Praying for parents

September 28, 2004

Dear Sir,

I am deeply saddened by the Tamerry case. As a mother of two boys I cannot imagine myself starving them to death. I am also perplexed at the way this was allowed to happen.

During the trial I was amazed to hear the evidence given by family and friends of the couple of a child that looked normal. This is very disturbing to me in the sense that they could have saved little A-Maya?s life had they opened their eyes. I am not surprised that the Tamerrys being naturalist wanted to try their own remedies for feeding and nurturing A-Maya. But at some stage a light should have gone off in their heads.

It bothers me that some parents feel that it is OK to force their choices on their children. It is fine for an adult to say that I want to live my life a certain way and that I want to eat certain foods and do certain things but a child cannot make that decision.

Many children are living their parents? lives and it is not fair. They should allow their children the opportunity to make a choice and many times they do not have to, as a child will make up their own minds. In A-Maya?s case her body was making the choice for her but no one else was listening.

As a mother I just want to know where the Tamerry?s parental instincts were or whether they had any. Or maybe pride prevented them from asking for help to help their poor child.

I will pray for the Tamerrys because they have to live with this on their conscience for the rest of their lives and they have to answer to God?s wrath and that in it self is enough punishment. I will also pray for little A-Maya ? a beautiful life gone too soon.

Where?s the justice?

September 28, 2004

Dear Sir,

Once again the legal system, in my humble opinion, has made a gross error. I read with interest the case of Stanford G. Archibald who has been accused of killing Aaron Easton. I noted too how thoroughly the reporter covered this trial back in June, 2003.

If one was to go by what the reporter noted, one would conclude that there was no way that Mr. Archibald was guilty or that he would be convicted. Even most of those who attended the trial were convinced that he was not guilty. According to this newspaper, even the victim?s mother was not sure they had go the right man.

Well lo and behold he was convicted. Recently, on appeal, the judges upheld the conviction, saying that ?no substantial miscarriage of justice actually occurred? to quash the conviction.

Apparently, according to reporter Stephen Breen, they felt that the whole fiasco about the blood and block had been dealt with in cross-examination and that Judge Norma Wade-Miller?s directions to the jury were proper.

Can you tell me what does that mean? Could it mean that there was miscarriage of justice, but not enough? If so, that means that there was some miscarriage of justice there.

So my question would be, how come they could not use that ?some miscarriage of justice? to look into the case again, substantial or not?

The new aristocracy

September 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

It would be interesting to know exactly who is being empowered by the Government?s capital project empowerment project.

White people do dominate the economic power structure on the Island as a carry-over from our history. It might be said that the Government is wholly black as a reaction to this. This Government has stated that it is using the medium of its contracts as a way of converting its political power into economic power for the people it feels it represents. And of course for itself.

This may not be an ideal situation but it certainly has precedent historically.

Whenever one group is humiliated it tends to galvanise it politically. Once it acquires its self-respect again, it proceeds to strengthen its position, often at the expense of its historical enemies. It?s completely understandable. Sometimes it works and other times its a disaster.

The Government?s bias in contracting may benefit the larger group of black people in time. The direct and certain beneficiaries are Pro-Active or whoever is picked for these contracts. There are many people in Bermuda who have grievances and there is quite a difference between the rich and poor. But the Government has said it will continue to benefit certain companies and so certain individuals over others in its bid to create a black economic power structure.

To do this they are ready to overlook bids for work that rely on merit and feasibility. As citizens of Bermuda, both black, white, (oh yes and Portuguese, East Asian ... all of us ) we have some right to know who this new government-created aristocracy will be.

Hope for the future

October 1, 2004

Dear Sir,

Re: Bermudian Males of 2011 (16-year-olds)

Yesterday I attended the Change of Command ceremony for the Bermuda Reserve Police Commandant, which was a wonderful, well-coordinated performance by the Police Reserves, the Bermuda Bagpipe band and the Bermuda Regiment.

After the ceremony there were promotions and presentations made to various Officers. I must highlight one presentation in particular made to officer James Alexander Howard III. Officer Howard is off the Island, but his award was accepted by his son, James Alexander Howard IV (age approximately nine years old). The young man stepped forward to receive the award on is father?s behalf.

He was immaculately dressed in a suit and tie, shook hands with the Commandant, posed for pictures, and then gave an acceptance speech explaining that his father and mother were off the island celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary, and that his father wanted to inform the Reserve Police that he enjoyed working with them as well. James spoke eloquently and received a well-deserved round of applause. (His speech and presence brought a tear to my eye.)

The point of my letter is this. With guidance and good parents and participating grandparents, old-fashion upbringing can be put back in place, and help raise young men with good home values.

I myself am assisting my daughter both financially and morally with her son and daughters in the absence of their non-participating father.

I practise old fashioned home training values, as taught to me by my grandmother, which I have passed on to my daughters.

Hopefully, by 2011 we will have some positive young men who will indeed make a positive impact on Bermuda.

Congratulations to you, James Alexander Howard IV for an assignment well done.

Lighthouse improved

September 24, 2004

Dear Sir,

This is a response to the recent letters to the Editor from Mr. W.A. (Toppy) Cowen regarding the apparently disgraceful state of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and Park. Either this article is outdated or Mr. Cowen is looking at another lighthouse. Granted, last year Gibbs Hill was not looking its best, however over the last year a lot of refurbishment has taken place and now the park is looking great.

First, the lighthouse and water catch have recently been painted and apart from some finishing work they are generally in pretty good shape.

Second, the attending Government-owned cottage was renovated over the past winter and has been occupied for the last five months. I wonder if the family occupying their new home likes it being referred to as a haven for drug users, which it currently is not.

Third, while extensive development around the park is taking place, tell me where in Bermuda is that not happening and how is it the fault of the Parks Department or the Government? Gibbs Hill is not going to be the first place that visitors to the Island will get to experience ?inappropriate? development.

While the Park still needs its finishing touches, it is far from an embarrassment to Bermuda. In my opinion, it is just the opposite. It has not looked as good in years.

Thanks for the support

September 21, 2004

Dear Sir,

On behalf of One Vision Promotions, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the success of the first One Vision Football Tournament and Community Day on September 5, 2005.

In particular, we would like to thank Four Star Pizza, John Barritt & Son Ltd., Hamilton Parish Workmen?s Club, Bailey?s Bay Cricket Club, Whitter?s Barber shop, and the Midland Heights community for their invaluable assistance.

We would also like to give a special mention to the players, spectators, family and friends for their support and helping to make this a special day.

Thank you sincerely for assisting us with our vision to attest to the day?s theme ? ?Love and Unity Strengthen a Community?, and we look forward to working with you again in the near future.