December 2, 2006

Dear Sir,

Public Education in Bermuda is a joke, both the PLP and the UBP before them have failed miserably in providing quality education to our children in the public education system.

We now have only about half of our children in secondary schools graduating. That is an unbelievable fact.

It is not the fault of the students. It is the fault of their parents. It is the fault of the schools, and it is the fault of the politicians.

Politicians from both parties are always talking about how they will improve public education in Bermuda's schools. None of them put forward suggestions that will accomplish that. It is all so much political lip service for a problem which not only our children, but indeed our country must face. And we are not doing that. So if the politicians, the schools and the parents cannot solve the problem, then we have to let the students do it. Otherwise it won't happen.

What I propose is as follows:

If a young person wants a quality education, the public school system will provide the means for it.

If a young person does not want a quality education, or doesn't care, then they can either drop out of school or be expelled by the school.

Sound Crazy? Not crazy. But radical ? yes.

If such radical measures were taken, many people would cry "what is going to happen to the hundreds of youngsters not going to school? The answer is they can decide whether they want to work or if they want to sit on walls, or whether they want to get into crime, drugs or prostitution. It will be their choice.

If after a semester on the streets, a young person who dropped out or was expelled changes his or her mind and decides they want an education then they could go back to the school and say "I want another chance - I want to be educated." If the schools authorities are convinced they are sincere then they will be readmitted.

This suggestion would result in our public schools being filled with students who truly want an education. Our teachers' jobs would be so much easier and rewarding, our children would be better educated and our successful graduation rate would, I think within two years, rise from 50% to 95%.

Our recent history has proven that the only ones who can make this happen are the students. The schools, the politicians and the parents have tried and failed miserably.

Since we have all obviously failed, however well intended we have been, I suggest we leave the matter in the hands of the children.

Maybe they can make it work. We have proven that we can't.

Let each child decide for themselves whether they want to be educated or whether they want to end up as "street people".

Why not? Everything else we have tried has failed.

Thanks for generosity

December 12, 2006

Dear Sir,

1 Thessalonians 5: 18 says, "In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Therefore, the Matilda Smith Williams Seniors' Residence gives thanks, first to God, for giving us the two beautiful days on which we tagged, Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, 2006.

We then give thanks to all who gave of their time to support the Residence especially the tireless volunteers who tagged throughout the two days. We thank the public. It is very rewarding to see their generosity. With their help we were able to raise approximately $14,892.00.

We greatly appreciate their assistance and look forward to their help next year.

Some humility required

December 17, 2006

Dear Sir,

In terms of my generation I am one of the more fortunate, the more blessed. Yet from time to time I am reminded by some situation or circumstance that if I had been white what a difference there would have been (and would be) in my life. The fact that there are younger Blacks who, today are earning more money than anyone in my generation could even have conceived does not make any difference to us and our lives.

We all know that one of the reasons that the PLP took so long to win an election is because we were all told ? and many believed ? that they were so incompetent that Bermuda would be destroyed. That charge may have been "justifiable politics". We were not called "racist dogs" but that political charge was a seamless continuation of the unabashed and overt racist charges that blacks have heard for generations that we were incompetent, lazy ne'er do wells, and just so inferior that we could not even play on the same Tennis Courts as Whites. During those days and even since white power and control was faced with only one charge: Segregation was wrong. They controlled the entire economy and owned all of the contracts and ensured that only a few benefited financially. It did not concern us how they acquired their wealth, with or without integrity or honesty specifically. We, as Blacks, took all of it for granted because they were white and we were black and all of the evils came under segregation. I do not have to charge any one white individual of being a racist since I believe that most white folks, in general, are so used to thinking of us, as blacks, a certain way that they do not even know what racism is.

Dr. Ewart Brown, for his generation, is one of the fortunate few. Dr. Gibbons, rather than being so self righteous, might, with a little humility, consider his circumstances and situation, in comparison with those of most black men of his generation ? and the reason why. The unfortunate fact is that the "political" criticism of the UBP, as the Opposition, is so seamless a continuation of the unabashed and overt "racist put down" of their forefathers that it can be difficult to distinguish the difference. There has never been a single moment in our history when either Dr. Gibbons or other white spokesmen for the UBP has taken a moment to acknowledge that they, today, are benefiting from an inheritance that was accumulated during a racist, oppressive and exploitative society which has been so destructive to all of us in the black community, both financially and psychologically. He, and others say, quite rightly, that it is their responsibility as an Opposition to keep this Government honest. If only he and others would acknowledge, just once, with humility, that the racist Governments of the past were even more corrupt, as any Government which supported segregation was by definition they, or their concerns, might be taken more seriously. I have been challenging racism long enough to know who in the UBP showed any concern about the fact of racism before the PLP came to power.

Give Police a break

December 12, 2006

Dear Sir,

All Police Officers, both in Bermuda and worldwide are frequently called upon to make "on the spot" and sometimes momentous decisions ? which in many cases prove to be life and property saving.

These situations receive little or publicity ? nor should they ? for a Police Officer's first priority is "THE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY". BUT ? Let any Police Officer (individually or collectively) make an 'on the spot' decision which proves to be not the case and listen to the uproar from the "Monday morning armchair critics" ? the noise is DEAFENING.

Had there indeed been an emergency at sea on Saturday December 9th, "TIME WAS OF THE ESSENCE".

Put preventative or remedial plans into action and THEN take the time to check out the relevant agencies. Ask any 911 operator, and they will tell you the first priority is to despatch help and then go into the business of recording the nitty-gritty details.

Police Officers take their lives at risk every hour of every day of their duties, and threatened repercussions for their actions do not only exist during those periods but also off-duty. Many Police Officers receive threats to themselves, families and residences, I recall one instance where a Police Officer's residence was firebombed by persons he was to give evidence against in court. I, like many of my colleagues, have been the recipient of threats to life and limb of myself and family and residence.

The "Bermuda Rumour Mill" is indeed 'alive and well', and to that can attributed much of the 'misinformation' which was speedily circulated, causing much grief and distress to many people.

IF the 'freak wave/tidal wave' had been of the proportions rumoured, the Bermuda Police Service would have been the recipient of one of it's "rare" pats on the back from the public.

The old adage rings true ? "YOU ARE DAMNED IF YOU DO AND EQUALLY DAMNED IF YOU DON'T".

GIVEN THEM A BREAK!!! ? AND BE GRATEFUL THEY ARE THERE 365 DAYS A YEAR TO PROTECT YOU.

A memorable evening

December 15, 2006

Dear Sir,

Thank you for allotting me the space to express my gratitude to a few people one in particular, Mr. Eddie Ming, for his kind gesture in conceiving and organising a jazz benefit on my behalf. This first class event, held at The Rhythm Lab in St. George, started with a lavish Vegan Dinner cooked and hosted by Mr. Ming and his wife and served by students of the Rhythm Lab, who later really showed their stuff while being accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Ming.

Much appreciation to the three government ministers who graced us with their presence.

Thanks also goes out to the local musicians and singers who volunteered their time and performed at their best throughout the evening starting with the pre-dinner music, right through to the end, changing shifts as the evening went on. Some of these performers I had not seen in years while others I have worked with on a regular basis. They all found it in their hearts to take the time to participate, some even did so during their breaks from or prior to other commitments. A special thank you goes out to gifted band leader Maxi Maybury, for coordinating the smooth changeover of the musicians that seemed to happen so effortlessly. I have worked with just about all of the musicians and singers over the years and I can truly say that I am blessed to have you all as friends.

I was overwhelmed and lost for words with the response from the public and I would like to thank all who purchased tickets and all who just gave on my behalf. It really warmed my heart as I went around thanking the folks who had come out and braved the chilly evening and some who came as far away as Dockyard to attend.

Many thanks again to Eddie, Wendy and their assistants for putting together a truly heart-warming and memorable evening on my behalf.

Deplorable ferry service

December 1, 2006

Dear Sir,

I have been a Belmont/Darrell's ferry commuter for approximately 10 years. The ferry service during the last few months has been the pits. What does Government really prefer, either encourage ferry commuters to catch the ferry or drive to work, which one? We are getting mixed messages! I have seen a steady deterioration in the ferry service. It is very unreliable and deplorable. Commuters are constantly complaining. The ferries are congested with commuters. Every other week the ferry has mechanical problems. It is my understanding that the ferries are not serviced routinely they are only repaired when mechanical problems occur.

Previously, the Belmont/Darrell's ferry commuters were promised a new ferry, instead the ferry was used for the Rockaway route.

Recently, I was due to attend a PTA meeting which started at 5.45. I caught the 5.20 p.m. ferry. Normally, when I attend these meetings, I catch the 5.20 p.m. ferry but because one of the ferries had mechanical problems as usual, this particular ferry had to make about 3 stops before it reaches Darrell's Wharf which is poor service.

Because the 7.35 ferry is continuously late, with mechanical problems, when it finally arrives at Darrell's Wharf at 7.55, the wharf is congested because commuters from the 7.35 ferry and the 8.05 ferry have congregated because the 7.35 ferry is late.

When the ferry is leaving Darrell's Wharf, commuters are running to catch the ferry because they think they are missing the 8.05 ferry when in fact they are catching the 7.35 ferry which is late. Therefore, the ferry continuously returns to the wharf after it has left to accommodate other commuters. Therefore, because the 7.35 ferry is late, the 8.05 commuters will also be late.

ALL ferry commuters are totally disgusted with the quality of service we receive from the Marine and Ports Department/Government. I am not referring to the pilots and crew members they are doing a fantastic job despite the poor situation they experience.

Recently, Premier, the Hon. Dr. Ewart Brown mentioned ferries and buses should be free. Where are the new ferry commuters going to park? Has government addressed the topic of parking before suggestions were made for ferries to be free? This would create more traffic passengers. Government needs to purchase new ferries for commuters who catch the ferry at Belmont Ferry stop and Darrell's Wharf. This purchase should take place immediately.

I am sure government is aware of the problems that Belmont/Darrell's ferry commuters experience but nothing has been done to improve the quality of service in order for it to be more effective.

On November 28, again the ferry service was deplorable. The ferry which normally leaves Belmont Wharf at 8.00 a.m. arrived at 8.10 a.m. it had already stopped at Hinson's Island but had to stop at Darrell's Wharf, Salt Kettle, Hudson's, and Lower Ferry. I make 8.30 to work and did not arrive until 8.45. This poor service is totally unacceptable.

WHAT IS BEING DONE TO IMPROVE THE FERRY SERVICE? WHEN IS GOVERNMENT GOING TO INVEST IN BIGGER, NEWER FERRIES? I AWAIT YOUR REPLY!!!!

Political smokescreen

December 18, 2006

Dear Sir,

I refer to the recent pathetic claim by Calvin Smith that Bermudian men take "negative comments about women important to us" as "a direct invitation to a physical encounter." Really? What century is Mr. Smith living in? Unless he can produce the statute that supports his position and proves me wrong, I believe that in 2006 Bermuda law does not permit physical assault to defend anyone's honour.

Mr. Smith continues to use the alleged "dishonour" of Mrs. Wanda Brown by Dr. Gibbons as a political smoke screen to avoid the real issue: questionable fundraising activities by Premier Brown ? and his wife, through the THE Foundation ? involving foreign donors with no connection to Bermuda other than existing or potential Government contracts.

Anyone who read what was actually said about Mrs. Brown in the House of Assembly (a verbatim report appeared in the December 15th Mid-Ocean News, page 3) knows that nothing remotely "unkind" was said about her, unless, of course, simply mentioning her name in connection with a fundraising effort she initiated and publicised is unkind.

Mr. Smith needs to reconsider his calculated yet extraordinarily careless words that attempt to justify physical violence. I would ask him to think about what message he is sending to young Bermudian men, who desperately need nonviolent, positive role models. Indeed, what message was the Premier sending when he, too, threatened physical violence? Are they encouraging men to break the law?

If Mr. Smith does actually believe, however, in some misguided, Neanderthalesque way, that physical violence is acceptable when a wife's honour is in question, then he should be referred to several organisations on the island that provide training in anger management and dispute resolution.

Meanwhile, here's an old-fashioned idea for men in Bermuda, including our elected leaders, who are looking for socially acceptable ways to defend the honour of their wives: Respect and honour begin at home. Refer to your marriage vows for guidance.