Letters to the Editor
Seeking a way forward
December 7, 2009
Dear Sir,
It appears the Government has no idea on how to solve the increased crime, or how to show us a way forward through the recession.
DISILLUSIONED
Smith's
Looking for assistance
December 1, 2009
Dear Sir,
My name is Leslie Keith Morgan. I was born in Sandys Parish in June, 1944. My dad was a telegraphist working with the Admiralty Civilian Shore Wireless Service (ACSWS). I think he was posted to Bermuda in 1942 and as far as I know he was working somewhere near Daniels Head and the Naval Dockyard. We went back to England in 1947 on board the banana boat Bayano. The Bayano left from Hamilton and went to Jamaica before finally docking in England at Avonmouth. I live in Melbourne, Australia. We came to Australia in 1950 when dad was posted here. I am trying to get some information about the role of the ACSWS in Bermuda and if possible some details of other members of the ACSWS in Bermuda. Is there any records, such as census from that time in Bermuda?
KEITH MORGAN
Melbourne, Australia
Say no to Mardi Gras
December 1, 2009
Dear Sir,
Regarding the Santa Parade, I may be getting old but what do a bunch of truck/tractor trailers blaring loud "music" followed by majorettes have to do with Christmas and Santa? The music had no relationship to Christmas whatsoever. Couldn't the majorettes at least learn to do their routines to something like 'Jingle Bells'? Perhaps they are all deaf from the other parades they have been in and can't hear Christmas music. On the whole, the parade looked more like a Bermuda Day Parade and some of the dancing looked like it was part of Mardi Gras. Hopefully those involved will make some changes for next year before the thing just turns into a complete noise fest. Congratulations to the few participants who remembered it was a Christmas/Santa Parade and made a really good effort.
SCROOGE
Southampton
Scratching his head
December 8, 2009
Dear Sir,
What I'm about to highlight isn't quite the unknown, but an issue that majority of the community can agree with. I'm not the type of individual that fears any earthly judgment that maybe handed to me, because the only judgment I look forward to is "Judgment Day". The judge in general looks at the person being accused from head to toe and attaches that to their final verdict. If I lost you, to clarify my statement I'll word it differently. Don't go to court wearing your best jewels! Even though it has nothing to do with your charge it will increase the value of the fine. There was once a time when you could get less time for murder (manslaughter is still murder in God's will) than your mate that was caught importing drugs, and I'm not saying that time has left either.
Then there's the family court which was supposed to be a court that looked out for the child, but instead it was a woman's court. Do I have to break this statement down as well? A mother could go to the court and mislead the judge from the first word that squeezes between her lips, and he'll swallow the hook line and sinker. The judge wouldn't even suggest to the father that what you agree on paying eventually you wouldn't be able to live yourself, and when you fall into arrears your still not able to afford it. In the end you'll be incarcerated for three months while the amount continues to increase. So to all judicial members remember that you'll also be judged. The unjust outcome of several cases has me scratching my head, and I'm not going to get into unsolved mysteries (crimes). So later be greater as I would often say.
DESAI MARDEL JONES
Sandys
Direct control
December 9, 2009
Dear Sir,
The juxtaposition of a headline about the Premier wanting direct control over the Police and the cost of the latest Department of Tourism Music Festival made me wonder if I was living in Wonderland itself.
This Government has a dismal record of failure at great expense in every important area it touches:
The Government has direct control over Education and it is a very expensive failure.
The Government has direct control over Tourism and it is a very expensive disaster.
The Government has direct control over low income housing and it is an expensive failure.
— The Government has direct control over sports and they are a very expensive failure.
— The Government has direct control over the Hospital and we are looking at a billion dollar project.
— The Government has direct control over Public Works and waste is rampant.
— I try to make a living in St. George; ask me about Cruise Ships and the Ferry Service.
The list goes on and on.
What is it that this Government can point to and say "Look how much better things are in this area at a lower cost than before"? The answer is nothing. The most important thing Paula Cox does every day is to resist the temptation to allow the Government to get involved in trying to "run" the Offshore Business sector the way it "runs" Tourism. Then our economic stool would have no legs left at all. We should all thank Heaven that the Police do not answer directly to this incompetent, power hungry, spendthrift crew. Just imagine how much worse it would be. Stop moaning about control and be part of the solution.
BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM
St. George's
Sources of strength
December 7, 2009
Dear Sir,
First: footballer and lawyer Mark Pettingill is a co-founder of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance. Like his stalwart colleagues they all give continuing strength to the Bermuda. Mark insists Bermuda now has a party of the future, not the past.
Second: Successful businessman Craig Cannonier has stated publicly he wants to stand as a BDA candidate at the next general election. The 46-year-old has had an interest in politics for some time but has never felt inclined to join either of the other two parties. Instead he has joined a racially integrated party, convinced that the BDA is growing in strength to achieve a better Bermuda.
Third: We must never underestimate the power of women and the strength they can bring to the BDA. Some have already indicated how refreshing it has been for females to be listened to at meetings of the new party and given a say in forming its core values. Those women who do not necessarily wish to be candidates at the next general election are already playing unsung organisational roles behind the scenes (Royal Gazette December 3). These sources of strength from the founders and coming generation will ensure the success of the racially integrated BDA.
OWEN H. DARRELL
Pembroke
We deserve better
December 6, 2009
Dear Sir,
Question: Is the Corporation of Hamilton the most incompetent body in Bermuda? Points of discussion: Internal and petty power struggles over voting and eligibility, private and undisclosed meetings and a "Buy Bermuda" campaign that asks nothing of the shop keepers and everything of the consumers. The Nail in the Coffin: The terrible state of the roads in the City. Just when I thought there was a light at the end of the tunnel with the paving of particularly bad sections I saw them jack hammering up a section of pavement that's not even a month old. I know that it is possible for the roads in Bermuda to be worse, but I'm not even asking for repairs, just stop messing up the pavement that is already messed up enough.
ADAM
Pembroke
A boost to democracy
December 6, 2009
Dear Sir,
I have been saying for many years that Bermuda needs a third political party to ensure that our Island is a genuine democracy. With the formation of the BDA, democracy will thrive in our country. The BDA is going from strength to strength and many Bermudians have been yearning that a strong third party be established. The two party system here has failed and to rectify this we need a strong third party. I am delighted that this is happening and I wish the BDA great success. I feel confident that our third party will achieve genuine democracy for our Island.
JOHN T. GILBERT
Paget
