Mothers' hard choice

November 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

It was interesting to read in today's Royal Gazette the implications of the Workforce Equity Bill and a remark by a Bermudian: That both blacks and whites had an equal chance to get up the career ladder. The opportunities were there, but it means years of study and exams being an underwriter for a reinsurance company. This is not a nine to five job, it requires commitment , travel and definitely hard work.

Maybe there are those Bermudians who have the chance but prefer to stay as assistants and work nine to five. and this could be due to family commitments, especially if they are female.

I therefore feel it is not a fair burden to place on the companies.

MONICA BERRY

Pembroke

Building up Bermuda

This letter was sent to Peggy Couper of Pembroke and copied to The Royal Gazette:

November 23, 2007

Dear Mrs. Couper,

Let me begin by acknowledging that I respect the fact that you signed your name. Many of those who attack the Premier do not.

I too, grew up in an officially Government sponsored society. Unlike you, I still bear the financial scars but I, as a black person, am probably even more aware than you of the difference between them, when there were very many places that I could not go, and today when our separation is voluntary and the inequities are more subtle and there are very few places where I cannot go.

The very fact that you seem not to be aware that we are still a very racially divided society is a strong indication of just how very divided we are. Let us begin by examining the language you used to express your strong disagreement with Dr. Brown (R.G., Nov. 23). You use words like "ranting", "vitriolic", "angry", "bitter" banquet speech. I, and those who heard him, would use words like "eloquent", "courageous," "truthful", "encouraging", "inspiring". If that difference in the way we describe Dr. Brown's speech does not tell us how deep our racial divide is, I do not know what will.

Of course I am well aware that even when we were officially and rigidly segregated whites believed that that racism should never be acknowledged.

White members of Parliament charged that black MPs (even conservatives like W.L. Tucker and E.T. Richards) were trouble makers and E.T. was "obsessed with the kink in his hair" when they protested the racism and injustice that even little black children were thought to be so inferior and contemptible that they could not play on the same tennis courts as white children. Whites have never minded practising racism and segregation but they have never wanted to hear black people even raising the issue.

What you see as "tearing down", we in the black community who joined in Dr. Brown's "Big Conversation" saw it as "building up" sincere relations/relationships between black and white adults who for the first time in our lives were sharing what we really felt about race relations and racism.

For the first time the Government had brought together black and white (few though they were) Bermudians for serious work in race relations (black and white children have always played together when permitted), it's the adults who remain segregated and divided. Despite efforts which black people have made to "integrate" every white institution from schools and churches to clubs, white people have been too contemptuous and thought us too inferior to "integrate" any of our institutions, not just political parties.

I agree with Dr. Brown that it will not be very good for either race relations or the country for us "to go back" to the time when the white community controlled both the economy and the government. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

A few years ago when the UBP controlled both, they not only build a strong International Companies' economy to enrich the already wealthy, but they permitted the tourist trade to be dismantled and decline to increase the poverty and dependency of the black community which survived on the tourist industry. I, personally fear what they will do if they once again control both.

Yours etc.

EVA N. HODGSON

Crawl

Two wrongs ...

November 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

I would like to comment on Dr Eva Hodgson's latest letter printed in The Royal Gazette on November 26.

In her letter she says, "Racism is evil, immoral, corrupt, wicked, unscrupulous and without conscience..". I think most people would agree with her on that. Then she says it is "very destructive to black people". I think she might have said that racism is in fact destructive to all people.

In her conclusion she states we should "challenge it [racism] and unrelentingly resist it regardless of the rage and fury that erupts."

I think we would also all agree that this is the case. After all, Martin Luther King did just that, and he and all the other brave souls who fought for their rights deserve our admiration.

However, I take strong issue with her statement that, "every time blacks choose whites over blacks, especially in leadership roles, no matter what the reason, in spite of how good or right the reason, they reinforce the concept that whites are…superior".

So, are we to believe that blacks should choose leaders entirely based on the colour of their skin? Regardless of whether they are fit for the job? Dr. Hodgson, choosing a person based entirely on their skin colour is racism! And you have just said it is evil and wrong!

Isn't this just what whites used to do in the past, choosing unqualified and incapable whites over more qualified blacks, just because they were white? Isn´t this what Martin Luther King fought against?

Surely people, black and white, should choose their leaders or employees, or whatever, according to their abilities, and not according to their skin colour. Two wrongs don't make a right.

MRS IRWIN

Prague, Czech Republic

Learn Facebook rules

November 28, 2007

Dear Sir,

A Concerned Teen is may not be mature enough to understand and utilise a technology that is in place which allows people to do whatever, say whatever and control whatever groups they initiate or join.

Nor apparently does he have the parental direction to seek answers in the right places. Facebook isn't the place. He can proudly (?) join many young Bermudians who want to claim an injustice that doesn't exist.

I have to smile when 20-year- olds talk about what the Opposition has done to them over the 35 years they were in office, when they weren't even born for most of that time!

Surely attending Saltus means that someone in his family has benefitted from the infrastructure in place, no matter what party is keeping it propped up? From reading his letter, it is obvious that he has been grossly and/or intentionally misinformed and is trotting down the same path as many young people and adults who the current Government has discovered that their minds are putty in their hands.

His story is not unlike someone that has posted on the Premier's Facebook and been dismissed because their post wasn't acceptable, or if you have subscribed to any PLP-initiated group and your posts were removed and not responded to.

It is no different than calling Hott 107.5 and expressing a view contrary to the ruling Government's ideals and being hung up on and then talked about like a rabid dog on air. It is not unlike calling Col. Burch's show and being summarily dismissed because you don't agree with his views. It is not unlike going before the Immigration Minister and being rudely ejected from his office because in his opinion you have insulted him and the entire country – blacks only of course.

I am a Facebook subscriber with a picture and my full name displayed. My posts can be read, accepted or rejected. Personally I don't care and won't lose any sleep over it. If I join a group and get kicked out, I'll just join another one. I have joined groups and withdrawn myself after being unable to stomach the rhetoric and ridiculous I read. Freedom – that's what our past generations fought for and got – maybe not for themselves but for us. My teenage daughter accepts my existence in what used to be a young person's world, because she too trusts that what happens on Facebook, stays on Facebook. Of course, if something is grossly immoral or illegal that rule is out the window but come now, is this really because you got kicked out of a Facebook group?

I would suggest that this young man call Michael Dunkley or a member of the Opposition of his chosing — perhaps even the one that has been canvassing in his area and has spoken with his parents. I am certain they would sit down with him and discuss any questions and concerns he has. Facebook (or YouTube!) isn't really the appropriate venue.

I applaud this young man for taking the time to put together his thoughts. More people should do this without fear of retribution. However, at an early age our children should be taught that hiding behind a pen name doesn't lend credibility to a letter or opinion.

I am sure I am not the only one questioning whether he actually wrote the letter – or if he is a teenager at Saltus... And —- does it matter that you are a 'black' Bermudian?

SHARI-LYNN PRINGLE

Bermudian (period).

Smith's Parish

Vote for change

November 29, 2007

Dear Sir,

In the final weeks before the General Election, politicians are trying their hardest to reach the people, but the people are sceptical and suspicious. Many believe that politicians cannot be trusted, do not really care, and are involved in politics only to serve themselves. In 1998, the UBP certainly contributed to this mistrust as they were arrogant and not in touch with the man in the street. The PLP since then, it seems, have done all they could to solidify this general dislike and mistrust towards politicians. Dr. Ewart Brown has proved to be the icing on the cake as far as alienating voters.

But there is a real sense that Bermuda is at a crossroads now and the world is watching to see which party Bermudian people will choose. Following the arrogance of the former UBP government and the PLP's misuse of power since, Bermudians do not like politicians much. Our choice; however, on December 18 is vital to the Bermuda that we all love. What we can choose is; (i) more of the same, or (ii) a second chance for the UBP, a reformed and improved political team, that is trying to bring Bermudians together, regardless of race or political persuasion.

We must trust them, because the PLP alternative is worse. Over the past nine years, there has been too much scandal and dangerous divisions among us are stronger than they ever were. We are sick of Dr. Brown's paranoid and vicious attacks against the media, the UBP, the Auditor General, the white man and all "the most vicious and vile opponents" who seem to include everyone and everything in the world! We know these rants are simply diversions from the real issues. It is always easier to put the blame elsewhere. In any event, Bermudians don't want politicians causing this sort of turbulence and destroying the foundations of peace in our small society.

The PLP have done some good, but the overriding sense is that they are unethical and self-serving. The reinsurance executives and other non-Bermudians who contribute so much to our lives in Bermuda are waiting to see what the Bermudian people decide. Bermudians must do the right thing: Vote for change. I know the new UBP can restore our trust.

VOTE FOR CHANGE

Smith's Parish

Eleventh hour promises

November 28, 2007

Dear Sir,

Is anyone else tired of candidates who don't do anything for their constituency, then suddenly wake up and remember who voted for them two weeks before the election?

My name is Douglas DeCouto, and I have been canvassing Southampton East since June. In that time, the people who live there talked to me about many things. But two things I have heard a lot: number one, Horseshoe Road needs to be repaired, and number two, they never see their MP, Stanley Lowe. In fact, I had canvassed most people twice before he even showed up once.

Mr. Lowe had years to repair Horseshoe Road, and he did not. Now, at the 11th hour, a notice magically appears in the newspaper that Horseshoe Road is to be repaved.

Mr. Lowe, do you think that your constituents are going to overlook years of inaction because of last-minute promises? I am pleased and relieved to see that Horseshoe Road is finally being paved. However, we should all ask the question, what will my MP do for me on the day after the election?

DOUGLAS S. J. DECOUTO, PhD.

Southampton

In defence of Auditor

November 27, 2007

Dear Sir,

Congratulations to Margaret Lloyd for defending Mr. Larry Dennis, a brave and honourable man. I too think that the way he has been treated is abominable.

His mandate as Auditor General is "to add creditability to the Government financial reporting and to promote improvement in the financial administration of all Government departments and controlled entities for which Government is accountable to Parliament." In other words it is the job of the Auditor General to keep accurate accounts of the taxpayers' money no matter which political party is in power. Therefore the Auditor General has the right to know any and everything concerning the taxpayer's money.

It is disgraceful that he has been jailed and is now out on bail for doing his job without fear or favour.

ELIZABETH M. KITSON, J.P.

Pembroke

Uses for Morgans Point

November 26, 2007

Dear Sir,

I have some further ideas as to how we could clean up Morgans Point in a way to be beneficial to everybody.

Firstly, I would clean the existing roads, take out all the evasive plants like Mexican pepper and Casurina trees, etc., chop up all these plants right there and turn it into compost. Secondly, I would clean up the water catchment areas, and clean up the large water tanks. (This could include the large catchment and water tank at Tudor Hill).

Thirdly, I would dispose of the fuel dumps like the aviation fuel tanks and black oil tanks, by using control burning (supervised by our local Fire department, doing this one at a time)

Forthly, I would rebuild the Tender Pier, make it longer if you have to, make it a solid pier, or one on srilts like it is at the Dockyard. Morgans Point has enough room to have a generating plant for electricity that could suffice the whole of the Western areas of Bermuda, freeing up the congestion that exists at Cementery Road. Morgans Point has enough room to have a container port there, and plenty of room for LCL warehouses.

Morgans Point had a fine hospital once upon a time. Another one could be built there on a smaller scale to help alleviate the congestion that our present hospital area has.

Any new buildings that would be put on Morgans Point could be solar powered or wind powered.

The large black oil fuel tank, after it was cleaned out, could contain all asbestos in containers of asbestos that Bermuda "does not know what to do with", cover them over with fresh sand and a large slab of concrete and this area could be returned into a playing field again.

Who could do this cleaning up? Let's use the West Gate facility inmates- make real people out of them, or hire local contractors.

After Morgans Point was put back in shape have a Parks Department program put in place and plant lots of cedar trees and other sturdy plants that can stand the wind.

Morgans Point has so much potential as an industrialised area, there's room for housing, sports, and shopping area.

Let's not bring in any more consultants to tell us what we could do with Morgans Point, I would be willing to do it for free. It would give me something to do in my retirement years!

Peter Bromby

Paget