December 13, 2005

Dear Sir,

I am NOT 100 percent behind the plans to have a memorial established for the late John Lennon. Nor am I particularly contented that preference be given to a white outsider over a Bermudian of any colour. Even though we are all God's children, and are of equal worth, I question the wisdom and priority given to this artist and this project, here in Bermuda, at this time. My reasoning is hence:

There is no denying the extensiveness of the Beatles songbook, written by Mr. Lennon and colleagues, which the numerous accolades in his home country, England, will attest to, but I can think of numerous persons, all Bermudian, deserving of a memorial for their contributions to the music industry here on the island and performances here and abroad. Names that immediately come to mind are the late great Mr. Sydney Bean, entertainer par excellence, the velvety-throated Mr. Hubert Smith, the multitalented and masterful Mr. Gandhi Burgess, The Indefatigable "King" Trott, The affable Gene and Pinky Steede, (another duet, s'il vous plait), Mr. Stan Seymour, the precocious Andrew Chamberlain, the late Mr. Lance Hayward, Ms. Violeta Carmichael, The Talbot Brothers, The Bermuda Strollers, and numerous other groups would all be deserving of our tributary largesse ? and these luminaries without even coming into the more recent generation of performers and musicians.

And from the newer generation ? Jahstice Reggae band, Ali, Sia Spence, the young boy Steede, the troupe that recently graced the United Nations, Heather Nova, Twanee Butterfield. And they are world class ? TRUST ME! (Forgive me, for space considerations, I have to leave out the names of numerous others.)

The Beatles, by their own admission, emulated, as best they could the works of the rhythm and blues singers of Black America. Not to slight, but I prefer to pay homage to my own first, and by that I mean Bermudian ? no matter the colour ? who have paved the way for other young Bermudians and encouraged them, and then, if there is room left for adulation of a world entertainer, in a Bermudian park, nationally, then it should be consensual and reflective of the broader population ? comprised mostly of blacks, a white minority, and the other ethnic groups occupying this land for what ever reason.

Bermuda has long played host to numerous world-class entertainers and musicians, with most enjoying lengthy and repeated engagements here. Many others could qualify for recognition. But, for my choice of a memorial for a world-class entertainer, lyricist, musician, and visionary, my first vote would go to the late great Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley, and for these reasons:

He gave continual praise to the Father of Creation by declaration, and by example, he encouraged us to follow in the way of truth and righteousness; He is my Rasta elder; a humanitarian; a griot, a defender of the poor and oppressed, and, his body of work, in quantitative terms equals if not surpasses that of the Beatles "Four".

As well, he embodied (also by his mixed parentage,) those qualities which appeal to me. Unity and oneness between the races, respect for women, a message of peace and love, justice ? in the face of oppression; self-determination, equality: all attributes which help to explain why his appeal is universal and relevant, especially today.

Who doesn't know the anthem-like One Love, or No Woman No Cry, WAR, Get up Stand Up, Exodus, Natural Mystic, Africa Unite, and Rasta man Live Up, I Shot the Sheriff or Redemption Song? But more, as a blackman he appeals to me, and can be an inspiration to a young global population of every colour very much in need of truly positive role models. Mr. Lennon, a white Englishman can be an inspiration for white youths, and he would deserve to be, he was a brilliant musician, and towards the end of his life he did clean up himself, but the youth of this country, overwhelmingly black are deserving of the same encouragement (from an artist that looks like us, too.)

My recommendation is that we give OUR local entertainers and musicians the honour that they deserve in their land first, and for moral direction choose icons who are representative of the aspired oneness that we could all benefit from, Mr. Lennon included.

Still, as deserving of all the props that I can muster, the conscious local artists and Mr. Bob Marley, by virtue of their shared message of Peace and Love come in Dreads and Shoulders above the rest. (A collage in their honour would be an appropriate tribute.)

RAS I-MAN

Southampton

November 28, 2005

Dear Sir,

The employment section of your newspaper is starting to run advertisements by employers wishing to hire instructors for the 2006 sailing/summer camp programmes. We would like to make these employers aware that The Bermuda TB Cancer & Health Association will again, for the second year, be organising a "Sunsmart" training programme in the spring of 2006 for all leaders and counsellors involved in recreational programmes. Our goal is for employers to eventually make this training program mandatory for everyone involved with teaching outdoor recreational activities during the summer months.

We will also be willing to offer the training programme exclusively for the employer if there are six or more participants hired by one organisation or association.

The aim of the "Sunsmart" Training Programme is:

To understand why children are at particular risk to the sun

To develop sun protection strategies for children in their charge.

To demonstrate strategies to promote sun protection through appropriate behaviour, the environment and daily activities.

To be a role model of appropriate sun behaviour to children and youth when they are at their most impressionable age.

There is no cost for the training, and the trainees will receive a certificate of completion as proof of attendance.

The mandate of The Bermuda TB Cancer & Health Association is to educate our community about prevention and early detection of cancer, and this is one more way in which we can achieve this. We believe that we can provide organisations and associations who employ camp leaders and counsellors with a structure that will, in due course, have a positive influence on the health and wellness of children and youth.

Any group interested in further information please contact our offices at 236-1001 ext. 1016.

PAULINE GIRLING

The Bermuda TB Cancer & Health Association

December 22, 2005

Dear Sir,

Please allow me to congratulate the workers who, under the supervision of Dr. Ewart Brown, Minister of Transportation, have built a very interesting and attractive bus station on the east side of City Hall. It is very nearly "art".

I'm delighted to hear the station will be named. Hopefully the day will come when we naturally refer to it as "Sparkie's" ? that will baffle the tourists at first, but who will find it charming when it is explained.

Dr. Brown spoke to me on the telephone a year or so ago, giving me hope that the new bus station would not permit smoking under the canopies. I trust we will have waste bins to take the cigarette ends outside the station.

I don't think even the most dedicated smokers would say it is fair for the rest of us to breathe in their smoke and tread about on butts on the pavement. Butts coated in spit and who knows what else. The smoker would not want me spitting at his feet.

The wall backing onto City Hall? Perhaps a site for the exhibition of local art.

Give the graffiti painters some exposure of their talents. And it must be dismantled each evening. And, perhaps, travel posters featuring Bermuda sites.

Again, Dr. Brown, my congratulations to you all for a fine "Sparkie's".

ROSS ELDRIDGE

St George's