May 11, 2005

Dear Sir,

Thanks to the Deputy Governor's letter to the Editor in the May 4 edition of we can make an informed decision on the Independence issue. While he is diplomatically appropriate his remarks left no doubt than when two key issues came up at a recent "BIC" meeting the responses were somewhat skewed in favour of the current Government's stance. I will attempt to condense what my perception was regarding three key issues to most Bermudians.

Top of the list was the continuation of Bermudians ability to get and keep the right of British Nationality. From the way I read the article there is no doubt such privilege will be denied as it has been in the past by every other country breaking ties. No wonder the youth of Bermuda are so totally against Independence.

The so-called "Associate Status" in the United Nations, too, will be a non-starter. It just isn't done in spite of these BIC inferences. Somehow I do not see Bermudians being enamoured by vague links to some Southern Hemisphere based group who supposedly represents out best interests.

And finally the breath of fresh air that we all hoped for with the fact that Great Britain must sign off on the way that Independence will be determined, that being by what appears to be most appropriate means to reflect the wishes of the electorate and not the handful who do so for personal and/or egotistical gains. The last score I saw was:

Bermudians For Referendum ? 15,000 plus.

Bermuda Independence Commission ? Meeting at St. Paul's AME Church 51 minus.

ALL SEEING EYE

Pembroke

May 11, 2005

Dear Sir

Andrew Trimingham continues to underachieve as an art critic with his review of the Bermuda Society of Art's Photographic Exhibition (, May 4). Mr. Trimingham's contribution to Bermudian culture would be much more worthwhile if he could frame his opinion into a historical or contemporary context. His reviews persist in dismissing any work which doesn't conform to his own limited, very conventional taste.

Mr. Trimingham should try and be more open minded, and more humble about his own predilections. He seems uncomfortable with freedom of expression, and his campaign against contemporary art can only have a negative impact on young Bermudian artists experimenting with different ways of expressing ideas.

RICK SHAW

May 10, 2005

Dear Sir,

Our family involvement with Gibbs Hill Lighthouse dates back to 1858 when J.J. Cowen was a keeper. My grandfather (1909-1939) and my father (1946-1968) were also keepers. There were also numerous other descendants whose lives became involved with this historical monument. It is for these reasons that I now feel obliged to express disappointment with those who are in charge of the lingering renovations since Hurricane Fabian caused such damage.

Some time after Fabian, experts from abroad were seconded to dismantle the light and change the mechanism so that it would not be necessary for the light to float on hazardous mercury. Temporary lights were installed outside and wires dangled from the top for well over a year awaiting parts. After several months a new motor was imported. It failed and another was ordered. In the meantime it was established the rusted and cracked windows at the top of the 159-year-old building caused it to be unsafe and therefore visitors were restricted from using the catwalk inside.

This past week experts decided to remove one of the uprights on the railing on the outside, presumably to send the piece abroad for examination to eventually replace the entire railing.

Obviously, for safety reasons, the lighthouse is now closed, with the exception of climbing to the top and looking at the light.

The experience of last Saturday morning has caused us to send two photos, one depicting the 26 tourists from the Bermuda Biological Station and their taxi drivers milling around the base of the Gibbs Hill Light and the other, a shot of the rusted piece of history that towers over this area of Southampton. Why mention this story? Because no one had thought to advise the general public that it is now convenient to begin repairs again.

The tragedy here is not made by Mother Nature, but by people who have not put together a timely plan of restoration.

Perhaps this wonderful Lighthouse should be donated to the National Trust or some such worthy institution?

W.A. (TOPPY) COWEN

City of Hamilton