Dear Sir,

I have just returned from another trip to Bermuda. My husband is Bermudian; I lived there for a few years and now we go “home” for visits to our son's family. By the way, I am a senior citizen with health issues, but more so mobility problems, which is the cause for the incident that occurred just a little over a week ago. (June 26, 2024, about 3pm.)

We were visiting Dockyard and enjoying the freedom of an electric car. My husband would try to get as close as possible to an area where I could walk, and sit and rest when necessary. I really wanted some Bermuda fudge, so we drove around looking for the cabin where it was sold. We drove around twice and saw no parking spots. On the third time around, there was no traffic coming and my husband quickly pulled as close to the right to allow small vehicles to pass if necessary, but no one was coming, so I proceeded to get out.

Suddenly, the trolley came flying up and the driver slammed on his brakes and turned on his microphone. He proceeded to humiliate me in front of several hundred people strolling around.

He said: “You stupid Americans think you can do anything you want. This is a thoroughfare. You wouldn’t do that in the States.”

I stuttered and got out, “I’m not American”. And then I kept repeating, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

My husband called out: “Can’t you see she’s handicapped?” The driver said: “Oh, don’t throw the handicapped crap at me, you old woman.” He said: “Find a spot and pull over.”

By this time, I was in tears and just stood there — at the side of the road. My husband went to find a parking spot. The driver finally turned off the microphone and, with a smirk and a very low voice, said: “Have a good day.” He sped off (yes, faster than necessary).

A kind taxi driver motioned for me to cross the road. As I walked up to the fudge place, the lady said: “I have to apologise for that very rude trolley driver. It was totally unnecessary and uncalled for.” She said a few more words of encouragement as well.

When I lived in Bermuda, and to this day, everyone prided themselves on the courtesy and friendliness of Bermudians. What a different impression would have been made if the young man saw my predicament and jumped off his seat and helped me rather than make a spectacle of me. I really don’t think that it is wise having someone like this man representing Bermuda.

PAT PAGE

Oshawa, Ontario

Canada