December 19, 2001

Dear Sir,

I am writing regarding the $1.4 million of fines which have not been paid. Perhaps we should also add all of the other amounts due such as the outstanding rents due to government, the delinquent child support payments etc.,

The simple solution is for Government to start to treat these people like one would treat a child, take away one of their "privileges", such as:

1) One is not able to renew their vehicle licence if the owner owes Government for any outstanding fines;

2) Drivers licences are not renewed if the individual owes Government any money;

3) Travelers are not allowed to leave Bermuda, unless all debts are paid in full including child support, and other debts;

4) Boats are not relicensed unless all back rent is paid as well as other debts due Government;

5) Passports are not renewed unless all debts are paid in full,

6) etc.,

As these are "privileges" there can not be any cry about Government taking away ones rights.

Recognising the capacity of the modern computer, once the master list is prepared showing full details of name, address, age, and amount due to each Government department, it can be updated from day to day or from week to week. Obviously if one pays his fine today, and goes to the TCD tomorrow, then the onus is on the individual to prove the debt has been paid in full, this could be by showing the official receipt for the full amount due.

These computers would be set up at such departments as the TCD, Airport, Ships departure terminals, Marine & Ports, etc.

The above policy would result in a number of individuals paying up the amounts due since they want their car license or wants to go overseas.

A REALIST

City of Hamilton

P.s. The letter writer who complained that there should be Automatic Tellers at the Magistrates' Court is way off base. If the individual had paid his fine when it was levied, either by cheque, or had gone to any one of the Automatic Tellers close by, then the person would not have been pulled in because he was a delinquent debtor!