Dear Sir,

Almost missed a letter sent in by John H. Holdipp III, in which he seems to suggest, perhaps, adopting a more updated posture regarding the Bermudian experience. Revising the Latin on the flag to be ... what, exactly? Most everything Mr Holdipp had to say, I would certainly agree with and changing Quo Fata Ferunt — “Whither the Fates carry (us)” — may not be such a bad idea at this juncture.

Bermuda and Bermudians have come a very long way by virtue of a combination of determination and entrepreneurship. As I grew up on the Island, examples of this combination were evident all over, and through most segments of society. Apart from the obvious accomplishments of the “so-called” Forty Thieves of Front Street, we also saw entrepreneurs such as Danny and Johnny of D & J create a veritable empire in the construction industry, John “Chucky” Berg, with his amazing conversion of a large sand hole into an impressive concrete industry to rival that of the long-established Bierman’s.

Mike Marshall’s humble cleaning industry, which expanded into shipping. The other two Marshall brothers, one cornering the DVD niche, while the other with impressive successes on the New York stock market no less.

Quiet Nat Holder, with his quarrying and asphalt enterprise, and the son of my good friend, Peter Bridges, with his amazing success with skylifts and maintenance in the City of Hamilton. And, of course, we saw Sir John Swan, with his staggering successes in real estate, rise to the position of Premier through pure determination. OK, OK ... quite a bit of clever manoeuvring as well.

All of these people, and these are only a few, could easily be described as those who do not follow the motto on the flag. Their flag might bear, for example, “Just do it” or the Latin equivalent. Mr Holdipp’s point is, therefore, taken that Quo Fata Ferunt does not really reflect the true nature of the Bermuda I grew up in, nor some of the amazingly creative and entrepreneurial individuals whom I have had the good fortune to meet.

Having said that, it is always good to remember how dependent Bermuda actually is on what is happening in the rest of the world — more specifically, the United States. Someone once said: “When they sneeze, the rest of the world may just catch a cold.”

In Bermuda’s case, we might be talking about full-blown influenza. So not paying attention and simply going where the Fates lead while occupying, perhaps, too much time and energy on a myriad of island squabbles may eventually spell trouble for such a tiny and, again, dependent island community. If one compares, or tries to compare, some islands of the Caribbean, the obvious affluence and success of Bermuda must surely stand out. This has been largely because of the somewhat unique character of Bermudians, most of whom are “doers” who have a sharp eye for potential opportunities. So perhaps there should be a little competition to see who can come up with a more suitable logo for the flag. It would be great to see something in the classic Bermudian vernacular.

JACK GAUNTLETT

Sweden