Yourselves, the UBP, the NLP, and a classmate of Bill Shoaf, seem to be his only defenders. This is not about a witch-hunt, conspiracy, or any other clandestine manner of behaviour. This is about accountability. Some Elbow Beach managers have claimed that Mr. Shoaf made a racist remark in front of them. Why would they fabricate such a serious claim? Why haven't other Elbow Beach employees defended him? Who in The Royal Gazette , UBP, or NLP interviewed these managers? If Mr. Shoaf was black, and he made a racist remark about white people, would he be so defended? The Bermuda Government is sending the correct signal...you will be held accountable for racist remarks/actions.

The Elbow Beach decision-markers certainly made the correct decision. They have a corporate and social responsibility to act in a socially acceptable, morally correct manner.

CLEAR AS DAY Sandys Parish Editor's Note: The Royal Gazette did interview the Elbow Beach Manager. A spokesman's comments were published in The Royal Gazette on May 26.

Too good for Bermuda May 26, 1999 Dear Sir, Quote in today's Royal Gazette -- Wednesday, May 26 -- "It was never an intention to get Mr. Bill Shoaf fired'' Elbow Beach middle manager.

What a freudian slip! He was not fired, he resigned, although one suspects that that is exactly what middle management wanted; some at least. Like all efficient organised people, they are a threat to the disorganised and incompetent -- remember Mr. Coxall? Even if he did say what he denies saying, what is so wrong with that? We all eat chicken, what has happened to free speech? I can stand in Hyde Park Corner and say all the rotten things I might think about the Queen! I could say those Scots, they have Haggis stinking the place up wherever they go -- so what? No one addresses the hospitality that was extended to the Mayors conferences, because Mr. Shoaf came to the rescue when no other venue could be found. No one seems to remember that there was a display set up in the Hotel lobby without permission. Mr. Shoaf was entitled to be offended, and even perhaps to say what has been stated he did say -- two offences here, why was it blown out of all proportion? Perhaps that has already been answered.

I wish I could sign my name -- I have never written a letter to the Editor without signing my name, but do I want my children harassed? Do I want death threats? I think not.

Is this what the Island has come to? Is this what I might experience if I sign my name? Persecution and intolerance? For anyone who holds the opposite view? How sad. How sad that all right-thinking people feel that a man, who only wanted the highest standards for a potential five star Hotel, who has the top credentials, experience and expertise to achieve that, has been forced to leave the Island (not for himself) but to protect his family from further abuse.

A racist -- never -- a man, I hesitate to say it (as I love Bermuda), who was too good, too big for this small little Island! History repeats itself -- Is this racism in reverse? OMINOUS Paget Hotel rose above it May 21, 1999 Dear Sir, We arrived at Elbow Beach the day the article in The Gazette appeared regarding the death threats to Mr. Shoaf and family. Needless to say: No one should EVER be subject to this! In response, I am simply writing to thank personally each and every employee of Elbow Beach who has provided nothing but the most delightful and friendly hospitality throughout our stay here in spite of what is a critical and difficult time for this hotel and perhaps, for Bermuda, even the multi-racial societies of the world, if you will stretch to view the difficulties we are facing as a large picture.

In brief, thank you, again, to the lovely people who work at Elbow Beach for rising above the moral lag which the Euro-American nations are embroiled in.

Bermudian hospitality is as beautiful, natural and richly diverse as the flowering plants that grow here. I wish you all success in continuing this tradition of gracious-kindness. There is much to be learned here in Bermuda.

MAY McNEAL SHAPIRO Leverett, Massachusetts