I am over 65 years of age and was forced to retire more than eight years ago because of ill health and my wife works part-time. Just over a year ago we purchased a moderately priced condominium in order to make our lives easier, both physically and financially.

My previous land tax bill was $5.30 for each six month period -- admittedly a ridiculously low amount, but a wonderful benefit for an older person. The current Land Tax Demand Note arrived yesterday and the revised cost for a six month period is $1,452. I can't begin to do the math to calculate the percentage increase.

The amount of the relief I now receive as an old age pensioner, and which is already reflected in the $1,452 note above, is $450.

Under the old system my old age pension rebate was more than $550. Under the new system I am seeing the amount of my ARV increased to three times what it was, the tax rate for each band made higher and my rebate become smaller.

I'm very glad the Year of the Older Person is coming to an end. I don't think I could stand any additional assistance from our Government.

A DISILLUSIONED PENSIONER Pembroke In defence of Dr. Peters September 21, 1999 Dear Sir, Both segregation in America and colonialism in Bermuda are based on the same thing: White supremacy and contempt for life. The 1960s were a critical time in the existence of black Bermudians. The reality of our situation is that during the 1980s Sir John Swan had been the prevailing factor in which those who were less fortunate, less educated, less smart, had a chance to attain higher education abroad. This meant better social and economic conditions at home for many blacks.

We blacks did not struggle in vain. Despite the insults, humiliations and the perception of white Bermudians that we are not intelligent one must admit that we have arrived. During the debate of the Tumin Report, Gerald Simons said that many whites were not "intellectual giants'', (we already know that!) and had difficulty comprehending basic concepts. Instead they had a firm belief that because they were white it was right for them to control all those businesses. Racism will exist for a very long time because there will always be a group or school of people who need to feel better about themselves by putting down others. It helps with a weak ego.

It appears there are people who want to punish Dr. Peters, including our Editors of local newspapers who must have felt that it was alright for the owners and executive managers, the Boards of Directors to commit institutionalised racism against black Bermudians. According to the Tugwell Report which reported that the bank was losing at least $2 million a year by charging market rates for its services. There were board members whose companies were run by owners that benefited from, it appears, these practices.

Why was legal action not taken against those who committed institutional racism against black executives? Yet, according to Mr. Tugwell, these same white and coloured people are crying out against Dr. Peters at our College. Everyone knows that white people (think) they are superior to blacks. Read Gerald Simons' About the Tumin Report, October 1992.

RAYMOND RUSSELL Pembroke Tenants bite the hand... September 15, 1999 Dear Sir, I write this letter to inform all interested, and also in favour of Bermuda Housing's effort to accommodate families in need of housing. I presently reside in one of the accommodations provided by this corporation, a beautiful apartment I might add. It is an apartment complex in which most tenants moved in at the same time. Within this time span, which has not been even a year yet, most if not all tenants have broken every rule in the book. The tenant agreement states and the staff at Bermuda Housing tells you before they hand over the keys that the yard belongs to no-one, one can use it but must clean up completely once utilised, and they also stressed courtesy as it is a complex.

I've seen times I've opened my door and kicked over toy trucks and broken strollers placed in front of my door or in the yard. The tenants and their children have destroyed what the Housing Corporation worked expeditiously and meticulously to provide the privileged few who were selected, and you the public need to know the unnecessary humiliation that everyone as a result has had or will have to endure as our people continue to blast the hand that tries to help them. From drawing on the walls, to windows screens being pulled out of every window, clothes hanging from windows to dry.

Unnecessary trash by the children thrown everywhere but in the trash cans provided by Bermuda Housing, shoes of every sort and sizes thrown everywhere, broken pedal bikes, and of course LOUD music. There is absolutely no courtesy shown by these, each supposed neighbour. The parents and the children can be found out in the yard areas making unnecessary noise anywhere from 8 a.m.

until 1 a.m. aged from two years right up to 14 years, making noise at the top of their lungs. Forget about "it takes a whole nation to raise a child''. I dare you to correct one of the children who is rude, and the parents are worse.

All of this is to say I may not be alone in my dilemma, however I was unaware of situations of this sort, and I am sure a lot of others are unaware. I take my hat off to Wendy Bassett and Renee Brown as they have been attentive to the problems and are always willing to accommodate and for them their work is cut out as staff at the Bermuda Housing. And to that tenant whom the cap fits wear it, it's you who makes it harder for other families who are worse off than you because there are always others worse off.

And to Bermuda Housing, who considers tenants closely before placing them in their very meticulous apartments. What was the saying Do onto others as you would have done to you. (Why bit the hand that feeds you?) THE NAIVE TENANT Pembroke P.s. Landlords, could this be the reason for high rents? The better overseas deal September 21, 1999 Dear Sir, Please let me make some comments on a few items concerning the telecommunications industry of late.

The first point that comes to mind is the Logic Phone controversy. Logic is owned by BTC, who have been denied a long distance license. So what do they do? They get their subsidiary, Logic, to piggyback on the TBI cable and call it technological progress. It is the back door to an international licence if you ask me.

The second item is the new and misleading information given out by TBI about their new 22 percent discount scheme -- Best Rates. They compare this to C&W's new 20/20 calling plan. There is no comparison between the two.

C&W tell you up front that there will be a $20 per month charge and for this all your overseas telephone calls will receive a 20 per cent discount.

TBI tells you that there is no monthly charge and you get up to 22 percent off your overseas telephone bill.

The truth about the TBI offer is that it is graded on the spending levels you have and runs from two percent to 22 percent, across eight bands. To get the 22 percent, you have to spend over $1,500.01 per month. That is one thousand, five hundred dollars and one cent on your monthly home phone bill.

When you compare the two schemes, C&W takes the advantage after your bill reaches about $110 per month and up to $1,500 per month. So which is the better deal for most consumers in Bermuda? Sometimes you have to look a little deeper at what you see and hear in the media, to get at the truth and see what is fair and unfair. Many are misleading.

AN INFORMED CONSUMER Pembroke Boat Parade is back on September 9, 1999 Dear Sir, As the summer winds down and students return to their respective schools, we the Founding Committee of the BUEI Christmas Boat parade thought it appropriate to write and advise the public of this year's event.

The first parade held last year on December 19 was, by all accounts, a roaring Christmas success.

Our sponsors, Exel Limited, HWP, Freisenbruch Meyer, Bacardi and the Ministry of Development Opportunity & Government Services were supportive and all had a wonderful evening. Cable & Wireless hosted the VIP reception aboard the C/S Sir Eric Sharp and we are indebted for their hospitality.

The event was the brainchild of Norma Thomson and she singlehandedly convinced the committee members and the BUEI to buy into her idea.

We salute you, Norma, for your drive and determination and will remember you as the Founder. You alone brought this wonderful event to Bermuda and now the 1999 BUEI Christmas Boat Parade promises to be the Boat Parade of the Millennium.

The date is set for Saturday, December 18. We have increased the number of participants from 55 to 85 boats with last year's entries having first preference. Mark your calendars, Bermuda, and we look forward to the party of the Millennium around Hamilton Harbour.

BUEI CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE COMMITTEE