April 13, 2014

Dear Sir,

I must go on record as firmly opposed to the decision to deny the Middleton Project Production Crew a work permit to pursue their project in Bermuda. The news of this ill considered course of action has already made Bermuda look both foolish, repressive and afraid of the truth, to a global audience. I encourage the minister responsible (assuming he acted alone) to reverse his decision immediately, and show that Bermudians (at least non-government employees) are not afraid of the truth, even when it concerns mistakes we have made in the past. Grow up, accept responsibility for mistakes and move forward.

Failing that, I encourage every local media professional in Bermuda to reach out and offer their services on the ground here in Bermuda to the Project Production Organization in question. Censorship and curtailment of freedom of speech must be opposed whenever it shows its ugly head. The alternative? “We lied to you because we had to!” Anyone remember that one from a past politician?

RICHARD HAWKE