Dear Sir,

The following was addressed to David Burt, the Premier, ahead of the Cup Match holiday.

First, happy Emancipation Day, happy Mary Prince Day and happy Cup Match. My words to you today are not to be critical, but rather to encourage you to use this holiday to lead by example.

As you very well know, Bermuda has had 11 road fatalities already this year while collisions don’t seem to be improving, either. There are various causes for these collisions, including speed and inattention. But for the sake of this, I want to focus on alcohol.

People drink alcohol for various reasons. Some drink to socialise, some to loosen up, some for taste, some because they genuinely have an addiction, etc. Whatever the reason, we need to encourage people to be responsible. That becomes more difficult when the political leader of the land is out and about doing everything but that. Although owing to your position as leader of Bermuda's government, you have a driver, please understand that most whom you will be drinking and socialising with likely do not. Be mindful when walking the grounds and engaging the public.

Our community is reeling from the impact of alcohol. We have accepted being heavily intoxicated as a part of our culture. Young children see people they look up to under the influence displaying behaviour that they believe is acceptable. It’s not.

That said, no one is saying not to have fun. In fact, this is our time to enjoy ourselves as much as any other time in Bermuda. However, there are so many ways to enjoy ourselves without public drunkenness. There’s trivia, dancing, crown and anchor, good food, and most of all community.

In closing, in the spirit of Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day, please understand that as Premier of Bermuda you have no days off in leading by example. In fact, more eyes will be on you during Cup Match than probably any other day of the year.

My hope is that your leadership team would commit to being more mindful as well. Truly wishing you and your family, as well as the entire community, the happiest and safest holiday.

JAMEL HARDTMAN

Boynton Beach, Florida