We're sunk beyond rescue

July 1, 2010

Dear Sir,

After eleven years of catastrophic mismanagement by the PLP government, Bermuda has sunk, beyond rescuing, to a Third World country disturbingly similar to the Turks and Caicos. The good ship "Bermuda" was handed over in 1998 in pretty good repair and financially sound (sadly, no longer true!). Yes, there were obviously things that needed changing and, like all governments in power for too long, the UBP had become complacent. I think the PLP was broadly welcomed across the community, with anticipation of genuinely good things to come. However, sweeping in with a strangely vengeful attitude from the start, they have, instead, proceeded to destroy socially, economically and environmentally.

Management skills generally seem to have been sadly lacking. For starters, think Berkeley, think Bermuda Cement Company, think new mega-ship pier.

We have Ministers spouting terms like "fiscal prudence" and "modern governance", and touting failure as success at every turn. In fact, we clearly still have a naive government that does not have a clue about good governance (bad words!) and what that actually means, no, worse than that, doesn't want to have a clue!

I thought that all new governments, ministers, MPs, and senators had training sessions in what their responsibilities were, and how to behave in their varied roles. That would appear not to be so when in doubt, be rude and crude! (Mr. Speaker, where were you during the recent outrages in the House?) Equally worrying, we seem to have developed a civil service that is hugely politicised and poorly disciplined, with department heads and supervisors all too often not having a clue what their subordinates are supposed to be doing with subsequent abuse of the system and falling standards. "Without fear or favour" – what a joke!

Premier Brown has shown himself, again and again, to be the most duplicitous of men, bringing fear, trickery and division to government at every level. That's not the way politics is supposed to be! I had always believed that that a solid middle class (black and white) would keep Bermuda stable, no matter what. Instead, those responsible middle class families and couples (worried about their kids' education and the violence in which we are now living) are quietly moving away, permanently, to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, you name it, and leaving that growing gun-wielding gang culture holding us all to ransom in daily fear. This is more than unhealthy, it is terrifying!

Also terrifying is the PLP's apparent acceptance of the shockingly bad behaviour on the part of so many of its politicians. What happened to honesty, integrity, ethical behaviour and fair treatment of others? I thought those were the core values on which the PLP was founded, and which every member was supposed to embody. Clearly no longer so!

Yours totally disillusioned (yet again),

PENNY HILL

Hamilton Parish

Against dark-tinted visors

July 12, 2010

Dear Sir,

I'm replying to David Williams' letter of today. Mr. Williams made a valid point in saying the innocent will once again suffer for the guilty by banning dark tinted helmet visors.

Yes, Mr. Williams, that is true. If individuals are intent on committing a crime, then nothing stops them from attaching a sheet of tinted plastic somehow onto their visor and removing the plastic once the crimes are committed. My point was it is far easier for them individuals to commit these crimes when they can have in their possession a dark tinted helmet. (I stated dark tinted.)

I realise that living in the western end of the Island, you have to face the sun rising as well as setting in your daily commute; so yes, there should be a percentage of tint allowed, but not the "dark tint", (whereby an individual wearing the visors can not be identified at all.

There has to be a law against them just as we have laws against dark tint windows on car etc. (Of course, it's a business selling them "dark tinted visor" helmets, they are fashionable). We as a society must counter-act crime, especially when people are being killed and the murder/s are walking out of court (if they get that far) a free person due to lack of evidence

May I also mention that prior to an individual inserting that sheet of dark plastic, that their visor will be clear enough for someone to describe who it had been whether on foot or on a bike, for they must remove the "dark tint plastic" at some point, due to the fact that it will be illegal to have (even) in one's possession.

We don't wait for a person to rob/kill someone before arresting them for having a gun do we?

RAYMOND RAY

St George's

Costly code of silence

July 8, 2010

Dear Sir,

As a single mother I can wholly relate to the delicate balance that exists within parenting unconditional love sometimes seemingly juxtaposed against parental responsibility. Our Country has recently witnessed a proliferation of crime that has been agitated by such dynamics. Loving parents turning a blind eye to deviant activity by their children; aiding and abetting their children's avoidance of the law; and inventing alibis or interfering with witnesses to protect their children from potential prosecution.

The reasons for crime and its escalation in Bermuda are complex but this "code of silence" that many parents assume, is a spreading cancer in our community affecting all demographics. The legislation drafted in the form of the Parental Responsibility Act may in part address this problem, but legislation will not be enough. We will need a change of mindset, and that will take time through advocacy and education.

Having been a rape crisis counsellor for a number of years, I know well the multiple complexities and the toxicity of silence relevant to sexual assault and domestic violence and the empowerment that results from overcoming that. However, the silence and acceptance that some parents allow regarding their children being involved in criminal activity is far more insidious and destructive in terms of the wider effects on our community. When did we, as parents, succumb to this failing of our responsibilities? At what age were our children when we disposed with consequences being relative to actions and why, when the lesson is most vital to these teens and young adults and requires our greatest discipline and strength, have we chosen to forgo our true responsibilities as parents?

If we hope to teach our children anything and have any chance of them developing into positive and contributing members of our society, then we must show them that loving wholly and well often involves difficult seemingly impossible choices but that our children are worth it. For too many parents' acts of unconditional love have unwittingly undermined our children and in our blindness, the true lesson of parental love has ceased. The code of silence must not be perpetuated because in reality, unconditional love is most truly absolute when it's not without challenge, but in spite of it.

TONI DANIELS

City of Hamilton

Beach facility is a disgrace

July 20, 2010

Dear Sir,

As a long-time frequent visitor to Bermuda, I feel compelled to speak out on my most recent experience at the premier beach on the island, Horseshoe Bay, and comment on its poorly run beach house facility. I've seen an enormous decline in both the maintenance of the facility and service at the beach house over the last 15 years but, during my visit this week, acknowledge that the beach house has truly become an embarrassment for the Island instead of a welcoming convenience.

Horseshoe Bay is Bermuda's most popular destination for tourists; not only because of the beautiful vistas, magnificent beach and secluded coves but also because, unlike many other beaches on the island, there are food, chair rental, and bathroom facilities available. For many tourists getting off the cruise ships, Horseshoe Bay is the first impression they will have of Bermuda.

Sadly, the current state of the beach house leaves the worst possible impression imaginable. In addition to the facility being inexcusably filthy, disrepair is evident in almost every corner of the beach house. In the women's room, two of the five unsanitary and foul-smelling bathroom stalls were out of order, two of the showers were not functioning and there was toilet paper, debris, and sand all over the floor.

Outside, none of the foot showers were working, tiles were lifted and missing off the entrance to the bathrooms, and everyone within ear-shot was commenting on "what a dump" the beach house was. There is garbage thrown into unkempt plant beds overrun by weeds and the tables on the terrace are never wiped clean. Inside the beach house, at the food counter, should you wish to order food, it is served by a rude and surly staff that do not embody the hospitality and charm that I have always associated with this beautiful island.

I challenge the operator of the beach house facility to show up for work and begin to run a tighter ship. Twenty-five years ago, the beach house was so clean that one could eat off of the floors. Clearly, that pride, which used to be so evident, has disappeared and been replaced by careless business practices that send the wrong message to the tourists who come to this picturesque beach.

Horseshoe Bay Beach House clean up your act!

J.A. WALKER

New Jersey

Tax and health care

July 8, 2010

Dear Sir,

As a Bermudian getting closer to retirement I read the Bermuda Health Councils (Government) proposed reforms with interest. Although I love the idea of gaining retirement health insurance, for the same cost as a 25-year old who, odds on, is in very good health, I don't quite see how Government can expect the insurance companies to do so without raising costs. The risks are phenomenal.

Universal health insurance is a wonderful idea, but when more than half of our population has exceedingly unhealthy lifestyles, are in some cases grossly overweight with all the attendant health problems, and we are living much longer due to very expensive drugs and hospital procedures, the health insurance of our little nation is a veritable timebomb. However, we all acknowledge that something must be done.

After failing miserably by closing the Free Clinics and revising the old HIP system and then introducing the financially unsustainable Future Care and reintroducing the second-rate HIP system for some seniors, Government now seems to want to force the private insurance industry to introduce universal health insurance for all at a cost that is lower than today, just so this Government can take all the credit ... clever.

If Government wants universal basic health insurance, then surely the provision of it is a Government responsibility, not the private sector's. Government receives more than enough money from taxpayers already so there should be plenty available to fund this noble cause indefinitely. Oh wait, unfortunately, this Government has just about bankrupted us, so they don't have the money and admit it in the following statement. "The ability of the Government to expand fiscal spending, including health expenditure, in future years could be constrained by economic conditions and a growing aversion to increased public sector borrowing, both by the public at large and by the global capital markets."

So Government want to introduce universal health care, accept it is going to cost more than it currently does to do so, and so charge the private sector to do it using the taxpayer as the funding source – very clever.

The reform document notes that "transparency is beneficial for all markets as it allows for price discovery and quality comparison, which fosters competition and efficiency amongst participants, and rewards insurers who serve the public interest".

Why is it that open competition is good for all Bermuda when Government says it should be so, when this Government is so very fond of issuing sole source multi-million dollar contracts so the public has absolutely no idea if they are getting value for money. Not quite sure how the insurers will be rewarded if they are to offer universal no restriction health insurance to everybody at bargain prices. Perhaps in Heaven.

I was also tickled to note that Government have also found another way that they can bring in stealth income taxation that would be used to ensure that private sector health individuals paid for ensuring that all Bermudians gained access to health care. "In addition, we will investigate mechanisms to enable proportional premium contributions for the package based on a fixed percentage of an insured's salary".

Heath care for all is really a Government responsibility, but new taxation is unpalatable so let's call it a private sector insurance premium again, very clever. I can probably guess which sector of the workforce would be exempt from paying the proportional premium.

I eat appropriate foods in reasonable quantities, exercise so I do not gain too much weight and so stay reasonably healthy. The statistics show that a huge percentage of our population do not care about their health or weight and no doubt expect others to pay for their health care. Should those who look after themselves, rich or poor, black or white, be forced to look after the health of those who will not at least try and look after themselves?

Morally, yes, it is the Christian way; financially, I'm not sure because had this Government not squandered our hard earned money there would have been more than enough available to support at risk, low or no income Bermudians in good health.

I look forward to following this review and reading other's comments.

AN OLDER BERMUDIAN

Pembroke

A health care lottery

June 20, 2010

Dear Sir,

I recently attended the AGM meeting for Age Concern, one of my favourite charities that do so much for the seniors of Bermuda

One of the immediate problems that arose was; how are we going to afford and finance "extended care" for the elderly? This is a vital question that has loomed on the horizon for some time, but now it has to be faced with practicality, and can no longer be put on the back burner, as a potential nightmare will become a reality.

For the sons and daughters and the families that have to face this problem, the sacrifices that have to be made are beyond comprehension. Someone has to stay at home with the loved one every day, who is it to be? Perhaps the carer will have to give up their job, which will mean a reduction in income. Perhaps there are children in the home so they have to double up in order to create a private room for the patient. Perhaps there is financial hardship with the extras that have to be provided. One could go on and on, but the vital problem that must be faced by the Government or by some kind of legislation whereby we all contribute, has to be dealt with now. For example, if you applied for help for your loved one today what kind of response do you think you would get or hope for?

There are not enough staff to cover all the needs on Government's plate right now. There is not enough available accommodation to house the number of people in need today, and if there were, the funds to deal with this mammoth problem would have to be found. Now, here is the meaning and point of this letter. We talk today at meetings we frequent. "Let us adjourn and consider the matter." "Let us form a committee and see what we can come up with." "Let us think about it and meet next month!" I was on the Drug Board at Admiralty House over 30 years ago and we did all of the above and look where our drug problem is today. We must act now and come up with a financial solution that can be enacted as soon as possible, and by that I mean a matter of months.

I am suggesting a lottery, not a gambling lottery, whereby the winner picks up funds, I am suggesting a "Health Lottery' whereby every man woman and child subscribes to a health fund where we all contribute to our future care.There would have to be a head count. The amount? I leave that to the accountants, but it could be a monthly draw, whereby if you win the lucky ticket you get your extended charges paid for life, or if you were wealthy, you could donate your good luck to some worthy recipient. This would be an ongoing lottery that in time would accumulate a great deal of money, it will take time, but it is better to start rather than not to start at all.

There is some kind of mystical meaning attached to the word lottery. As I suggested this idea at the meeting yesterday, there was a pregnant silence and I knew right then and there that it would take a lot of persuading, but it should and must be done. However, as I left the meeting, three people came up to me and said they thought the idea was new and interesting and should be explored.

With this fund accumulating over time and carefully invested, financial help could and would be available. With this extra money, nurses, aids and helpers could be recruited to relieve the family. Beds and accommodation could also be made available for the elderly who are needing extended care.

If we all get together we will be able to supply the necessary funds to give the elderly the care they will need and deserve for future generations to come. Ireland has known this for years.

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke