Stop the mismanagement

November 10, 2010

Dear Sir,

First let me tell you I am a PLP supporter from a long way back, and as a white person I don't believe as Colonel Burch believes, in "white privilege" or that I am an owner of the "Plantation". Mr. Editor, I am a resident of this "Plantation", and the people running this country are spending money we don't have. The PLP government must stop spending money and sell some assets to pay off our Country's debt. Again, I am calling for a balanced budget amendment and public debt to be paid down to zero in ten years! After that, Mr. Editor, we should have a law that forbids any foreigner to own Bermuda debt and reintroduce the 60/40 rule for Bermuda ownership in all sectors. The present PLP government has lived off the UBP fat from the past decade. We are not paying our own way by Bermudian self-sufficiency and sustainability. We get our taxes from foreigners, it is they who have carried this country's financial burden. Our Cabinet is highly paid ( it's close to $20 million over a ten year period) and engages with lots of management with little leadership. Stop the financial mismanagement of the "Plantation" and put Bermudian qualified and professional people in charge.

CHARLES SPANSWICK

City of Hamilton

What good does it do?

November 15, 2010

Dear Sir,

In The Royal Gazette's story on November 11, "Premier unveils team", it was reported: "Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess' Ministry changes from Works and Engineering to Public Works, but his duties remain the same."

I ask what just this one small change in Government has cost Bermuda? Just think of the stationery, lists, signs and all the related expenses, to say nothing of the logos on trucks and other equipment. What good does it do Bermuda? Does the change in name make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside; more confident in the efficiency of that department, whatever its name is?

"Meanwhile Ms Cox — who has pledged to tighten controls on spending, contracts and project management — will take charge of issues previously handled by Works and Engineering through a new Procurement Office."

Is this how she tightens controls on spending? Gee, I wonder about the big ticket items?

UN-COMMON SENSE

St. David's

Thank you, artists

November 16, 2010

Dear Sir,

Please allow me a moment to express my gratitude to the talented artists featured in Bermuda National Gallery's 2010 Bacardi Limited Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Bermuda Art. It's a mouthful of an exhibition title; indeed, it's an equally fulfilling experience too. And one that will never be seen again after November 26, 2010, at 4pm.

Twenty artists make it happen, and they are: Meredith Andrews, John Battersbee, Louisa Bermingham Flannery, William Collieson, James Cooper, Graham C. Foster, John A. Gardner, Charlie Godet Thomas, Katherine Harriott, Scott Hill, Antoine A.R. Hunt, N. Christina Hutchings, Sunell Lombard, Ian Macdonald-Smith, Bill Ming, Kevin Morris, Bryan Ritchie, Alan C. Smith, Michael Walsh, and Charles Zuill. Please may I encourage readers to make the visit to the BNG on the second level in City Hall. Admission and enrichment are free for all. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the talents of our local artists!

LISA HOWIE

Director

Bermuda National Gallery