Dear Sir,

I write to you today with a heavy heart, compelled to share a personal experience that raises concerns about the treatment of our own people and the application of justice in our community.

First, let me express that my intention is not to harbour resentment against the foreigners who come to Bermuda, whether to work or reside. I recognise that this is a global phenomenon, and it is only fair that everyone abides by the laws and rules set in place. However, it appears that there is a disconcerting discrepancy between “our rules” and “their rules” that merits our attention.

Allow me to share a recent incident that has left me disheartened. On September 4, 2023, I was involved in a collision in the Tucker’s Town/Mid Ocean Club golf course area while enjoying a casual ride on my vintage motorcycle. The collision occurred with a privately owned six-seater golf cart, which was crossing the road on a blind corner. The area had long been known for its obscured view owing to a hedge and bushes.

Since the incident, I’ve noticed that the property owners have taken convenient steps to improve visibility, including cutting down the hedge and bushes, and erecting a caution sign. Caution signs are typically used to warn drivers about potential hazards or changes in road conditions. It is my fair opinion that a caution sign should also be erected, alerting the driver before proceeding.

The police were called to the scene and I provided all my details before being taken to the hospital in an ambulance because of injuries sustained during the collision. What troubles me is that the driver of the golf cart, a foreigner as I later learnt through a conversation with him, is that he was leaving to return home the next day. This left me to bear the brunt of all expenses associated with the incident, including motorcycle repairs — I need a new bike, as the vintage parts are hard to obtain — medical bills, pain and suffering, and ongoing physio treatment.

These carts are allowed to drive up and down on the main road. There have been a lot of “almost” accidents, but now you have a collision, so what is going to be done about it? If the collision was reversed and we revert to “our rules and their rules”, what would be the outcome?

In addition to the “almost” — after speaking to various persons about my collision — I’ve been informed that others have encountered “almost” on that same corner. Case in point, a golf ball flew in front of a passing vehicle of a friend of mine not too long ago. She was concerned that what if it had been seconds earlier, it could have been fatal.

I am particularly disappointed with the police officer’s handling of the situation. Despite knowing that the foreign driver was leaving the island the next day, the on-duty police officer failed to obtain precise and valid contact information for potential resolution. I have been out of work since the incident, grappling with the physical and financial toll of this unfortunate event.

To add insult to injury, I was issued a caution slip, suggesting that the fault lay with me. As someone who has been an honest, law-abiding citizen riding Bermuda’s roads for six decades, I find this judgment profoundly disheartening.

My purpose in sharing this experience is to bring attention to the facts that after I wrote a letter to both Mid Ocean Club and the police, no one is taking accountability for what happened to me, nor are they even willing to assist authorities in obtaining the contact details so that resolution can be sought.

I’ve been informed that Mid Ocean Club is not able to get involved with matters relating to privately owned property or vehicles. I understand that I would have to pursue this as a civil matter. This means more time, money, stress imposed on me. The disparity in treatment and the potential for blame to be unfairly placed on us, the licensed road users, is a matter of grave concern.

We believe in a Bermuda where fairness prevails for all, irrespective of nationality, and where the concerns and wellbeing of our own people are given the attention they deserve.

ANTHONY SEAMAN

Smith’s