January 14, 2002

Dear Sir,

We the victims of violent crime find it totally unacceptable to have to wait until legislation is put in place before the installation of two-way mirrors for identification purposes of alleged suspects who are charged with criminal offences particularly those of a violent nature. This is something that should have been done automatically without having to be legislated.

The Bermuda Police Service should have been given the green light years ago in this matter. We love to brag about affluent Bermuda but when it comes to giving our police what they need to carry out their duties in some matters, we are so backward.

VIOLENT CRIME VICTIM

City of Hamilton

January 16, 2002

Dear Sir,

Why are landlords in Bermuda allowed to get away with charging such exorbitant rents, when their buildings are in such disgusting conditions? What exactly does the Rent Control (Department) do? And how do they represent the people of Bermuda? I believe that it's about time that Rent Control meant what it says. Everyone who has a house or an apartment for rent, should be made to have it inspected before being able to rent it.

Rent Control should have the authority to inspect the building and advise what rent is applicable, according to the condition of the place. For instance, if the building is in need of repair, i.e. the plumbing isn't working properly, the floor is rotten, the walls are green with mildew, the windows are broken, etc. they should be made to fix it before they are allowed to rent it.

There should be a set standard for all rentals and the rental charge should be in accordance. I realise that there are some terrible tenants who don't take pride in their dwelling place, but landlords have “gotten away with murder” all these years. Why should anyone have to live in disgusting conditions?

Renters are expected to place down a deposit and expect to receive it back when they leave; providing they leave the place in immaculate condition and even then, some landlords find some small, insignificant thing wrong and refuse to give back the deposit. Rent Control should intervene here as well to ensure fairness to all parties.

There are also landlords that are blatantly discriminatory against foreigners. They don't mind charging high rents for these people, but don't complain that something needs fixing! I am Bermudian but my neighbour, who is from the UK, told me that he was told by our landlord, “if you don't like it, go back to where you came from! ”, isn't that nice?

Sometimes, I'm not so proud to be Bermudian if that's how we treat people. I don't care if you're black, white, pink or green, whether you're a Bermudian or not, anyone renting should be able to move into a clean, well-cared for property and, of course, then be expected to leave it as they found it; “What's good for the goose is good for the gander”.

Landlords should ask themselves “would I, personally, be willing to live in a place like this? ”, before they ask anyone to step inside and live in such conditions.

Let's give the Rent Control Department the authority to inspect every rental premises and force landlords to charge rent that is ‘reasonable', according to the conditions of the place. Let's make it law!

JOANNE HAYWARD

Warwick

January 6, 2002

Dear Sir,

I left my wallet in Bermuda. Our visitors talk back. They say we're too expensive, not good value for money, and just a tad stuffy. Not enough live entertainment, and no bang for your buck. Unlike St. Bart's in the French West Indies, which is pricey but worth it, jet set, lots of fun, and loaded with designer label boutiques.

Are we serious about luring more European visitors? Remember, they're used to clothes-optional beaches and would, no doubt, enjoy live Calypso music while sunbathing. The Tourism Department has spent $40 million. On what? Our competitors run prime time TV ads that say: “Come to Jamaica and feel alright.”

Where are we? It's as if we don't exist at all in the media. Like we've disappeared into the triangle! I see no innovative marketing ploys that heighten awareness. No TV segments featuring Bermudian cuisine on Cooking Live with Sarah Molton. No major, high profile fashion shoots with the likes of photographer Steven Meisel and Vogue Magazine.

Where in the world is Matt Lauer and the Today Show? He sure as heck ain't here! Ultimately, we all need to back Sir John Swan's plan for the City of Hamilton, and by extension Bermuda as a whole. We need to stem the tide of embarrassing empty store fronts along Front Street. Bring on the marina, the deluxe casino, the luxury goods labels, the boutique hotel. (Ritz Carlton's new boutique concept, Bulgari Hotel, comes to mind as a possibility.) On the west coast they say “I left my heart in San Francisco.” What exactly have we got to say these days?

BEMUSED

Pembroke

January 15, 2002

Dear Sir,

I have recently returned to Bermuda after visiting Europe, Asia and the United States. I travelled through six international airports (seven including Bermuda). Bermuda was the only airport where I was required to pay for a baggage cart.

WHY?

Flatts Village

January 11, 2002

Dear Sir,

The Transport Minister, Ewart Brown, is to be commended for his efforts to get other airlines into Bermuda as reported in the Royal Gazette, January 11. What the airlines refuse to understand is “raise the fares and customers go elsewhere”. More airlines and maybe the price will come down. US Airways has raised their fare for this year by $200 this year. The general rule is up the fares each year three to four percent. This raise by US Airways is just under 50 percent. Last year's fare was $500 now it is $700 plus. This will not only deter tourists but make it very difficult for children and grandchildren to visit their families.

The skies may be friendly but how will we know if the airlines continue in this way?

McEvoy

St. George's

Change through peace

January 15, 2002

Dear Sir,

I do know how frustrating it is to hold minority opinions, I was once there myself. That is why I have some sympathy for the likes of Libra from Paget. And that explains the almost hysterical even desperate tone of his most recent letter. I too felt frustrated and regrettably as a young man choose the path of violence to advance my political goals. But the world has changed now and like the IRA whose members now sit in the Northern Ireland Parliament and some leftist groups in Central America I made a conscious decision to work for political change through peaceful democratic means.

It is a new Bermuda now and I will make a deal with Libra of Paget. If I agree to forgive the vile criminal acts committed by the Libra's of Paget and his forefathers against my people will he then find it in his heart to do the same for me. Even to the quite jaundiced eye of Libra it must be clear by now that a healthy majority of Bermudians have already chosen this path of reconciliation. Why should he continue to swim frustratingly against the tide? Lest he forget, all efforts to advance his goals along these lines have failed, from the time of my candidacy to run for the Progressive Labour Party in Paget East in 1995 to the present.

Come inside Libra. It is nice and warm and cosy. Don't alienate yourself from the Bermudian family any longer, not even anonymously.

ROLFE PATTON COMMISSIONG

City of Hamilton