September 28, 2005

Dear Sir,

What does Independence for Bermuda mean to you? I?m not 100 percent sure what it means to me. (I have heard reasons why we should become independent, and know that a questionable report has been submitted for consideration). Possibly?

Sufficient income for comfortable self-support; a competence.

Freedom from control or influence of another or others.

I have concerns. Many concerns. Here are a few.

1) Impact on the Bermuda Dollar. Currently we are on par with the US dollar. Traditionally when a colony becomes independent, their dollar greatly devalues. This will negatively impact our (infamous) ability to travel overseas. The standard of living will also be impacted, as it would take more dollars to pay for the same basket of goods. What about retirement savings/funds? I don?t plan on working forever.

2) Visa Problems. Will we still enjoy the freedom to travel? Or will we be subjected to exhaustive and stringent visa requirements? Jamaican?s have it rough!

3) What?s an example of a prosperous, independent former colony? By prosperous, I mean being viewed (or rated) by the world in the same high regard as when they were a colony - not by a modified set of sub-standards.

4) UK Passports. There is no way we will be allowed to keep the UK passports. Currently this allows for increased, hassle-free travel, in addition to the other fantastic benefits. (I no longer use my Bermuda passport).

5) National Unity. We tend to model ourselves after the United States in terms of lifestyle choices, etc. We are a materialistic people. We tend to live beyond our means and often want to be to have more than our neighbour. We have a host of social issues to resolve which have nothing to do with being a colony. For example:

The Queen is not responsible for the increase in single-parent households.

Gangs are not being formed because we are a colony. Also (black) males will not tell you that they feel disenfranchised because we are under British rule.

The housing problem is not caused, and perpetuated, by the UK.

The increase in violence is not due to those limeys*****!

Students are not performing well in school because they feel oppressed by the British.

Having a national song and flag will not unite us.

6) Individual Prosperity. Many thought that with electing the PLP into power, the ?good life? would finally come to be for the ?have-nots?. Since this did not materialise, is the answer to shift focus to independence and state that the Promised Land will NOW be achieved if we separate from the UK? What happened to accountability for not keeping promises? Commitments to building houses and schools are not being met! Extrapolate this to running a country. A country with no independent means of supporting itself without external imports.

NB. I don?t believe that either political party has the tools, maturity, selflessness or experience to run an independent Bermuda. Run it into the ground perhaps, but not ?capitalise on a solid record of economic progress and development?.

7) Overseas Education. Currently through our connection with the UK, university students can work overseas after successful completion of their studies. Will this practice continue post-independence?

8) Income Tax. Well ? you fill in the blanks.

9) International Business. This is our bread and butter. Tourism is weak. The question is will the world ? not us ? perceive that an independent Bermuda will continue to remain a stable, viable country? Will the United States finally get their wish to heavily penalise those businesses that dare to set up shop here? The fact that proponents of independence wish to minimise (or ignore) the world?s perception that the UK provides a stabilising influence on Bermuda is both foolish and scary. Notice the word ?perception?. We, in reality, operate somewhat autonomously. However, the international business community is not wholly aware of this fact, as they perceive our stability as a consequence of being part of the UK.

So, back to my original question: ?What does independence for Bermuda mean to you?? What real, tangible impact does being a colony have upon your life? Conduct your own research by reading up on those former colonies that became independent. How wise was their decision? Did they prosper or weaken? Separate yourself from the rhetoric. Don?t be mislead by snappy slogans and inaccurate reports tailored to persuade the majority to fulfil the agenda of the egocentric, power-seeking few. Free yourself from mental slavery. ?The man? is not the only one capable gross manipulation.

WHAT DOES INDEPENDENCE MEAN TO YOU?

Sandys Parish

September 20, 2005

Dear Sir,

I suppose we could all stand around like startled chickens talking about the infamous Scott e-mail, but lets not. Its not anything we don?t already know about each other. Bermudians live in little bubbles ? their little social groups ? just like Mr. Scott. From out of your bubble flows all virtue. The people in all the other bubbles are capable of any sin ? eating babies alive to leaving the toilet seat up ? they don?t see the difference. And it doesn?t matter cause come Judgment Day, it?s them that?s going downstairs. And besides ? we don?t like them ? the other bubble people. They smell bad and don?t work hard and have no morals and so on.

The Premier is just like the rest of us. He?s got his bubble worked out and he doesn?t like the other people. We deserve him. He deserves us. You could say it?s like this all over the world. But if you talk to expats, they will say that isn?t true. Bermudians really do the bubble thing. You can get out of a bubble. You can divorce out of it , get fired out of it, you can stop drinking your way out of it, but it?s very hard to get in. Which is why people don?t mess with their bubble, they defend it, strengthen it, work in it, drink in it, marry in it, cheat in it and think in bubble thoughts. That?s why bubbles are strong. Fear.

Yes, racism is a big cause of Bermuda Bubbles. But racism just got us in the habit. Now we do it for everything. You can be a lawyer, a Christian, a diver, a bisexual. They all have their bubbles.

Premier?s got his. What?s yours?

JOHN ZUILL

Pembroke

September 27, 2005

Dear Sir,

It was once again the privilege and pleasure of the Bermuda SPCA to host a special day for the community, humans and animals alike ? a day where where relaxation, entertainment and fun prevailed, amidst the theme of animal awareness.

Animal Expo 2005 was a wonderful success and it is with heartfelt gratitude that I write on behalf of the Committee of Management and Staff of the SPCA to acknowledge the support of those who attended this past Saturday and to those who helped make this day possible.

Ring events were awesome with the addition this year of a horse and pony gymkhana along with a dressage demonstration, providing great entertainment. The various dog clubs also participated and, as always, were a hit with the crowd. Many had never before witnessed agility events, whippet racing and the ?dancing dog?, amongst the numerous other interesting classes and demonstrations.

A regular highlight for us is the SPCA Dog Parade, a fun competition with SPCA alumnae as entrants. It is heartwarming for those of us affiliated with the SPCA as we see, firsthand, our adopted animals loved by their owners, providing affirmation of of the things that we do - find loving homes for deserving animals. Our thanks go to the animal owners, not only for taking part in this class, but for providing great homes for these animals and for showing what joy can be experienced by spending time with animals.

Our sincere thanks go out to our faithful volunteers without whom we could not exist and to those new volunteers whom we welcome with open arms. Also, we recognise and thank the various animal groups for their wonderful addition to the Expo.

And lastly, we extend our appreciation to the Parks Department and the Ministry of the Environment for the loan of their beautiful grounds for the purpose of providing a day of community and animal awareness. It is so evident that Bermuda needs more days like this and we applaud the recognition of the Ministry of this, by allowing the Botanical Gardens to be a place for Bermuda and its community to enjoy.

Expo 2005 was truly a wonderful, fulfilling day for us and it certainly seemed to be enjoyed by all. Thanks, Bermuda, for your support. Your participation and generosity has assisted us in ?speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves?.

HEATHER KROMER

President

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals