Dr. King's legacy

January 12, 2006

Dear Sir,

As we reflect upon the life of world citizen the late The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his numerous accomplishments: Minister of Theology, Civil Rights Leader, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Philosopher, Humanitarian, Visionary, Warrior, Husband, Father, and Servant, let us take time to consider the following quote, which, I believe summarises Dr. King's legacy, not just to America, but for all of us that aspire to the shared dream of peace and unity amongst all of god's children:

On the occasion of a new calendar year, let us make this our mantra.

Entire Cabinet tarred

December 15, 2005

Dear Sir,

On May 5, 2005 "P" delivered a speech entitled "Bermuda - At a Crossroads". Given the conduct of certain Government members over the seven months since the speech was delivered by "P", it is sensible to review some of the remarks made by "P" in that speech.

In the nationally televised speech, "P" said "I have directed my Ministers to always( "P's" emphasis) ensure that in their policy making and implementation measures that substance is favoured over platitudes, that transparency is favoured over obscurity, that action is favoured over lip service....I have also directed my Ministers to ensure that in their conduct, at home and abroad, that they recommit themselves to the path of integrity, respect for others and good governance (my emphasis)." Mr. Editor the question I ask is whether the relatively new Senator and Minister of Works, Engineering & Housing (a.k.a. "the Colonel) was excluded from "P's" dicta.

Given the Colonel's most recent faux pas in deliberately disconnecting a white caller from his radio phone-in show and making it known that the caller was in fact disconnected due to her race, it must be the case that "P's" direction was not passed on to the Colonel when he rejoined the Government. Clearly the Colonel has not "recommitted" himself to the path of integrity and respect for others (query whether the Government as a whole was committed in the first place). Perhaps there is a Shakespearian explanation for the Colonel's conduct? Perhaps the Colonel merely follows the example of integrity set by "P"? With no apology forthcoming from the Colonel in respect of the disconnection and even worse no apology forthcoming in respect of his outrageous tirade regarding "house ni **ers", essentially the entire Cabinet becomes tarred with the same brush of racially divisive comments ? after all in Westminster systems of Government there is something called collective responsibility. In fact, it is totally reprehensible that no one within the Government has publicly distanced themselves from the Colonel's remarks. Perhaps the Colonel's colleagues are completely apathetic or worse, actually agree with the Colonel's diatribes.

Mr. Editor, "P" and the rest of the Government supposedly want race relations improved. I certainly do, so does the UBP and so do most sensibly-minded people in Bermuda. Racially divisive comments and actions by Ministers will not assist in this goal. The Colonel says it is his human right to make such disrespectful remarks he recently made over the public airwaves. In fact his outburst makes a mockery of the very spirit of the Human Rights Act and calls into question the Act's usefulness. "P" and the Colonel must remember that actions speak louder than words when it comes to bringing the races together. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Particularly over the Christmas season "P" and the Colonel should remember that quote before speaking or pressing keys on a Blackberry.

Music was a nightmare!

January 6, 2005

Dear Sir,

I beg to differ greatly from your reporter Mikaela Cannonier's January 5th glowing review in of Blu Promotions' New Year's Eve party at Square One. My three friends and I went to the club excited to dance the night away. You stated in your article, "the third level was supposed to be techno and trance but it turned into soca and reggae which I loved." Speak for yourself. We went to the Club (regrettably leaving our friends' New Year's eve party with humble apologies) in reliance on the advertisement of techno and trance (our favourite music). As your article points out, the second floor of the Club was already dedicated to hip hop and reggae for fans of that kind of music so they were well taken care of. Your article states, "the great thing about this party was that if you weren't enjoying one party you could go up or down a few steps and go to another one." As it turned out, we were subjected to two floors of hip hop and reggae which, for us, was a nightmare. We politely asked the DJs to play what they had advertised would be played, but our pleas fell on deaf ears. So we found ourselves huddled by a speaker in the champagne room that was playing faint hints of techno music. All in all, a very disappointing evening for $70 tickets and $10 drinks to boot. Happy Year though!

God bless Salvation Army

December 20, 2005

Dear Sir,

The Government's Health Minister has got herself into a right pickle hasn't she?

In the same arrogant, abrasive style of most PLP Government Ministers, Minister Patrice Minors is not prepared to consider for a moment that this Government's attention to the homeless, the addicted and the down trodden of Bermuda society has been woefully inadequate.

The issue is not about a "bullying" Christian organisation, respected and renowned world wide for its ability to deliver quality, compassionate social welfare programmes and certainly a track record for similar delivery of such services in Bermuda over many, many years.

No, the issue, represented by the Minister's appalling outburst, is another pathetic attempt by a Minister in this Government to deflect attention away from the real issue ? that this Government (once again) doesn't listen to the people (in this case the Salvation Army) and this Government simply doesn't want to establish proper priorities for Government spending.

Rather than arrogantly slamming the Salvation Army for "bullying" the Government, the Health Minister would be advised to educate herself by gaining a detailed understanding of by whom and how various social programmes are effectively delivered in Bermuda. Then study a proper evaluation of the costing of such programmes and IN THE INTERESTS OF THE RECIPIENTS of such welfare programs, work co-operatively with various organisations, almost certainly including the Salvation Army, to ensure delivery of the best possible outcome for these disadvantaged Bermudians.

Fortunately for Bermuda, Health Ministers come and go. Meanwhile those needy persons in our community who depend so heavily on the Salvation Army and other Christian groups, should be assured that these organisations will conscientiously and compassionately continue their work, to deliver their programmes. To Major Rowe and your team of "Christian soldiers" ? God bless you. Keep up the wonderful work!

Explain this one, BA

December 29, 2005

Dear Sir,

I recently looked at Smart Travel's list of impending flights and fares. As you will see, British Airways is offering its winter and spring sale from London to the USA at a price from $270 round trip. Is my map reading incorrect or am I right in saying that London to the USA is further than London/Bermuda. If so, why do we have to pay so much more? Could someone get a straight answer from British Airways? Just think how many people would want to spend a winter vacation here for $270 plus airport charges. Unfortunately, we cannot take advantage of this lower fare because of the high cost of flying to and from the States. There's something wrong here and I can't understand why it can't be rectified.

PENSIONER

Paget

Our wonderful stay

January 9, 2006

Dear Sir,

I read with interest Mr. John Gilbert's complimentary letter about their stay at The Reefs over Christmas and can offer similar praise for Cambridge Beaches. My husband and I spent the weekend of New Year there and were impressed by the high standard. Our room was very nicely furnished with everything to make our stay comfortable and the staff were charming and helpful. The food was delicious and the dining room was very elegantly decorated for the New Year's Eve party with every effort made to make the guests feel welcome.

We spoke to many of the overseas guests and they all spoke highly of Cambridge Beaches and Bermuda. Many of them were repeat visitors and, without exception, they all said they would like to return.

People are quick to complain but slow to praise so it is nice for us to have this opportunity to pass on, not only our own praises, but those of the visitors as well.

JANICE SAUNDERS

Paget