asking for funds ($2 per line of affirmations to be exact) for my daughter's school.

We asked one of the Honourable Ministers, he pulled $3 out of his pocket and pushed the single dollar back in. He gave the $2 for one child and said he could not give for the other.

I totally understand that people don't always have money on them but what simply angers me is the Minister's next statement.

He looked at us with a quite serious face with three other people in our presence and said, and I quote: "When the Ministers get a raise then I will give more for Education." To the general public, let's think about those that we have voted for to run our country. God forbid if my child's future is in the hands of someone who is more concerned about a pay cheque than the youth of Bermuda and their education.

DISAPPOINTED PARENT/TAXPAYER

City of Hamilton

Angels on Earth

March 5, 2002

Dear Sir,

On behalf of my family, this is an open letter of thanks to those who helped make Chris Crick's departure from these shores a loving and dignified one.

To the staff of the ICU Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, I was unprepared for how wonderful each and every one of you were (and indeed, is). I was struck by your efficient tirelessness, your compassion and the special, tender touches you added. Not only are you required, in a split second and on a 24-hour basis, to care for a critically ill patient's most intimate physical requirements, you have to form an immediate relationship with his or her loved ones. In a sense, you become nurse, mother and friend to all who come through your door. It is an art and a very special gift.

So, to those earthly angels, Glenda, Allison, Lynne, Giovanna, Natasha, Brad, Danielle; the anesthesiologists; the physical therapists; the ladies at the desk; Drs. Spence, Warner, Campbell and Galloway; Janet the floating nurse from upstairs; to all of you whose names I cannot recall, but whose faces I shall always remember with great gratitude, thank you, one and all, for going above and beyond. As such, I know that the Intensive Care Unit is in need of further funding in order to expand and I would urge anyone in search of a worthy cause, to give serious consideration to the vital function the ICU Unit provides to so many. Frequently a loved one's final surroundings, its importance in the overall cycle of life cannot be overestimated.

To Father Gary Colville, who always came at a moment's notice, your presence was a source of enormous comfort and salvation.

To that wonderful Mr. Amis - in addition to arranging a seamlessly beautiful memorial service, your sensibilities and your delightful presence, as always, softened the burden of a very difficult time.

Finally, to all his friends (and especially the Bermuda Pipe Band) - you gave Chris a beautiful send-off. I know he would have been overwhelmed.

BEVERLEY CRICK

Paget