January 14, 2001

Dear Sir,

One cannot help feeling the excitement that Sir John Swan generates when reading his futuristic ideas for the City of Hamilton.

Now is the time to plan such a venture, a chance we will not get later if we stand still, so let us place now and do it now.

The Monte Carlo concept for Bermuda is brilliant (if we are not to fade away - as some mis-conceive - somewhere in the Caribbean!) Bermuda becoming the Lloyd's of London why not? Bermuda has it all right here if we market correctly, that is, with good taste, flair and imagination and daring.

A gambling Casino - magnificently appointed with the House providing Relais Chateau standards, elegant evenings to bring back the past, with black tie in some occasions, first class entertainment equal to the highest standards anywhere in the world. Tourists would flock to such attractions as there is a dearth all over the world right now.

A special plane leaving on a Friday afternoon just for a night out or a weekend, would appeal to the wealthy, who wanted to gamble and enjoy all the encompassing facility's Bermuda has to offer the possibilities are endless and would open up a futuristic bonanza beyond the wildest expectations of this little island.

This all leads up to one suggestion: A lottery. A lottery would fire the incentive to buy a ticket (the proof of success all over the world with millions generated in prize money) a lottery would support not only the exciting projects proposed, but would contribute to the future improvements vitally needed on the Island generally.

Let us drop all this hypocritical nonsense about no gambling. Thousands upon thousands leave the Island in football pools, and Bingo is supported wholeheartedly by many organisations and some of the churches. Open up the entertainment on the island for the tourists and the residents alike. Two hours away from Bermuda, a Bermuda to become a world leader in the financial, hospitality and tourism industry, unemployment a thing of the past, a Bermuda to be envied once more, by the world - well done Sir John.

DIANA WILLIAMS

Pembroke

January 6, 2002

Dear Sir,

Please allow me the space to express my feelings towards tourism. Government puts aside roughly $40 million a year for tourism if not more. Mr. Allen has accomplished nothing with all the many things he has tried to boost tourism.

I would like to recommend that they try something new. I have read two letters in the paper recently regarding Nascar. I too am a Nascar fan and I am thrilled that there are others on the Island who are thinking as I am. Nascar is the highest attended sport in the US with roughly 100,000 people in attendance, excluding National TV coverage, for each race.

I propose that Government sponsor a Nascar team that publicises our beautiful Island on a race car. What a way to get attention! Just think, 100,00 people watching and thinking about this tiny little paradise at a racetrack. (Don't forget the many fans right here in Bermuda). This would bring considerable notoriety to Bermuda. I also know of an MP who attended a race and could not believe what a great time he had.

Let's offer a few top people in Nascar the opportunity to come to Bermuda and get a feel for themselves. What if the Team Owners and Nascar Senior Management came to Bermuda and honoured the proposal that we could offer to their sport and maybe boost tourism for us. Every year my wife and I go to the races we always encourage those we meet and those we have met to come to Bermuda. This is our way of promoting tourism.

DON'T BE BLIND TO SUGGESTIONS

Pembroke

January 11, 2002

Dear Sir,

I have had the fright of my life.

On Saturday, January 5, my eight-year-old daughter and I were travelling east, skirting Ely's Harbour and approaching the bottom of Scaur Hill. I suddenly saw and heard a heavy emergency response vehicle coming toward us. (I can only speculate that the noise of the siren was "swallowed up by the rocky walls below Fort Scaur.)

There is a nasty bend at the bottom of Scaur Hill, particularly if you are travelling west. That's where we met the fire truck. With little room to manoeuvre, I had just managed to squeeze left when the back end of the fire truck fishtailed out and missed my car by an inch or two. We came very close to being seriously hurt. Or worse.

It seems to me that the speed they were travelling, the descent down the hill and the curve at the bottom of the hill combined to make controlling the vehicle impossible. Bermuda's not that big... was it really worth getting to the emergency a few seconds faster, especially when it may have caused serious harm on the way?

To drivers of police, ambulance and fire vehicles, I implore you to drive as fast as you safely can when you've got a clear and straight path. But please slow down on curves. Our lives depend on it.

MORE GREY HAIR SINCE SATURDAY

Somerset

Seeking help

January 10, 2002

Dear Sir,

I am a retired American teacher. Since retirement, I have collected picture postcards of international cities and towns, particularly those cards which depict full views of the city or town, such as aerials or skylines.

I do not have a card from Hamilton, and am hoping that you will print my letter, and that some kind reader will send me such a card, for which I shall be most grateful.

WALTON A. CARTER

4740 W. 300 SOUTH, ANDERSON,

INDIANA 46011, USA