Taking the next step

December 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

Independence! “What is so frightening about it?”

Some of the theories advanced thus far (a) We're too small to go independent (b) It will cost too much; Embassies, Consulates, High Commissions. (c) Who will protect us if attacked? (d) Who will help us [heaven forbid, if we're wiped out by a natural disaster (e) What benefit[s would Independence give us? The favoured one, (f) Independence? From what!

I favour Independence, based purely on the principle that it's a natural step in progression when one matures. The aged old story that at a certain period in life, most [responsible young men and women move on with their lives after having been nurtured, supported and educated by their parents. If they didn't make this step, parents would feel that they didn't do a good job in rearing their children or the children decided that they will free load for the rest of their natural born days leaving the responsible of their welfare to someone else. I think we refer to that as, passing the buck, piggy backing through life on others hard work. People, Independence is a natural step in life.

The Premier has now appointed a Commission [of sorts to publicly enquire into what has once again become a thorny issue. I hope that they will throw open [wide the doors of the Commission and encourage everyone to truthfully say what's on their mind. Apart from being a natural step, it is a giant step and at the end of the day, we should all be onboard, agreeing and or disagreeing, but being up front with our thoughts. We're really blessed in these 21 square miles of absolute paradise with a mere 62,000 of us, privilege to inhabit this wonderful piece of real estate. We're the envy of the world, but we're a miserable failure when the subject of common respect for each other rears its head. What a said indictment on us all.

Let's examine the issues that seem to bother a particular segment of our society. Size shouldn't be an issue. Cost; we've been boasting for years of our riches and still do. This statement on riches is not to be taken as flippant. Everything in life worth having has a price. No one people should know this principle better then us Bermudians. We've now joined the rest of the world in buying drinking water. Our drinking water was to be envied, but we couldn't resist paying a price for something that was always free. We enjoy paying so what's the problem with having to pay a price for Independence. Alongside the Quo Feta Ferunt symbol is the word [but in English, Money. Embassies etc.; previous studies have told us that much of this is unnecessary and there are ways of managing around such. External world powers closest to us I'm sure will assist (militarily) if needed for what ever reason. There's no reason to pick a flight with those two, we've always enjoyed excellent relations with both. The greatest nation militarily, the United States of America, has shown that no matter how strong you are in defence, the enemy will find a way to do what they intend too. Natural disasters are natural disasters; the might of the unknown is indefensible. What benefits are to be gained? Quite simply, the benefit[s would be natural pride. To know that as a country, inclusive of a people we have grown and matured to show the rest of the world that we're prepared to take out rightful place as masters of our own destiny, no matter how small. An the final big one, Independence from what. Independence from deceit and hypocrisy, and quite frankly, this is where the apprehension is. It's not money, it's not external defence, and it's not breaking away from the commonwealth, its pure and simple apprehension because we don't trust each other. For generations, we have put forward a facade of love, togetherness and respect. Underneath the thin veneer of this sad submission was the truth.

Integration as a business decision has worked well for the country. But the real reason really didn't get too far airborne, however we all faked it and smiled all the way to the Bank. Socially, we're in a mess and until we can sort out this failed agenda, I agree with the dissidents, Independence should remain on the back burner until it is solved, up front and centre, hence the question, “Are we a country first or just a very lucrative international business centre? Truthfulness is a virtue we've dealt mean blows too. If [in my way of thinking, there was a category in the Olympics under the banner of deceit and hypocrisy, we here in Bermuda would run away with all gold medals. We are really good at it. And yet, I am not limiting this to any one race; we're all in this boat together.

The Commission's remit is a difficult, if not impossible one. Love and respect cannot be legislated, that has to come from within. This bit of wisdom isn't anything new; it's been around for years.

A suggestion, Mr. Premier. As a one of [precedent having already been set, during the deliberations and workings of your Commission, maybe you should declare a public holiday under the guise of ‘A Reflection Day'. Let the people come up with ideas as to how we'd celebrate this special day, with thoughts directed strictly towards Independence. A day in the summer would be best. In this presentation, I spoke earlier about people's fear of the unknown. Maybe we could all spend a fair portion of this day giving thought to the power of the unknown. Deceit and hypocrisy is hard work. To smile and not mean it. To say kind words, but write otherwise has to be stressful. Peace of mind is a comforting virtue. We should all work towards being one.

LENNETT MAURICE EDWARDS

Somerset

Nothing but scare tactics

January 4, 2004

Dear Sir,

Here we have Mr. Michael Marsh ranting and raving about whether or not the Premier will support a referendum on Independence.

You cannot have a decisive referendum on any matter until the voting populous is fully educated on the matter being voted on. Maybe Mr. Marsh can assist the process of educating the public by ending his tirade of scare tactics as to why Bermuda should not seek Independence and instead make some factual statements to support his position.

Mr. Marsh, in response to one of my letters, stated that he was not using scare tactics but he has yet to redress his comments on the devaluation of the Jamaican dollar to support his anti-Independence campaign. I believe I provided sufficient evidence to Mr. Marsh that the devaluation of the Jamaican dollar had nothing whatsoever to do with Independence, yet he has not come back to admit he was incorrect in his statements. I guess that just proves that he will push his agenda based on information that cannot be substantiated.

I believe Mr. Marsh asked if there was any country in the Caribbean that was better off after taking Independence. As he is firmly opposed to Independence, would it not be incumbent on him to name a country that is worse off?

Mr. Marsh calls a referendum the ultimate form of democracy and he may be correct; however, I still believe that the best way to handle a decision on Independence, after the exhaustion of a complete educational process, is to first have a referendum followed by a General Election. This would not only determine whether or not Independence is to be pursued but it will also determine who the populace feels is best able to manage the country either on a status quo basis or on the road to and into Independence.

In his diatribe Mr. Marsh again states that you can never be sure a politician will carry out his promises. If that is truly how Mr. Marsh feels why would he ever participate in an election?

I have on several occasions offered a challenge to Mr. Marsh and to others for that matter, to openly and public debate me on the topic of Independence and he has yet to respond. Maybe he is well aware that I can poke holes in his scare tactics. Mr. Marsh, I once again offer a challenge to you, are you up to the challenge or will you continue to prove that your arguments against Independence hold no water? I look forward to your response. I reiterate that I will not entertain what-ifs and scare tactics, come armed with factual information because you can rest assured that I will.

GUILDEN M. GILBERT, JR.

Nassau, Bahamas

Realistic goal

December 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

Yesterday on the television news it was reported that the United States had pledged $35 million in relief to help rebuild Asia after the tsunami disaster, up from $20 million pledged earlier. Based on a population of approximately 280 million, that's about twelve-and-a-half cents per person. Such donations prompted UN Under-secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan Egeland, to label Western nations as ‘stingy'.

With world government donations now topping $500 million, Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General, said that he was “satisfied”. This new amount, while probably more than the twelve-and-a-half cents from the US and is likely to be far less than $1 per person - a realistic goal for Western nations.

If Bermuda were to match the US Government in per capita donations, we would only need to send $7,500, a figure that residents themselves nearly reached in one day. With the Bermuda Government matching donations to $50,000, Bermuda is likely to top $64,000 - $1 for every resident.

CORDELL W. RILEY

Warwick

Saving our Christmas!

December 27, 2004

Dear Sir,

This Christmas evening almost ended tragically. Thankfully the Fire Service did a good job controlling the fire at the old distillation plant property. Having just returned home from Christmas dinner at the Hamilton Princess, at the bottom of Dock Hill we could see towering flames on the horizon. We thought it was our house on fire. I've never been more terrified in life. This mountain of wood has been an eyesore and an accident waiting to happen for many months now.

The firemen worked all that night and they are still there today, December 27. Of course we lost our power as well, but thanks also to the Belco crew that got our power restored at 2:30 a.m. on December 26. So our Christmas wasn't totally destroyed.

Thank you again the Fire Service and Belco for saving what was left of our Christmas day. You did a good job. Hope you enjoyed the cake I sent you!

INGRID LINDA

Devonshire

Feeling cheated

December 27, 2004

Dear Sir,

What a grand gesture on the part of Mr. Elmas of CableVision. Giving all his cable/digital customers a week of additional stations for Christmas.

It would have been an excellent Christmas gift but digital customers did not receive our gift as promised. I imagine all of them were upset when they turned on the tube to catch other movie stations only to find the same ones that we pay for.

Cable customers got theirs but not us! So do we get our gift or are we to remain cheated?

Can't wait to hear the excuses!

I IN THE SKY

Devonshire