Which one would win?

March 16, 2009

Dear Sir,

Two advertising agencies are pitching to advertise tourism in the United States for the island of Erehwon.

Agency A says: "Our work with Erehwon is a testament to the vision of the Premier and our desire to be part of a country that has a majority of white citizens and a white government."

Sounds like it was written by the advertising agency for the Ku Klux Klan?

Agency B says: "Our work with Erehwon is based on our desire to be associated with a premier tourism destination that has a multicultural flavour and the most beautiful pink beaches in the world."

Not hard to decide which agency would win the contract.

A BORDER

Warwick

Speed governors

March 25, 2009

Dear Sir,

I write as we now record the third fatality of the year. For the next week, there will be the same wringing of hands, the same sadness in families affected, the same platitudes from those whose job it is to help correct the problem. And then, for those not affected, life will go on. It is an accepted fact that speed is the principal cause of the problem. Even with our modest speed limit of 35 kph, there are still roads and circumstances where even this is too fast. However, the chance of surviving a crash or a fall at 35 kph or less is much better than at twice that speed, which is all too common on our roads.

My question to the powers that be is simple. Why can't we have all vehicles fitted with speed regulating devices? They are readily available and are in use in many countries. If such a device is factory-fitted, or compulsorily retrofitted before the vehicle is allowed on Bermuda's roads, the cost would not be great. When discussing this with friends, their first comment is that it would be a political "hot Potato", so no government would touch it. The second comment heard is that the Bermuda psyche wouldn't accept such limitations. To me, both answers are non-starters. It would only require a simple amendment to the Motor Car Act and the Construction and Use Act, and that would be that. To me, it smacks of good leadership. We have a choice to make. Another ten grieving families this year and next, or do something about it.

JEFF PAYNE

City of Hamilton

Mail time blues

March 22, 2009

Dear Sir,

I feel a bit sorry for the Post Office regarding delivery delays, especially from overseas, though of course the fault lies in the initial coding system of decades ago. The obvious dawned on me today when a UK relative explained to me the probable reason for his Christmas card being missent to Sierra Leone and me receiving it two weeks ago. Last year another letter to me found its way to Azerbaijan! Still, missent mail can't be a common occurrence, but it shouldn't happen at all. And mail from Europe shouldn't take three weeks average to reach Bermuda.

My relative told me in Europe at least, the automated system only recognises the zip code. HMAX, CRBX etc can mean nothing to any country other than ours. And I do recall there was some protest at the time of implementing this repetitive code system, albeit too late. Fast-forward to now, with our post office warning us to get our local addresses straight as they are not looking at names either, and it's high time we devised a better system reflecting a Bermuda country code followed by parish numbers or letters. This could be an additional placement after the word Bermuda, thereby not changing our internal code system. It would hasten the initial sorting process at the P.O. airport facility too.

PAMELA H. WILLCOCKS

Smith's parish

A card of thanks

March 20, 2009

Dear Sir,

To Bermuda: Thank you for your many greetings and congratulations as I celebrated my 70th birthday and retirement from the First Church of God Nursery. It was September 21, 1981 when the nursery opened with Dr. Muriel Smith as Director, and myself as the Assistant Director. I assumed the position of Director in February, 1982. What a wonderful and blessed experience getting to know and to teach Bermuda's most valued commodity "The Children". Every day was not hugs and kisses and some were a bit rough, however I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with and beside the Bishop. With gratitude,

ELDER RUTH ANNE LAMBE

Director