May 13, 2002

Dear Sir,

The Royal Gazette of May 11, 2002 reported that Mr. Delaey Robinson MP said in the House, “If people want to review the judicial system they should consider the fact that the prisons are largely filled with black males of African descent”. Thereby he infers that the judicial system is unjust and does not treat black men fairly.

A thoughtful look at one of the social causes of this apparent inequality would note the well documented correlation in other countries between prison populations and those born out-of-wedlock. Bermuda has an exceptionally high-number of out-of-wedlock births. Therefore a study of the present prison population as it relates to the number of those born out-of-wedlock may give important information.

Hopefully Mr. Robinson will take a broader view of the problem and promote such a study. With more information as to why there is a disproportionate number of black males of African descent in prison, Government leaders can begin to address this serious social problem.

E.M. KITSON

City of Hamilton

May 1, 2002

Dear Sir,

Is it about blame or is it about reaction?

I started this letter yesterday, however, after reading Mr. Burrows' front page article in today's Bermuda Sun I felt compelled to put forward these thoughts not as a response but as another viewpoint.

We have all heard the clich? - If it ain't broke, don't touch it! This seems to be the foundation of many attitudes in Bermuda today. Far too often, we allow ourselves to be stimulated or concerned by the wrong end of a situation or circumstance. Perhaps, the idea of being reactionary carries with it an option of resolution or a condition that provides an escape loophole or blame-tag. Mr. Burrows for example states that exposure he suffered at 15 years of age, prompted him to correct his attitude and outlook.

Politically, in November ‘98 the Progressive Labour Party was given a mammoth mandate to overhaul the way Bermuda functions. While many believed it was a notice specifically from and for the Black Bermudians, it also was a request by those who were of other ethnic backgrounds including tribes from Europe, North America, Portugal and the islands to our south. In all, what transpired was the hope of a people to see a government that had the tenacity to represent a coalition of varying groups who had to survive together on a speck of land. Unfortunately, the ability to revamp the inherited strategy was limited in light of the failure of the administration to include the whole team of 26. There was a full slate who when united, the coalition of voters believed they would have the knack and perception to coordinate and implement new and restructured strategies that would:

•Stimulate and redevelop Tourism.

•Resolve Long-term Citizens Issues - which they have done in fashionable style, to the pleasure of both local and overseas worker.

•Attack the bias racial undercurrents that exist as a result of slavery and that form of mindset. C.U.R.E. propels us towards a horizon of respect.

•Ensures that the unique balance of international companies and their required imported workers is not overpowering our infrastructure in any negative way.

•Redefine the economic formulas to entice Bermudians to invest in their homeland and empower themselves.

The balance between the needs for housing by locals and imported workers is reaching a plateau, we have utilised a significant portion of land to offset the crisis. However the issue is not the quantity available, but the cost for those that are available. Daily listings in the news editorials are averaging a rental value above the monthly income of the majority of local workers, while imported employees can and do receive supplements. When Government has to assist any locals the monies are simply shifted from an alternative responsibility.

Casualties of success, that is the stance I see for constant inclusion of more and more imported workers, yet I also realise there are too few Bermudians who have attained higher education status and fail to continue having children. But of course your not making enough money, or your lifestyle does not include time to raise offspring.

It seems foolish that we complain of importing workers and do as little as possible to create another generation of Bermudians. On the other hand if you have become a career oriented Bermudian without offspring, take the excess funds you have attained and support your neighbour's child who is doing well, but their parent(s) do not have the financial means to do what you know is comfortable for you. This will provide a solid start to economic empowerment for your country. As you will agree it is not about why the parent(s) cannot its about the height the child can achieve.

The other adjustment that Bermudians must make is in respect to allowing overseas investors to continually purchase property and local business, while we sit on the side and demand only the right to be employed first. This foolish attitude is extremely dangerous, more now when we are watching the doors to our shores beckoning for increased global investors to come and engulf a greater share of our economic pie. Gone are the days when Bermuda had no choice but to invite the multimillionaires or billionaires to own the land while we tilled the soil for them to reap the bulk of harvest. Intellectually we have arrived, together financially we have the ability to purchase and buy our land back - lot by lot. We need not fear the working visitor provided the houses, stores, services and lands belong to us.

JOHN HENRY HOLDIPP III

Hamilton