On the clear, cool and calm morning of Friday, November 11, 2022, there was a family gathering on Front Street. The occasion being the Remembrance Day Parade.

One by one they strolled through the gate.

With grey pants, white shirts, blue blazers, shiny black shoes and regimental ties, one could be hard-pressed not to think that they were witnessing an event similar to the first day of school when everyone was excited to see one another.

This was the gathering of the Royal Bermuda Regiment Association (RBRA), made up of those no longer on active duty, but soldiers and family for ever. Persons of various ages, ranks and life experiences stood around greeting, hugging and conversing with one other. Needless to say, endless service stories were told, some taller than others.

Well, that was until it came time to form up.

With some having started the regiment more than 50 years ago it was, as they say, “pretty to watch” the seamless ability to instantaneously form two lines, stand at attention, move to the right in a file and march on the left.

With fewer and fewer war vets able to participate, it will be great to see increased amounts of former service personnel forming up for each Remembrance Day Parade. Once a soldier, always a soldier.

Facts over fiction

Here are a few facts in reference to what MPs actually earn. The gross earning is $56,000 per annum, $4,666 per month, $1,166 per week, or $29 per hour. Again, that is gross pay before any deductions.

After those deductions, that drops to less than $25 per hour.

For comparative purposes, a skilled tradesperson, such as an appliance technician, earns $80-$100 an hour. An accountant can pull in at least $100 per hour and a lawyer’s starting fee is allegedly near $500.

Of all the above professions, it would be the MP who is, justifiably, continuously called upon to grant assistance to their constituents with bills or events in the neighbourhood. So when people are making allegations that politicians are “getting their pockets lined”, or recipients of “questionable funds”, one has to ask: how does $25 per hour equate to nefarious activity?

Inquiring minds would really like to know.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com