CableVision patience

September 2, 2002

Dear Sir,

Would you permit me a few public thoughts about CableVision?

I must admit that for a couple of years I have been reading all your letters from unhappy subscribers to CableVision's service, and I have been thinking that a lot of the complainers were just big babies.

Certainly, some did not seem to know how to do something as simple as set the television to channel 3 and then work the remote CableVision supplied with its Home Communications Terminal.

I'm not too clever myself, but I figured that out!

The cable gods seem to have smiled on me until earlier this summer when my picture became less distinct and about ten of my channels flickered or appeared "scrambled".

I called CableVision about it and I was annoyed to have to wait a few weeks for a solution.

In July a CableVision employee came and replaced the old, damaged cable over my landlady's hedge ... my picture became almost perfect.

Just over a week ago, my neighbour popped by to say he had come home to find his cable cut and across his garden.

He wondered if I had any trouble.

I said that my picture was excellent.

Of course, that was "putting my mouth on it" and a few days later my picture vanished.

My cable was still there, well above the hedge, so it had not been cut.

I called CableVision and complained.

I was told by a very nice lady that there were work crews in this neighbourhood (Cavendish Heights) and to please be patient.

A couple of days passed with no cable television, but I did see the work crews replacing old cable lines all around this general area, working long hours.

So, I took a break from television and caught up on all my correspondence.

Last Saturday night, however, I'm sure CableVision's Jeremy Elmas and Ron Hanson had this peculiar sensation of flames licking at their feet.

I had read the Mid-Ocean TV Guide and found that AMC (Channel 26) was showing 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' that night.

Here I was, with no picture or sound.

And I have finally figured out that "just a jump to the left, and a step to the right" business.

So I wished CableVision in hell.

CableVision is certainly catching it.

Renee Webb is trying to score some political points telling CableVision they can only operate with a one-year licence for now.

I thought about that and realised that no business, whether it be writing reinsurance, baking cookies, cleaning gutters or giving us dozens of television channels is going to want to invest one red cent in the business if it might have its plug pulled by Government in one year.

Ms Webb should have the sense to realise that, and I bet she does.

But perhaps the prospective voters need something to stir them up ... and a horse to flog?

On Sunday the CableVision crews were back working in Cavendish Heights, during a holiday weekend.

This seems remarkable because I cannot even count on garbage collection on the appointed weekday.

My picture was restored and it is the best picture I've had and I've not seen better anywhere else.

I have had CableVision telephone me today to thank me for my patience, and that means those folks are working on Labour Day when, I imagine, Ms. Webb is down at Bernard Park getting jiggy with it.

Ms. Webb works hard, and she should have some fun.

She should also work on her attitude and her understanding of capital investment and amortisation and explain that to her political base, instead of waving a red flag to stir everybody up.

CableVision: I am going to be patient.

I know the vast majority of Bermudians will be patient.

They may carp a bit, and not thank you for all your good work, and your dutiful and polite employees.

But we really are a good people.

Thank you, Sir.

I had not meant to write so much, but this needed to be said.

I honestly believe that.

ROSS ELDRIDGE

Devonshire

Disagree with placement

August 30, 2002

Dear Sir,

In the August 8 edition of The Royal Gazette, the photographs, names, ages,and even adresses of the mothers who appeared in Magistrates' Court for their children's truancy were published on the front page.

Yet, when persons have been charged with the molestation of a minor, or the serious sexual assault of a female, their names cannot be published for legal reasons (I am not sure what those legal reasons are - perhaps a reader can enlighten me), and the article is mostly relegated to the second or third page of your newspaper.

I would rather learn the identity of a sexual predator than of a mother whose only "crime" was not being aware of her child's poor attendance in school.

Certainly the education of our children is important, especially in these days and times, but front page news?

I don't think so.

We can find ways to make sure our children take advantage of this time they have to be in school, to receive (hopefully) a great education.

But the innocence of a child or the dignity and self-esteem of an abused woman cannot so easily be found again when they have been stripped away so brutally.

Thank you for your attention.

T.M. ROBINSON

Where's my service?

September 3, 2002

Dear Sir,

Now correct me if i am wrong, but if i have paid for a service, such as television channel 53, I should be entitled to said service and should not find myself tuning in to a blacked out screen with no explanation or warning?

What is happening to our television?

How can the consumer be charged for a cable package and then have programmes taken away at whim with no apology.

Clearly we have no rights whatsoever.

Upon contacting cablevision, i was told that it was fox sports world who were blacking out the English Premier football matches.

What a load of old parp, if that was the case how come they didn't black it out in the Docksider - it was not available on pay per view.

Sounds like a good excuse for charging people more money for something they have already paid for and are entitled to.

Please, Minister Webb, stop this corruption & infringement of consumer rights, it is just so Third World.

SOCCER WIDOW

Paget

Cellphone traffic

September 4, 2002

Dear Sir,

I would like to take the time to thank the young woman who drove her car on North Shore Road this afternoon, while using a cellphone, on how she showed me how not to drive a car.

The part about that scene which is even more shocking is the fact that when she pulled off to go into the bus stop (near to Jason's Barber Shop), she didn't even have her left indicator on.

Now surprisingly enough,the law doesn't seem to mind about people who drive this way even though, this sort of thing, is an extreme safety hazard.

Don't people care what happens on Bermuda's roads anymore?

CONCERNED ABOUT ROAD SAFETY

Pembroke

Caricom murders

August 28, 2002

Dear Sir,

No doubt most readers will have noted the Caribbean News of The Royal Gazette of Saturday, August 24 and Monday, August 26.

The 13th Jamaican policeman killed this year, Bahamas - a Canadian tourist killed, Jamaica - two killed on a tour boat and Guyana - eighth policeman killed this year.

Is this what the PLP wants to aspire to by joining Caricom?

By endorsing membership to Caricom, the leadership of the PLP is again demonstrating its divisive policies.

HE "WHO" CARES

City of Hamilton

Professionals appreciated

September 3, 2002

Dear Sir,

On Sunday morning, September 1 my fiancee and I were involved in a cycle collision on Middle Road, Paget near Valley Road.

Our injuries were not serious, however I just wanted to extend my sincere gratitude to the emergency services personnel who attended the scene.

Your promptness and professionalism were noted and are very much appreciated.

GREG BROWN

City of Hamilton

US has bigger problems

September 4, 2002

Dear Sir,

I venture to suggest that America's pollutiom of our world is a greater threat than Iraq.

GEORGE GAIL

Paget