September 5, 2006

Dear Mr. Payling,

I refer to your letter to the Editor of and would like to clarify the following points that you raised, some of which were in response to incorrectly reported statements attributed to me.

The quote "it almost makes you wonder, etc." was not my comment, it was a comment attributed to an ex-inmate in an article that appeared in .

The intention of my letter of August 7 was not to criticise the Education Coordinator, for whom I have the greatest respect, but to assure members of the community, who generously supported the Literacy Research Project, that the Reading Clinic has not chosen to discontinue services for inmates.

I am well aware that the Education Coordinator recommends individuals to the programme. The reference to inmates "signing-up" for the "Fresh Start" programme was erroneously reported in an article written by a summer student journalist who interviewed me. This should have read "half of the inmates signed up to take part in the Literacy Research Project conducted in 1998."

You referred to the cost of the Fresh Start programme as "not being inexpensive". The quality control standards for the "Fresh Start" parent programme require two co-trainers, ideally one male and one female, at each of the 14 two-hour sessions. An additional 24 hours is required for supervision, administration, preparation of materials, report writing and evaluation. This amounts to a total of 80 hours of $2,710 or approximately $3.40 per hour/per inmate if the maximum of ten attend.

Over a three-year period the Reading Clinic conducted the Literacy Research Project, an International Conference ("The Many Faces of Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Disorder") and training workshops for the "Fresh Start" programme. These initiatives were carried out at no cost to the Correctional Facilities. To fund these events approximately $100,000 was donated by members of the community, in addition to the any pro bono hours donated by professionals. because members of the community supported this project I believe it is important to keep them informed of the facts and I am therefore copying this letter to the Editor of .

It is good news indeed to know that 12 of the 20 men enrolled in the GED programme obtained their certificates. However, there must be many inmates who lack the literacy skills to even attempt the GED, a large percentage of whom have learning disabilities and/or an attention deficit. The Reading Clinic remains committed to finding ways to address the specific learning needs of this group.

Dear Sir,

A recent broadcast on the local TV news should give rise to intelligent discussion on educational standards in Bermuda. The particular news item outlined a programme now provided at the Bermuda College which offered a university preparatory programme to students who held a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications. Unfortunately, there was a clear implication that some private schools were forcing students to remain at school for two years beyond GCSE, and not allowing them to graduate.

In Bermuda, the current educational structure, both public and private, provides for 13 years of school. In the public system, this involves four years at the Senior School Level S1 - S4. At BHS, and in some other private schools, there is a similar structure, but the educational programme is quite different. Thirteen years is required in public school and 13 years in private school, the difference is in the content of programme, not the length of the programme. To suggest that private school students are held hostage is ludicrous.

At BHS, GCSE examinations are completed in Year 11 (S2) followed by the two years of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (S3 and S4). In fact, in the last two years at BHS, students are challenged to meet and exceed world standards in education. BHS is proud to have pioneered the International Baccalaureate Diploma, bringing a new level of excellence that is widely recognised as the premier educational programme for university entrance.

Until 2002 we offered GCSE/IGCSE examinations at the end of Year 12. Our students graduated from BHS and attended other schools for one year before going to university. Since 2002, the GCSE/IGCSE programme has been offered in the first two years of high school (Year 10 and 11, S1 and S2), followed by the IB Diploma or IB Certificate programme in the last two years of high school (S3, S4).

Students graduate from BHS straight to university from our IB Programme with a BHS Graduation Diploma and an IB Diploma. They are admitted to the best universities in the United Kingdom, Canada or the USA, after 13 years of school. In fact, due to the quality of the IB programme, many are offered university credit.

Since then, two other private schools in Bermuda have followed a similar pattern, with students completing GCSE/IGCSE in Year 11(S2), to be followed by a two year programme leading to university entrance through the IB Diploma or Advanced Placement programme.

The GCSE/IGCSE programme is designed basically for 16 year olds, with the intention that it is to be followed by a further two years of study, leading to university entrance. The GCSE/IGCSE is, in fact, equivalent to the sophomore year in a USA high school or in Grade 10 in most high schools in Canada. In the UK, the GCSE is usually followed by the Sixth and Upper Sixth Form for "A or A/S" levels.

In today's world, it is important to raise educational standards to ensure that Bermudian children are offered world class programmes, taken at age appropriate levels. The initiative of private schools to raise the bar and improve educational opportunities so that students educated in Bermuda may meet and exceed world standards should be lauded, and seen as an asset to the community. All this is done within 13 years of schooling, without extending the length of the programme. Improving the quality and raising the standards is a goal which has been accomplished at BHS.

September 7, 2006

Dear Sir,

Surely no one disputes the need to provide acute care at our hospital for the very ill. To keep up to date we will always need to add improved equipment and special facilities. Yet many who spend time in our hospital need simple rest and nursing care to heal.

Sustainable development would surely suggest we recycle the original old KEMH building site to provide a new purpose built special care until next to our present facility. There are many years of sound structural life left in our present hospital, constant minor upgrades and maintenance will make it quite suitable for a broad range of the more straight forward needs. Even a brand new facility will require upgrades.

The above approach will save hundreds of millions of dollars, be quicker to get on line and will preserve our beautiful Botanical Gardens. We can operate a few more air ambulances to deal with very serious illness using the many wonderful options that exist on the US east coast.

Consultants will always suggest that a total new facility is the best answer by far and it is no doubt more lucrative for them. As a taxpayer with some experience in these matters I see it from a different perspective. Let's see some costing on these options and share the results with public who will have to fund it.

September 12, 2006

Dear Sir,

I am writing on behalf of my son who is three years old and all future generations of Bermudians to implore you and our leaders to rethink building the new hospital on the Botanical Gardens or any other precious open space that is zoned as protected land. I understand that this decision is not an easy one as we have so little land in Bermuda left and that this development is important for all Bermudians, but if we allow this building on protected land now, what is to stop other protected open space from being used for an "important" development in the future?

I am shocked by the attitude of Senator Burch and Minister Patrice Minors. "Get over It". Is that what one says to Bermudians who are concerned about the future? You are Ministers because we the people voted for you. We should be telling some of you to "get over yourselves" and stop being so self serving, but most of us won't stoop that low and show such a lack of respect.

It isn't just land that we are losing. Over development will eventually effect our health and the health of our children. Over development means overpopulation. We can barely handle the amount of people we have now. We can't handle the amount of cars. Is the Government going to start enforcing emission controls and other environmental safeguards for the health of Bermudians? It's not just a bunch of crazy tree huggers who want a little thought and restraint when it comes to development. It is common sense. When you take away land you don't get it back.

Last night I went to an art opening at the Masterworks gallery. All of the children were running around in front of Camden laughing and playing. They all go to different schools, Elliot, Saltus, the Bermuda Institute to name a few. They were free and happy and I couldn't help but think how we take open space for granted. It simply makes us feel better to be outside without buildings and concrete surrounding us.

I realise that there is no easy solution but I can't believe there isn't a more creative solution. Bermuda has so many talented architects and designers. Can't we look at the old hospital site and think about renovating in stages? Please rethink this project. The Government is setting a very bad precedent choosing to build on protected land. Not to mention the Botanical Gardens is used all of the time by Bermudians.

September 19, 2006

Dear Sir,

Minister and Senator David Burch's swipe at SKB regarding the leaky roof at Berkeley is yet another attempt by this Government to hide the facts.

I recall debating this issue in Parliament during the 1998-2003 first term of the PLP Government. Many of us in the UBP raised concerns about the construction of the roof at Berkeley. Why would the Government choose SKB construction material to build the roof, but then allow alternative installation of the roofing system which would obviously void the warranty? It made no sense back then and it makes no sense now. And now we have a leaky roof at Berkeley.

The Minister says that the new roof is presently under warranty. Perhaps the Minister should tell us who provided the warranty and for how long it is available. Has the installer been able to obtain warranty insurance to support the warranty? What are the full details of such warranty?

It appeared to us researching this issue back then that cost cutting was being implemented on the project as it began to spiral out of control and over budget. The end result of course is that the school was three years late in delivery and over budget by more than $50 million and now has a leaky roof.

Rather than accept responsibilities for errors done back then, Sen. Burch is trying to duck and weave his way through this Berkeley farce because he knows very well how embarrassing this project has been for the PLP administration.

But he really should take comfort in knowing that those in the hot seat who never accept responsibilities or acknowledge their mistakes do indeed survive.

After all, the Minister in charge back when the Berkeley mess was unfolding was none other than present Premier Alex Scott, who throughout his tenure as Works & Engineering Minister claimed that Berkeley would be on time and on budget! It appears from Sen. Burch's ranting he may be on the same path as his predecessor. God help us.

September 13, 2006

Dear Sir,

I am writing in response to the article regarding the needed $164 million required for the proposed Fine Arts Centre at the Bermuda College. I'm sure that Dr. Green is a man of integrity with genuine concern for the advancement of education, and the college board certainly must consist of some conscience among its intellect. I am surprised that no one at the Rotary lunch regurgitated due to acid reflux, often bought about by an inability to cope with skewed and twisted vernacular often accepted by us pressed ignorant people.

The cost of facilities in Bermuda nowadays is elevated in direct proportion to the egos of those in positions of authority.

I agree that the College is in need of funding in order to upgrade facilities insofar as maintenance is concerned, and that a state of the art facility for Fine Arts with a fabulous stage fit for any Vegas show, seating for 2,500 to 2,500, and a waterfall in the grand atrium with enough power to alleviate Belco in a time of crisis.

Oh, sorry, I too get delusional at times. We better heed the call of our collective discernment, those of us with some morsel of conscience left. We can live with some sense of normalcy if we had a facility of modest proportions, even by Bermy standards.

Let's need not for exorbitant facilities, but instead ? need for the best faculty, syllabus, and programmes, geared towards our people. I would venture to be commissioned for the first painting in the Fine Arts Centre if it stays its present course entitled; "What's wrong with this picture?"

September 19, 2006

Dear Sirs:

Your practices are preventing your own constituents (assuming the dentists of Bermuda are represented by you) from giving due care and attention to their patients. Local dentists appear to unable to provide patients with needed appointments in a timely fashion, which is often important in maintaining dental health.

I grew up in an era where little thought was given to nutrition in reference to health and the health of the teeth in particular and dental hygiene and care were minimal. Since I have been an adult, I have attempted to care for my health and my teeth as best I can, but your association is making it difficult for people to obtain regular prophylactic and other dental care by not allowing sufficient dentists to practice in Bermuda.

I am 76 years old and I do not have time to wait for various Bermudian students to complete their dental studies and return to Bermuda to set up shop at some indefinite time in the future, which is not guaranteed. My teeth need care now. I am sure there are many others younger than I who would also appreciate being able to care for their teeth now.

SKIPPER INGHAM

City of Hamilton

September 15, 2006

Dear Sir,

It never ceases to amaze me when people are determined to promote their brand of hatred and intolerance by attributing it to God. "You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."

I have no doubt I could visit 20 different churches and come away with 20 different interpretations of 'God's word', many of them diametrically opposed. So who's right? You can take whatever message you want out of the Bible. The sad thing is, people frequently do.

PAT BROWN

City of Hamilton