LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
27 June 2009
Dear Sir,
I refer to the article in yesterday’s (june 26) The Royal Gazette “London Times says US lobbyist firm first proposed Uighur asylum to Govt.” by Clare O’Connor.
Ms. O’Connor refers to Art Collins as a “prominent black lobbyist.” Mr. Collins race is immaterial, he is a prominent lobbyist.
I suggest that The Royal Gazette omit race when writing articles, identifying race in news articles generally has no effect on the story and only serves to perpetuate myths and stereotypes.
KATHY HARRIOTT
Flatts
June 27, 2009
Dear Sir,
I refer to Dr Hodgson’s letter today asking why people are so furious when she tells it like it was, is and, presumably, will ever be. She wants an answer and, although I speak only for myself, I think I am probably speaking for others.
First, I don’t really think anyone is actually ‘furious’. That may make her feel better but I think ‘sick and tired’ might be a more apt description.
Second, she has been saying the same thing, over and over and over and over...for more years than I can remember. After a while I feel like saying ‘OK. I get the drift and I even see your point. Next...’.
Third, she has never in all the years that I have read her bleatings suggested a way to move forward. She tells us all about the past. She tells us what it all means. She tells us why the white population is virtually totally accountable for all the difficulties that blacks encounter. But she never moves on....Eva, we’re not ‘furious’ ...just getting tired of the echo.
And this may be an appropriate time to raise another topic. That of the demand for an “apology” by Wayne Furbert, the House of Assembly, and others.
You might not be able to guess it, but I am white! And I think no-one has fully explained what ‘they’ mean by ‘an apology”. Well, I’m pretty sure I figured it out because my mate Wayne said I did. This apology thing is not an admission that the apologiser has done anything wrong or committed a crime against black people. All that blacks are looking for is an apology from whites who, by doing so, are acknowledging that wrongs were committed in the past, by whites against blacks, and that they (the whites) understand and accept that blacks need that fact to be acknowledged.
Now I am white, but I have been around long enough and know the facts well enough to tell you that privileged whites did discriminate against blacks in Bermuda and lots of other places. An apology may not be the way whites from a European culture would want to deal with such a subject but c’est la vie...if it helps, just do it...
POLLY
Southampton
June 27, 2009
Dear Sir,
While I do understand this is a challenging time for the printed press in Bermuda, I would like to take issue with your Editorial of June 27.
Yes it is your prerogative, indeed the expected role of an Editor to give an opinion on current events, however I believe you play into the very hands of those individuals in Government who seek to muzzle the free press, when you go beyond opinion, and proscribe the signing of a Petition to Nr. 10 Downing Street.
You state Bermudians have been ‘encouraged’ ….to sign a petition to British Prime Minister asking him to remove (the Premier), and that this is ‘an utterly foolish approach that threatens to set the Island back decades’.
Fair enough, this is your opinion, however you proceed (and with this I take issue) ‘Those who have signed already should disavow their signatures while those considering signing should reject the notion’.
I think we all know we are a self-governing British Overseas Territory with the demonstrable exception of the Premier who (suffering simultaneously under delusions of oppression and grandeur) is quite clearly prepared to put Bermuda’s delicate balance and the ‘self-governing’ at risk….
But equally and quite unmistakably we no longer have it within our means to censure leaders who operate completely outside our constitutional law, unless of course we all sign up tomorrow as members of the PLP.
So what IS the point of having a constitution?
Bermudians of all complexions (although, the skin is definitely not responsible for cognitive brain function) feel deceived and abused by the reckless, secretive actions of this Premier. To me it is apparent, with the exception of perhaps Mr. Dale Butler, MPs of all stripes are far more interested in preserving their self-images and lifestyles, rather than actually serving their constituents and their country.
Constitution and status as a self-governing territory would have been better served had they marshalled the required integrity to stop the Premier in his tracks NOW, and correct the abuse of our tiny Bermuda, and all who regard her as home.
I was not forced or even encouraged to sign the petition to Downing Street. Neither am I foolish. Nor do I believe anyone else of the 1,024 who have signed is ‘fullish’. Someone drew it to my attention as an option, and when I reflected on the idea, it seemed appropriate. As most of us know, and are rather relieved to know — except the US Consul — matters involving internal security and foreign policy come under British control, so let us go straight to the highest constitutional instance, and stop messing around like the Government MPs, who clearly are not mature enough to restore our confidence in Government, by leading us out of their man’s mess.
This Government pays absolutely no heed to, indeed is contemptuous of petitions, which do not support their agenda, so we might as well go straight to the top, and not embarrass the Governor, who is clearly in rather a sticky mess.
CENTER>THIRD TURTLE INN
St. David’s
June 29, 2009
Dear Sir
With all due respect to Khalid Wasi and virtually none for anything that Wayne Furbert has to say, I beg to differ with their extremely tick-the-box and old fashioned views on a third political organisation. And to Wayne Ball Jr., if he wants to be the one to lead the process, or to anyone who does, I remind them of the great words in a movie “If you build it, they will come...”.
There is no way under Heaven that Khalid Wasi is going to get anyone excited over a new party. End of story. Next.
There is almost no way that any current backbencher on either side is going to be the backbone of anything new. If we are going to see a new political organisation it will need strength and a backbone. You tell me where that exists on the back benches (OK, maybe Dale....). The PLP is a bunch of gutless wonders. Wayne and Darius go wherever the wind blows. The UBP is either full of old guard, old ideas or old people.
And anyone who thinks a well thought out NEW political organisation will be the ‘third’ party or the Opposition for long is a dreamer. With the PLP and the UBP of today, if you are going to step up, be prepared to be the Government in pretty short order.
HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL
Southampton
June 1, 2009
Dear Sir,
Thanks again for this opportunity to share my thoughts with the many readers of your fine media. I read in The Royal Gazette the questions Mr. Dunkley asked Mr. Marc Bean. Of course he could not answer because I do not think the Premier knows the answer. In the Book of Proverbs 19:20 reads “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” Unfortunately, this was not the case with the leader of this country who seems to have his own unwritten agenda and it is said that “He who fails to plan, plans to fail”.
So is it any wonder why Mr. Bean cannot answer when the leader has not planned? He cannot share that which he himself has not clearly thought through. In the Book of Luke 14:28 reads “For which of you intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it . . .”So you see it is planning that brings about a great finish, not just jumping feet first and not even checking the depth of the water. Quite frankly, we the people do not care how many degrees a person has, but express your concern for the people you are leading.
This project at Port Royal is going to cost in my estimation somewhere in the region of at least $30 to $35 million. Of course I do not have a diploma from any college or university, but my mother did tell me at an early age that common sense will always override. Or as we say in church, it is not how high you jump, but how straight you walk when you land on your two feet. Our leader is not walking too straight and I think if this was the case on a ship, there would be a mutiny.
The good thing about a leader is that he will do some good things, but be careful for in the Book of Colossians 2:8 reads “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of en, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ”. In chapter 3:9 reads “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds”. And verse 10 reads “and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him”. Now if those that took office as Parliamentarians have put off the old man the fruit of their good work should be unquestionable. Instead every week there is some questions about the leadership of the Premier and if his house was in order there would be praise instead of questions.
At this time we the people have got to get together and become a unified body to support a government that has the concerns of the people at heart. And yes why not an open book on the spending of our tax dollars after all why are we not privy to this information. I truly believe that if this information was made available to the people we would be supportive of government projects. What we do not need is what we have — a group of high paid soldiers marching because of the wage that they are being paid. Then we have a leader who is wearing too many hats and in the Book of Luke 16:13 reads “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and mammon”. So who is the leader serving at this time with all of these hats? In the Book of Philippians 2:3-4 reads, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself”. Verse four reads “Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others”.
If the leader of this country whoever it may be, applied these Biblical principles to the governing of this country there would be less bickering. IF there were any questions arising rather confrontations the leader would only have to present the Bible. One would think that since a prayer is said before business starts the members would govern themselves accordingly. But since it is just a formality then we can see why the country is in such disarray from top to bottom.
People of Bermuda the power is still in the “x” so make it an election sure and get to know who the people are that you are voting for. Let us take a look at the Book of Proverbs 13:10-11: “Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice”, verse 11, “Wealth obtained by fraud will dwindle, but whoever earns it through labour will multiply it”. Of course many of us may not want to believe the truth, but one thing is for sure the truth will set you FREE. Lies will catch up with you and one cannot run from the truth even though one may try. God said in His Word in the Book of Joshua and speaking to the new leader of the Israelites: “No man shall be able to stand before all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you”. God said it, I believe it — now how about you?
A E WENDELL (SCOPSIE) HASSELL
Sandy
June 28, 2009
Dear Sir,
The handling of the Uighurs has asked a lot of questions, but has not revealed many answers. Perhaps there is something that maybe the Premier does not want us to know. So far we have not been informed of what benefits the bringing of the detainees has been to Bermuda as a whole. Listening to many people’s opinions on this matter seems to suggest that everyone is in a state of confusion. There is one thing, however, that is abundantly clear, the Premier tends to do things his way without much consultation to the people that matter, us the voting, tax-paying public.
It still stands out in my mind how, when there was a challenge for leadership between Dr. Ewart Brown and Mr. Alex Scott, the former stated that he would disappear or words to that effect, if he lost. Thinking on this, it suggests to me that Dr. Brown, if losing, would have abandoned serving the people of the Progressive Labour Party. This could be viewed as being a selfish act and suggests that he doesn’t really have the party’s interest at heart. It probably would have been better if he had said, ‘If in fact I lose the leadership challenge, I would still stay around and help the party in its future endeavours to serve the people of Bermuda.’
Mr. Dale Butler on the other hand, did not want to damage his party the PLP, and therefore on the Vote of No Confidence, opposed the motion but after having helped his party, he then resigned at what appears to be his disillusionment of Dr. Brown’s leadership.
Perhaps the PLP would gain strength from new leadership? Only time will tell.
EX PLP VOTER
Hamilton Parish
June 28, 2009
Dear Sir,
I really do wish that the Bermudian people would start listening and understand that the main issue is not the fact that the Uighurs are here in Bermuda. The main issue is the steps that the Premier took to bring them to the Island and the fact that he did it all on his own accord.
The joy of a democracy is that there is more than one person “in power” and each of the members of Parliament are there to check each other. In my opinion, Dr. Brown went against the Constitution and acted in a manner that only illustrated further his narcissistic attitude and the belief that he answers to no one.
There are two ways that the Premier could have interpreted the Bermuda Constitution — he could have taken this as an immigration issue (which is an area that is delegated to the GOVERNMENT of Bermuda) or he could have taken it as a foreign policy issue (which is delegated to the UK).
Ewart decided to take it as an immigration issue. But if he is going to take that stance then he should follow the precedent he has set. That being that a non-Bermudian person entering Bermuda must get a work permit.
And if he plans to give them some sort of ‘status’ so that they are not stateless, then he has to have the ability to do that. Since they have to be British (and even HE doesnt have the power to grant that) they cannot be Bermudian
Do I hear you say “these were exceptional circumstances”? Well because these exceptional circumstances do fall under a different category that cannot be handled under the standard and ordinary practice of the Bermudian Government when dealing with immigration issues — then we can argue that this is in fact a foreign policy issue. And what does the Bermuda Constitution say? That the UK Government handles foreign policy matters.
It’s quite simple. If you are going to make this as an immigration issue — then you need to be able to treat it the same as all other immigration applications. If not, then it is not an immigration issue and it is a foreign policy issue. But let’s be honest here — Dr. Brown simply read between the lines and CHOSE to make this an immigration issue. I think it’s pretty clear that this is a foreign policy issue.
Furthermore, how many times are we going to open the newspaper and see dollar signs with HUGE numbers next to them being paid out by the Government. Dr. Brown’s salary, the road works costs, this new lobbying firm, etc, etc. I mean seriously – it’s like this money just gets thrown about. When I see these numbers I just think where the hell does all this money come from and how in the hell is there any money left over?
The thing that scares me about the recent activities is that the members of the PLP party allowed Ewart Brown to stay in power after these actions, which will only lead him to consolidate his power over everyone. And what the heck does this man have on you guys? Some of you agree that he should be gone, but yet you all vote against the no confidence motion? You ousted Jennifer Smith and Alex Scott and they are Mary Poppins compared to Ewart Brown.
Bermudian people watch out – it is happening. He’s gotten away with this and while all of this has been going on have you seen the other headlines? Housing prices down 30 percent; the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George’s being abolished; Oh and what’s this I just hear? MORE gunshots?
I’m a 23-year-old Bermudian with my eyes wide open and I’m wondering if I want to live here after all....
BYE BYE PARADISE HELLO CUBA
Southampton
May 4, 2009
Dear Sir,
Re Cost of overseas trips tops $140,000 for five Ministers!
This present PLP government appears to spend taxpayers’ money, like there was no tomorrow! They seem to have carte blanche to do as they please, with no accountability for all these frequent and expensive trips! They are public servants, spending other people’s money ... They therefore must show accountability and transparency for all these expenditures! It’s “high time” the opposition UBP along with Mr. Richards and the Bermudian public started demanding some verifiable answers!
I’m sure most Bermudians are aware of what has just transpired in the British Houses of Parliament, regarding so-called “expenditures” etc. The British public had the “backbone” to demand transparency from their elected representatives ... Will Bermuda do the same, or will this charade of spending the “public purse” be allowed to continue unchecked, infinitely? There is a TV commercial, in which the announcer states ... “it’s your money, spend it when you want to” ... The PLP are obviously doing exactly that!
Also, on another note regarding your editorial ... drugs and corruption! I quote the following statement from Wayne Perinchief MP: “Consider the circumstances: The same individuals who are accused of running drugs who are actually apprehended with drugs in hand and charged with possession of drugs, they then fall off the radar screen, they have never been indicted.
“What conclusion can we come to? These individuals are known by name. Subsequently the same individuals are attacked.
“We know who they are, I know who they are. I am not afraid to say who they are at the appropriate time and to the appropriate people.
“If it is time for a Commission of Inquiry as to how our Police, customs and prison service operates, then let it be so.”
If in fact what Mr. Perinchief has stated is true and verifiable ... then the Governor must act immediately! As the Queen’s representative, it is his responsibility to inform the British authorities, so they may take the appropriate action necessary, to eradicate any and all corruption on the Island!
I have said it before ... Bermuda needs professional help in many areas! You had better take it ASAP. before it is too late!
BRUCE MCCLARRON
Arizona
July 3, 2009
Dear Sir,
I am writing this letter to congratulate the Corporation of Hamilton on the completion of the beautiful new Wesley Park on the corner of Wesley and Church Streets.
While it is very pleasing to the eye and it seems what was intended was to brighten up a rather dreary corner of the parking lot it has, unfortunately, already become the new home for a certain group of men who, whether they are homeless or not, should not be allowed to remain there. There are already empty liquor bottles laying around, camouflaged in brown paper bags and burnt out cigarette butts on the ground.
My hope is that seating is NOT put in this park as it will only become a magnet for the mischievous and this does not leave a wonderful lasting impression on anyone, especially for tourists.
Another concern that I have is that the position of the walk and railings on the Wesley Street side. To actually cross the Zebra crossing one has to step out onto the road as the wall has been built on either side of a lovely tree and blocks access to the crossing from directly in front of the sidewalk. It is rather difficult to explain without actually seeing it for oneself. I only hope that no one is injured at this junction as a result of such poor planning.
I would like to add one final note… I just took another walk to the Wesley Park at about 4.45 p.m. to admire the Chesley Trott sculpture and was happy to see that someone from the Corporation of Hamilton has cleaned up the empties and cleaned the cigarettes off the ground and the hang-abouts are not there, for now. I imagine that they will be back later this evening. Who knows! They might also bring along their own seating!
NOT FOR THE PIGEONS
Hamilton
