Saltus unfairly criticised

August 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

Last night, during the VSB news programme, US Consul General Gregory Slayton commented on education in Bermuda. During the segment, he stated that the private schools could improve and referenced Saltus Grammar School as a school that was "not the best school on the block". I am disappointed and upset at his comment. Why did he have to single out Saltus and not mention any other institution?

If Mr. Slayton were to discuss grocery stores in Bermuda, would he have singled out one from the other? Which Italian restaurant is his favourite? Which department store sells the finest clothes? Which bookstore supplies the best reading material? Which radio station plays the latest music? Which church has the best preacher? The list goes on.

Every day, dedicated teachers devote 100 percent of their professionalism, time, passion, energy, determination, and patience to ensure that each student receives a quality and meaningful educational experience. It saddens me to know that our work has been unappreciated and disrespected so quickly by a comment in an interview.

To the Saltus families, students, staff, administration, trustees, alumni and friends I give you an A+ for appreciation, acknowledgement and academic achievement.

Consuls will come and they will go. Their children will too. The educational experience they take with them will be first class and they will succeed in their new schools.... thanks to Saltus's staff, administration, trustees, families and friends!

2 TEACH IS 2 TOUCH A LIFE 4EVER

Smith's

Fight for yourselves

August 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

I had to write in re: today's front page article in the Gazette, "Gang Members Speak Out" as it is so absolutely ridiculous. Are they serious? The interviewed members of these "gangs" are actually blaming Government for their personal choice to drop out of school, their own inability to get work, their personal choice to sell drugs? I reiterate they chose to drop out of school; they chose to sell drugs. No one forced them, and especially not the Government of the day! Were these youth and their parents not taught that you make your own way in life; you fight to be the best that you can be regardless of obstacles? I will go on record that I am no fan of the Premier, but he is the man that he is today because he worked hard to become so.

A personal observation: At eight years old, I was told by the school system where I grew up that I would never graduate from high school because I was dyslexic. My parents told me that this was not my destiny; that I could be and do anything I wanted. School was a constant battle and I spent many a nights studying while many of my friends partied. But in the end I graduated with a 3.8 grade point average, top of my class and went on to College. I have the job and the life I have today because I worked for it. In turn I earned the respect of both my peers and my future employers, not because I was entitled to it, but because they saw in me the drive and determination to be the best. I believe wholeheartedly that all jobs should be offered to Bermudians first and their spouses next, but not if you have quit school and look like a delinquent. Remember whether you like it or not appearance is very important. William Makepeace Thackeray once said "The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man his own reflection."

The youth of today, not only in Bermuda but everywhere, have a skewed notion of entitlement. No one is entitled to a job or an education. One must work and prove that one is capable and worthy of the job. CEO's are not hired straight out of University. They work from the bottom up and diligently at that. If I were to hold our government accountable for anything relating to the "Gang" mentality, it is that they continually stand up and speak about how race and the white elite are holding back our youth when in fact it is themselves who are holding back our youth. By repeatedly telling them that the colour of their skin is keeping them from achieving that high paying job or owning their own house or they deserve an apology for something that they had no part in whether as the slave or the owner, they are only reinforcing the stereotypical boundaries that they have imposed upon themselves for so long. Imagine if Albert Einstein had been told every day of his life that he was stupid. He would have been a brilliant man without ambition or belief in himself. He would never have changed history. He would have withered away and no one would know any different.

We need to start empowering our youth. Instead of making their gangs illegal, make them productive groups by linking them with on of the many great and productive charities on the island. Use all this talent and ambition that is currently being wasted. Both the Island's youth and adults have to start thinking outside the box, redirect the negative to a positive. If these young men and woman have the brains, imagination and forethought to get drugs and guns into the island, just imagine what they could do with a career in advertising or communication.

To the idea that there is nothing to do in Bermuda, well, all I can say is that I am extremely busy in my evenings. There is nothing to do only because you are not looking for it or do not want to do it. There are not only youth programmes, which not only require youth but older responsible adults to run the programmes. There are also charities that are always in need of volunteers. By giving of your time in a productive manner, you are placing yourself in front of, and working side by side with people who are shopping for new and bright talent. You are networking with the people who make the hire/fire decisions at major corporations. You never know when you are going to meet that one person who can guide you, teach you and possibly change your life.

We must remember: In life no one is keeping you from achieving your dreams but you, and you are your best advocate. No one will fight harder for you, and believe in you, more than you.

ANNMARIE PANCHAUD

Southampton

It's about personal choice

August 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

After reading your article with the interview of several "gang" members I had to smile. I feel sorry for none of them at all and anything that comes toward them. All of those sad sob stories are nonsense. Their lives are the way they are because they choose them to be that way.

I speak this way because I know the life. I was born and grew up in Middle Town, one of the most notorious areas in Bermuda. As a child, I had all the telltale signs of growing up to be a part of a gang. I was abused, my friends around me were abused, my mother was abused and my community was abused. I felt bitter and angry coming up. I loved being educated but hated discipline. I was rough and bull headed. However deep down inside everyone has a natural propensity to know right from wrong and want better for themselves. I wanted better for myself and that is the path I chose to take, whichever and however it presented itself to get the hell out of the ghetto and that frame of mind. I remember going out on Halloween and different holidays looking for trouble. It was all about proving yourself. We would go to break in house and do all types of foolishness. I knew these were things that would and did get me in trouble, but I did it to keep my presence with my boys.

Yes, parents and society have their parts to play. But it boils down to the individual in the end. Ignorance begets ignorance. Many of these guys have no sense of self and therefore rely on the umbrella of their crew or boys to put forth an image. We are not stupid and neither are they.

"Hard-core academics" ? Most of these guys don't even have their GED's because they chose not to take that path to somewhat secure their futures. Yes, it is challenging out there to find jobs and all that. However as my grandmother used to say "when something came too easy that is when you had to think twice about it". That saying proves itself with these guy's lifestyles. I am no angel, trust me! I have been to prison twice trying to chase "paper" or money the quick way. Where did it leave me? With a record and an even worse bed to lie in then I had in the first place. More pain and more frustration invariably to me and my family.

Bermuda is such a cesspit of psychological disaster. These guys get caught with drugs, put on the stop list and blame the police and Government for keeping them trapped. It is so crazy! Again I am on the stop list so I know firsthand. However, I blame nobody but myself. As far as I am concerned if you choose to be affiliated with that lifestyle, then you choose to suffer whatever repercussions come your way.

I hate violence and do not condone it. But it's like the child that kept looking at the hot flame on the stove. He knows it is hot and the closer he puts his hand to the flame the hotter it gets until finally he is burned. That is exactly what it is like with that lifestyle. One day, some way you will get burned on some level. It's all egotistical hoopla. You can have "boys" or a contingency of friends to call family. But when you cross the line of morality and you endanger other's lives you are a problem. A problem to yourself, your family and then your society. Grow Up.

Lastly, the problem starts from young really. I look back and think that not enough was done in my primary school years to combat the problems and issues at hand. Bermuda still operates on a "what goes on in this house, stays in this house mentality". This continues right on up until the little boys and girls grow up and start selling drugs and beating up people. It stays in the house and lips are shut. So sad but so true.

I do not think that all the boys sitting on the block are affiliated with the intricacies of the street life, so to gather them all up and profile them will be wrong and can backfire. There is no quick solution. It will be hard work and much community intervention. It will take the Government and police going into the schools and recognising the problem youth with the help of school staff, talking to them and then bringing their parent's to the forefront. Parents cannot be responsible for all that their children do. However at certain ages they still hold a parental responsibility to ensure that their children are looked after and monitored. If they cannot do that and they feel that their children are out of their control. Don't just "let them go"! The parents need an avenue where they can report their feelings and concerns even if it is their own child and they see it may get their children in trouble. It may save them sooner than later. That is a big grey area in Bermuda's society. I pray for Bermuda that's all I can say.

BEEN THERE

London, UK

End the double standard

August 8, 2009

Dear Sir,

To Lynne Winfield:

I will make a deal with you. You get the homophobic people of the island off the Government's back, so that they can pass the appropriate amendment to the Human Rights Act and afford gays the same protection in law as black people have, and I'll work hard at continuing to eliminate discrimination against black people.

By the way, I'm a heterosexual male in case you are interested. I just have a problem with double standards that's all.

SMITH'S

Time capsule's watery grave?

August 9, 2009

Dear Sir,

It is great to see St. George's given its due amount of attention, although it's Bermuda as a whole that is worthy of world heritage status.

I had to smile when the time capsule was placed in the new heritage site and I thought in 100 years, if the environment keeps degrading because of our slavish desire for cheap energy and when the 10,000 feet of Greenland icecap is gone, anyone wanting to see how wonderful it was "back then" will need a rowboat and some scuba gear. I wonder if, with the imminent destruction of the whole of sea side of St. George's whether the legal protections afforded World Heritage sites allows for suit to be filed against the Government of Bermuda for dragging its feet so badly concerning renewable energy sources, specifically allowing wind turbines on an individual's property and eliminating duty on anything needed to install renewable energy sources. We are already on the grey list and waiting for the last minute, well that's going to be too late. For the place on earth that wrote the first environmental protection legislation our true heritage is to lead the world in these matters, to be a shining beacon and not to need one.

BERMUDA WAS HERE

Smith's

Magazine article was misleading

August 7, 2009

Dear Sir,

On a recent flight back to Bermuda, I was given the 'Destination Bermuda' guide to read and enjoy. I looked through the magazine and was shocked at the conflicting information given about the dates of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Port Royal this year.

On the calendar of events, the dates were listed as October 15-16, 2009. In the separate article about the updated Port Royal course, it mentioned that the Grand Slam would take place on this course in November 2009. As an average 'Jill' on the street, I thought the event was October 19-20. Tourists coming to Bermuda might be interested in attending the event—if they only knew which dates they should be here!

RMB

Southampton

Praise for Alex Scott

August 10, 2009

Dear Sir,

One must have faith, courage, determination and preparedness to accomplish anything worthwhile. Former Premier the Hon. Alex Scott showed such profoundness in 2005 replying so promptly to my request on behalf of Mr. Leon Stevens who lived in Happy Valley Lane.

Although, the health care system in Bermuda continued to advance in light of our favourable economic standing the delivery of optimum health care to all of our war veterans had not been experienced by some of those persons who had served during the wars. Mr. Stevens being one such person. I congratulate you for responding to my request. Mrs. Valda Palmer, who recently honoured the request of her late husband Mr. Henry Palmer in bringing him home to Bermuda to be buried, gives her regards to you and your family.

RAYMOND RUSSELL SR.

Pembroke

Please turn in jewellery

August 13, 2009

Dear Sir,

On Sunday, July 12, 2009, I lost some personal jewellery at the Shelly Bay MarketPlace. This happened around 2.30 p.m.

I was told that a lady picked it up and asked a packer if it belonged to her. The packer said no and the lady walked off towards the car park.

If anyone knows of this or if you are the lady reading this, can you please turn the jewelry in to the police station ASAP? It was a wedding band And engagement ring fused together, a medium pearl ring, and a charm bracelet with a heart, rectangle and oval pendants with pictures on it and a wood bracelet.

THANK YOU

St. George's

Bermuda no longer pristine

August 9,2009

Dear Sir,

I am responding to the article on August 6 about the little boy Daente Burgess who received 25 stitches in his foot. It is tragic that these unnessary accidents occur. I hope that the little boy and his family are recovering.

I am not a resident of Bermuda, but have been vacationing here for over 25 years with my family. Three years ago I made the purchase of a fractional ownership condo and now have the great fortune to visit your beautiful island four times a year!

I walk every day along Tribe Road No. 4 and the public beach at Elbow. We arrived on August 1 after our last visit here this past May. I couldn't believe the amount of garbage, debris, and glass bottles that were strewn across the entire beach. It was devasting to me to see the difference in the condition of the beach as well as the Tribe road leading to the access of the beach.

After reading the article about the little boy, it was so upsetting thinking about my daily walks and the numerous trash and bottles that I encountered over the past few days. I coudl not stop thinking that could have been one of my sons when they were little playing on the beach. I went for my usual walk this morning and saw no change in the garbage on the beach, as well as the masses of seaweed that still had not been cleaned up. I walked into the bathoom at the Elbow Beach hotel and took a large black garbage bag from the trash and picked up all the garbage that I could visibly see on the sand. I can't even begin to tell you how many broken botlle necks I found. But is the rest of the bottle and the broken shards of glass still buried in the sand? If this was my first visit to Bermuda and I was expecting the pink, pristine beaches ... I would be disappointed. Fortunately, I know what the beautiful beaches of Bermuda usually look like!

A CONCERNED FREQUENT VISITOR

New Jersey